“In that case, we’ll wait for Sammy to come home,” I say.
“That’s fair,” Tasha says. “You guys start getting ready for bed. Bathtime. Karen, I need to wash your hair.”
“I’ll take Paulie and Sunny for their baths.”
“Thanks. You know this might take a while.”
I lean in and peck her lips. I’m always here to make her load lighter. Giving the boys their baths is the least I can do.
***
I stand in our bedroom,lighting candles to create a romantic ambience. It’s been a long day, and I want to give my wife a chance to relax.
“What are you up to?” Tasha asks as she enters the room.
I look up from the candles I’m lighting with a glass of wine in my other hand. A smile comes to my lips as I look her over. Even in sweats and a tank top with her hair up in a ponytail, she’s the most beautiful woman in the world to me.
“Snooze” by SZA featuring Justin Bieber is playing in the background. Tasha was listening to this track the other day and some of the lyrics stuck with me.
I know for a fact I can’t lose with her by my side. My gut is telling me another challenge is coming. I’ve played Sammy’s words over in my head, knowing how important it is to listen to what’s said as much as how it’s said.
Sammy said that was their final major challenge against me. Not that I won’t be challenged again. After analyzing his words and thinking about what I now know about Misha, I can’t help feeling like someone out there wants to see LaSalle Locatelli in full force one more time.
Scorching the earth once wasn’t enough for them. I will blaze again, and this woman will be by my side. If there are bodies to bury, Tasha will have the shovels and maps of where to spread the bodies out before she burns the maps and all other evidence.
How can I place such a heavy crown on her head and not pamper her and check in as much as I can? She deserves every moment I plan to focus on her tonight.
“I feel like you need a reminder of how much you’re loved. Come here,” I reply.
She saunters over to me and takes the glass of wine I hold out to her. I pick up the other one and lift it for a toast. Her eyes sparkle as she looks back at me.
“What should we toast to?”
“To days and nights filled with love and passion. May you never rest your head without knowing just how much I love you.”
“I’ll drink to that.”
We clink our glasses together, then take a sip. Her face brightens as she swallows. I special-ordered this one.
We had it on a trip to Italy and she loved it. I was thinking of her one day and called to have a case shipped in. Once she finishes her glass, I take it and place it down with mine. Movingto lace my fingers with hers, I then grab the bottle of oil I set out and walk her over to the sitting area of our bedroom.
After placing the oil on the coffee table, I take a seat on the sofa, stretching one of my long legs out. I then pull her down between my legs. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I then tug her back against my chest.
A heavy breath leaves me as her nearness brings peace to my soul. Whatever comes our way, we can do it together. We always do.
I have to laugh at the days when I thought I could have separate worlds. In this moment, I fully understand none of it would have been possible without her. Like pieces to a jigsaw puzzle, we fit together.
She’s the perfect joint to my half. She has smoothed my edges until we began to click together effortlessly to make the perfect pair. The flame within me burns eternal for hers and hers for mine. She is where my world begins and where I intend for it to end.
Pumping some of the oil into my palm, I then begin to massage her neck and shoulders. As I massage her skin, I grow hard with anticipation. The more I touch her, the deeper it feels like our connection grows.
“Tell me something I don’t know,” I murmur.
“This feels so amazing, I needed this.”
I chuckle. “I said something I don’t know.”
She laughs and we fall into a light banter while talking about life and the kids. Calm washes over the room and peace begins to surround us. I think I needed this as much as she did.
