The Seeds of War

Chapter 35

The next day, Stefan lay on the bed, his arms knotted behind his head, watching Evelyn bustle around their room. The morning light filtering through their curtains. A smile played on his lips as he recalled the previous night, the way she had danced for him, her movements graceful and intoxicating. He was half-tempted to ask her to dance again, but he knew better.

Evelyn caught a glimpse of his face and immediately knew what he was thinking. "No, Stefan. No, I really mean it. That was one of the single most embarrassing moments of my life. Not only did our children," she felt a wave of mortification grip her, "see us, but your brother. Who did not even have the decency to stop laughing."

She covered her face with her hands as Stefan reached up, pulling her into his lap with a laugh. "Yeah, it was pretty bad," he admitted, then caressed her neck, his lips brushing against her ear. "And wickedly good. I'll get what I want. I'm not letting you off that easy. I've never wanted you more. I won't stop thinking about it otherwise. Put me out of my misery."

Evelyn pulled away from him, her eyes showed him she was a little amused, but her voice conveyed annoyance. "Hmm, I'll think about it," she said, leaving him hanging as she hastily got ready and headed to the kitchen. She busied herself making her children's favourite foods, regardless of whether they were breakfast appropriate, guilt forcing her.

Christof emerged first, his hair tousled from sleep, and sat at the table. "Hey, mama," he greeted as she quickly turned around and placed a warm, sugary beignet in front of him. She mistook his uncomfortable look as judgment and braced herself for awkward questions, but none came. "I can't eat that," he said, rubbing his stomach. "I don't think I could eat anything sweet ever again."

"Oh, my baby boy," she said, bending down to hug him and rubbing his back. "You still not feeling so great?"

He shook his head, then thought "It'll pass, Mama. Save it for later. I'm sure I'll be fine later on."

She smiled at him and kissed the top of his head. Stefan then came down, he smiled at his son, pausing to see what he'd say. "Ruby is real mad at y'all," Christof said, casually swinging his legs under his chair. "I don't know why. I told her y'all were just havin' a pajama party or somethin'. That's why there was music playin' and Mama was in her bed clothes."

"Dear God," came Evelyn's voice from the kitchen as Stefan stifled a laugh.

"Sure, kiddo," he said, smiling at his oblivious, innocent son. "Never change, Christof," he added as he sat down, eyed the beignet, and looked at Christof, who reluctantly shook his head, so Stefan took a bite.

Ruby eventually dragged herself downstairs, her hair still in rollers. She smiled at her brother, but the smile faded into a glare as she looked at her father. The nerve of that man to sit there and act like they'd done nothing wrong. She sat down as Evelyn, overly cheerful, scooped food onto her plate, which Ruby pushed back. "No appetite after last night. You two," she shot them both a look of disgust, "have put me off my breakfast."

"Ruby," Stefan chided, laying down his newspaper with a sigh. "I'm sorry you caught us like that. Believe me, it wasn't our intention, but we're married and still very much in love. And we're not that old. Thank you very much. He paused, his eyes lingering on Evelyn's lips. Quickly averting his gaze, he continued, "Your mother's a babe." He drawled the last phrase in a surprisingly good Southern accent that Evelyn secretly liked. The accent matched his movie-star good looks.

Evelyn bit back a smile as Ruby rolled her eyes and folded her arms, looking away. "Just... don't do it again," she mumbled, slowly dragging the discarded plate of her favourite Bananas Foster closer.

"Is it okay?" Evelyn treaded carefully taking a seat next to her daughter.

"Amazing" she huffed "as always" delighting Evelyn "and mama" she said her lip quirking to one side.

"Yes?" She answered.

Ruby's face scrunched up distastefully "don't ever, ever dance like that again". She said trying to wipe the image from her mind indefinitely.

Evelyn nodded while giving Stefan a swift kick under the table as he fought and failed to contain a smirk.

With the matter put to bed and all forgiven, the family enjoyed the rest of their day. But with Valentine's Day fast approaching, Stefan knew exactly what he wanted from his wife, and he wasn't about to let their faux pas put him off. He'd get rid of the kids and make sure the door was locked next time.