Moonlight | T.H | bk2

01

"one, two, three," I giggled aloud pressing my hands over my eyes. "four, five! I'm gonna get you!" I removed my hands and I already spotted Connor crouching behind the rocking chair. I stood up and started to tap my chin with my finger. "Hmmm, where can my chubby be?" I heard his little giggle from saying his nickname. I turned a little to walk away from him but quickly lunged at him and swooped him into my arms. He bursted with high pitched giggles. I saw his brown chocolate curls bounce upside down. I started to do raspberries on his exposed sides and he just wiggled more. "Mommy noooo!" He giggled. "But my chubby is so cute! I have too!" I giggled along with him before giving him another raspberry.

In the midst of our play the front door opened and my mood changed entirely. "Oh, you're back already?" I said plainly setting Connor back on his feet. Zach just rolled his eyes and threw his briefcase on the entry table. "Can you and the child go play in his room? I would like to relax." He scoffed as he started to undo the tie around his neck. I saw the deep red lipstick stain on his collar, it didn't bother me one bit. I've known for the past eight months he's been "sneaking" around with some tart. I have no feelings for Zach, well none in the romantic or friendly way. He was just a means for money. "Don't worry, we were going to head to the park." I stood up and dusted off my knees from the imaginary dust. "Go get your coat chubby," I winked at Connor as his little feet ran to his room.

"No." Zach growled. "He needs to get out, and frankly so do I." I squinted my eyes back at him. Zach marched over to me and lifted his fist. "Lay a hand on me, and I'll have cops lined down the street." I threatened. He just let out a angered groan and stormed into his office. I glared at the wooden door. He didn't love me, he was just using me. He doesn't know that I know this, but he thinks he can undermine the Holland family by using my name. But it won't work. After I left Tom and went with Zach, my name started to mean nothing. It was like the Lodge name didn't mean anything to the mafia anymore. Just how I wanted it. I don't know why he won't just let me leave, he knows Connor isn't his, he knows there's nothing here between us. Our marriage is a complete sham.

"Weady!" Connor jumped on my leg. "Hazzy?" Connor coed with wide eyes. "Shh," I playfully held my finger over my lips. Connor loves Harrison, why wouldn't he? He was the one male figure in his life who's been nothing but great to him. I picked him up and left the white small home. As soon as we got outside Connor pushed off of me and held tightly onto my hand. As our hands swung back and forth I stared at him. My heart filled with warmth, he was everything I needed and more. True love. He looks just like Tom. And that made my heart swell with happiness but also, made my heart shatter. No matter what I've gone through these past two years, my feelings for Tom won't fade. I love him. I love him so much that I hate myself for loving him so deeply.

Connor looked up at me and gave me a toothy grin. I nodded back at him knowing he wanted to run off to the park that was just ahead of me. I walked over to the same green bench and glanced over to the man in the burnt orange hat beside me. "You really don't need to keep trying to disguise yourself," I chuckled and tucked my hands into the pocket of my hoodie. "Yeah, I know but Connor loves it when I surprise him." Harrison chuckled and removed his hat. "Connor!! Bud!" He shouted as he cupped his mouth. We both watched the two year old stumble back up to his feet and stare at us. My eyes widened and I held back my laugh by slapping my hand to my mouth. "Did- did he just shrug at me? Then walk off?" Harrison's eye twitched.

"That boy is more and more like his dad." Harrison clicked his tongue and crossed his arms. "You should see him when he sleeps, identical." I said sweetly, but the smile on my lips was a sad one. I could feel Harrison staring at me. I took in a deep breath and shook my head, shaking away all the sad sappy thoughts of Tom. "We haven't had lunch yet, want to tag along to get something?" I turned my head and looked to the guy I call my best friend. "What's wrong?" I noticed the weird look on his face. "Mark Coleman, he's back." Harrison looked at me dead in the eyes. I felt panic spread throughout me making me lock onto Connor's small body. "He sent Tom a box. Only thing inside was," He sighed and pulled something out of his jacket.

My eyes were still focused on Connor but I felt his hands move something small into mine. I noticed from the corner of my eye Harrison getting up. He walked over to my son and the little boy instantly lit up and flew into his uncles arms. I blinked and i felt the tears burn my eyes. My body shook. Why can't I look down? I took in a shaky breath and finally looked down. The breath I tried to release got caught in a lump in my throat. It was the camera pendent I kept under my pillow in a small heart shaped box.

"He was in my house," I breathed out.