The Games We Play

Chapter Eleven:

Chapter Eleven: Jenna POV

  I haven’t seen my husband since last fall. He looks different; more rugged, but yet he still looks like himself. Looks like the Jack Martin I fell in love with in college. The man I’ve loved for almost eighteen years.

  I knew he was coming home today. I’ve known for a month, but he told me to keep it a secret from Maci. He wanted it to be a surprise. He also wanted time to figure something’s out.

 I picked him up from the airport about three hours ago; Maci was still in school. We made sure that Maci was home before us, though. We’ve never been the type of family to keep secrets, but this past year has been nothing but secrets.

  I’m scared for what may come of our family, but Jack is probably more afraid than I am. While at lunch, and in the car Jack and I discussed how we would handle the situation. But we’re still not quite sure. We don’t know whether to tell Maci straight away, or let her get used to her father being home before breaking the news. Either way it’ll be hard. It’ll be hard for all of us. It’ll even be hard for Alex.

  Even though Alex just started living with us in June she’s always been a big part of this family. She’s my only niece. I haven’t talked to my brother in a while. He calls, but I don’t tell him that Alex is here. He thinks she’s with a friend. I’m not quite sure how to ask Alex what is going on, but I will, sooner or later. I say that the news will affect Alex as well, because she’s always looked up to my husband. Jack has always treated Alex like his own daughter. He’s always been a role model for her, when my older brother couldn’t. But now Jack may lose both his ‘daughters’. For now, even if it’s just for a day I want our family to be happy.

  Maci flew into Jacks arms the second he opened them and that just made this even harder. Maci seems happier already; now that her father is home. I don’t want to ruin this moment, and I won’t. I will give them time.

  “I’m going to go find Alex.”

  “I’ll do it!” Maci turns away from her father and walks to Alex’s room –her old room.

  I look at Jack; remembering the past, waiting for his questions. He must have a dozen questions for me and the girls. “Would you like some water?”

  He’s hesitant, “Yes.”

  I slide the glass of water across the counter. I know what he’s thinking; what he’s worried about. “It can wait. We can wait ‘til Sunday.” He looks up from the glass, and places it back on the counter. I wait for him to say something, but he doesn’t. He walks around the counter towards me. We close the gap;   his hands wrapping around my waist.

  “Okey,” we say nothing else. His lips touched mine. It felt like a lifetime since I’ve felt his touch.

***Maci POV***

   I’m so glad my dad is finally home. I couldn’t have asked for a better surprise. And to top it all off tonight is my date with Peter. You’d think I’d cancel to spend more time with my dad, since he’s been gone for a year and all, but no. What can I say…? I like sex more than I like family time. Not that Peter and I are going to have sex, but I’m not objecting the idea of it. God, he’s so hot. I can’t wait for tonight!

  “PSSST, Maci!” Charles was attempting to whisper.

  I lean back in my seat so I can hear him better. Charles is my next door neighbor. “I saw that your dad is home?”

  “Yeah, he is.” The thought of my dad finally being home put a smile on my face.

  “That’s good. It’s been about a year hasn’t it?”