This Kiss

Chapter 148

Monday morning came quicker then Rafe was prepared for. As much as he wanted this, he was also very anxious. What if it didn't go as he hoped? What if his moms were disappointed in him? What if he was sent back to prison for some reason or another? Every 'what if' ran through his mind as he lay in his bed half an hour before his alarm was set to go off.

As if she could sense her brothers stress even in sleep, Ava woke up with a start. Sitting straight up in bed, she looked around for what could have rose her so suddenly. When she saw nor heard anything, she let her gut guide her. Getting up and slipping on a robe and slippers, she exited her room and made the few steps across to Rafe's room. She knocked softly and when she heard a quite 'come in' she cracked open the door and popped her head in. She could tell just from a look that her brother was troubled. Opening the door further, she stepped inside the room and quickly crossed to the bed, slipping in on the empty side and opening her arms for Rafe who quickly slid over to her and lay his head on her shoulder.

Ava sifted through Rafe's hair with her fingers in a soothing manner, the way Olivia did when one of them was bothered or upset by something. "Wanna talk about it?" She asked softly once Rafe relaxed against her.

For a moment Rafe didn't say anything, just tightened the arm that was thrown across his sisters waist. He took a few deep breaths to keep from crying before he finally spoke. "I'm worried about tomorrow, and my meeting with Mr. Nolan today."

Ava nodded against his head. "What exactly are you worried about?"

Rafe sat up a little but kept his head on Ava's shoulder. "I don't know. Everything."

"Define everything."

"What if they decide I need to finish my sentence? I've been out of town a lot, I know we cleared it with Mr. Nolan, but..."

"But what?"

"I don't know, I just, I don't want to disappoint the moms again and I really don't want to go back to jail."

Ava hugged Rafe tighter to her side. "I don't think they can send you back to prison. They don't have any reason to for one, and for two, this is a hearing for you to be acquitted of your charges Rafe, it's not a sentencing trial. As for mom and ma, they could never be disappointed in you. You have grown so much since I met you. I mean, it's only been a few months and you are already an executive assistant, you're hiring staff and helping sort out issues. Rafe, there is nothing you could do to make our moms not love you or have them be disappointed in you. Everything is going to be fine. No matter what happens tomorrow, you have me and our family."

Rafe had tears in his eyes as he looked at his sister's sincere face. "Thank you Ava."

"Any time. Would you like me to go with you today?"

Rafe looked away for a second, feeling like he should be able to do this on his own, he was a man after all, but he really wanted Ava to go with him. After a few minutes of silence, Rafe made a decision. "Yeah. I think I'd like that."

"Alright. Well, since it doesn't appear either of us will be going back to sleep, what do you say we go into the house and make breakfast for everyone."

"Sure, that sounds good." After sharing a long hug, the two separated so they could dress for the day and then went over to the farmhouse to begin making breakfast.

As they walked into the house through the back door, Rafe quickly turned off the alarm and then went to turn on the kitchen light. As the light came on, both siblings about fell over in surprise that they were not alone in the kitchen. There, sitting at the table with a now cold cup of tea sat Natalia. She had been deep in thought but couldn't help but smile at her startled children.