Beyond The Broken Glass3: Finally Mended [complete]

36.) Where The Helpful Is Helpless

He came home late at night like he usually does now. I could hear his every move as he showered and came to bed. He tried to be as gentle as possible while climbing in beside me but I guess he was exhausted. He moved sloppily and heavily as he carelessly crawled across the mattress. He plopped down beside me and threw his arm around my body. So I scooted closer to him.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," He mumbled as he fidgeted with his pillow. My eyes remained open as I peered into the darkness of our bedroom.

"I'm glad you're home."

"Me too."

Given that his voice was naturally raspy and deep, I didn't know if he was upset or just tired. I flipped my body so that I could face him. I softly pressed my lips to his forehead and then his nose and then his lips. We rarely ever had time for ourselves anymore. There were so many people in our lives from the kids, Ralph, and Drew, to Taylor, and now Herb, Kay, and Miranda were in our lives and in our space. 

I was so used to it only being the four of us and now it's starting to feel really crowded. I wrapped my arm around him and laid my head on his pillow. He groaned and I could feel his breath kissing my forehead as he exhaled.

"You don't believe in personal space tonight. Huh?"

"Boy hush," I chuckled as I playfully swatted his back. "This is the only time I get to have you to myself anymore."

And it was almost as if they sensed we were too close. The bedroom door swung open and their feet paddled across the floor.

"Can't sleep. Mimi is screaming again." His voice broke through what was once silent. As he quieted down I could hear her screaming making me fly from the bed. Me and Brandon both broke into her room to see her in the corner of her bed with her knees to her chest.

"Hey. Hey. Hey." I spoke softly to soothe her as I climbed onto her bed and held my arms out. She threw herself in my arms. placing her wet face on my neck. "What happened, baby? Tell mommy."

"Monster!" She pointed toward the window. He slowly trailed to the window and glanced outside of it before he checked the lock.

"It's locked." He sighed as he came and sat on the bed. She crawled into his lap and laid her head on his shoulder.

"Monster,"

"The monster won't get you. Daddy promise." He told her as he ran his hand through her hair. I've seen this man commit some of the worst crimes, from arson to murder, but to see how gentle he was with her made my heart smile. How this little girl who at one point was nothing to him became everything to his universe.

He lifted her up in his arm and took Kyson's hand and led them to our bedroom. He told me to stay with them while he took Herb to go and check out the cameras and then outside. My heart beat insanely wild thinking that someone could be out there.

Twenty minutes had passed and he had finally returned to our bedroom. He pulled his shirt from over his head and got back in bed. He sighed as he kissed all of us on the forehead.

"A bird flew into the glass. it died." He said as he got underneath the covers. We all relaxed and went to sleep. I thought I would have him to myself tonight but I guess the universe had other plans.

In the morning, everyone sat around the dining room table enjoying breakfast. Today Taylor, Miranda, and I were taking the kids shopping to get their attire for the wedding. It seemed like the date was quickly approaching and I was suddenly feeling nervous. It was only going to be a small event nothing grand. With only the people that were with us now, no extras.