He had taken a step back following the emotional time after Abbie's birth. He had to remind himself over and over that she was not his wife and Abbie was not his daughter. He tried to stick to their agreement of weekends only. He took Nick to baseball, because it was what a dad should do.
When she texted that she needed help, he didn't think twice. He logged out and left work immediately. As long as he breathed, he would come to her if she needed him. When he arrived, there was no mistaking what was happening. He could hear her retching. Hearing their mother scared the twins even though they had both experienced it themselves. He had known about Nick, because he missed baseball the night before. Sophie told him about being sent home from school. Both were done puking, but Sophie looked awful.
He put her to bed and sat with Nick. He watched Megan go from the bathroom to the bedroom without even looking his way. He had already scoped out the refrigerator to find pumped milk and bottles on the counter. That made him feel better about his situation. As soon as Abbie stirred, he warmed a bottle and was glad she accepted it.
As the night wore on he heard nothing from the bedroom. He wanted to check on her, but was afraid to intrude. He slept a while between ten-something and one when he changed the baby and fed her again. Then they fell asleep together on the sofa. He had done it many times in his past.
He knew it was not wise for many reasons, but one of the surest ways to get a baby to sleep was on a chest. Between being on her belly, which was not recommended and being able to hear the ticking of his heart, she slept soundly. Perhaps it was a reminder of what was once familiar, but he slept as well.
He didn't know how long she had been watching them, but waking up to her face gave him a jolt. It felt very intimate which was crazy, because she was sick and he was there to help her. He didn't want to leave, but he had no right to stay. She was over the worst of it.
She was grateful, but both times she thanked him, she touched him. First was just a pat on the shoulder the second was a squeeze of his hand which sent his heart racing. When he left, it was as if he was running away - perhaps because there were so many things he wanted to say and three in the morning was not the right time to say them.
He could hardly think of anything other than what he wanted to say. This need started after Abbie was born, but after their last exchange, it was time. Meanwhile, amid his angst, he and John were planning a cookout for their poker friends and families. He had to buy hamburgers and rolls. He ordered a big tray of cupcakes for Saturday.
When he picked the kids up on Saturday, they looked as if they had recovered. Megan looked nice, and he wondered if she had plans. They left quickly, because he needed to get the cupcakes and he promised Marie they would stop by for lunch. He told Marie that he was hoping to run on The Point.
At lunch, he brought up Abigail and how sweet she was. The twins joined in and told stories about their sister. They forced Marie to be nice. Lately, he had been losing patience with her attitude towards Megan and he told himself that he was only there for the twins. Still she should care about all her grandchildren, not just the twins.
It was not the best day for what he had in mind, because they had to be home to get ready for the party. He told himself he was just going for a run. The moment he was free of that house, he knew what he needed to do. It had been over six years, and it was way overdue.
YOU ARE READING
Shattered Hearts (TP1)
Romantizm(Complete) Peter isn't prepared for the reality of another man spending the night with his ex. He should be, but his heart has never let her go. Peter, who was abandoned by his father as a young boy, will do anything for his kids. He won't stop unt...
