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I’m in bed. Spartan has been trying to wake me. And I actually slept. Not the best sleep, but sleep nonetheless.
“Give me a minute, bud.”
I swipe a hand over my face and widen my eyes a few times. The sun bleeds through the curtains and brightens the room more than usual when I wake. What time is it?
Scooting out of bed, Spartan jumps down alongside me and races out of the bedroom. I grab my phone from the charger and click the side button. A little after eight. Wow. Sleeping past six thirty is a miracle on its own. Spartan doesn’t always let me sleep in, but perhaps he knew I needed the extra time.
I set the phone down, shuffle out of the bedroom and over to the door leading to the backyard, where Spartan bounces like a kangaroo. As soon as I open the door, he flies out and whips across the yard. And just as quickly, he runs back in the house and bolts to his bowl, knocking it with his nose.
“You have way too much energy for me today. Maybe we’ll get some playtime in later.” Adding a scoop of kibble to his bowl, I ruffle his fur. He stops vacuuming his food long enough to glance up and give me his best doggy smile.
I amble back to the bedroom and flop down on the bed after snagging up my phone. I type out a text to Autumn and hit send. Clementine’s energy often matches Spartan’s, so I doubt she is still asleep.
Jonas:Morning, scarlet. Up and ready to plan the day whenever you are.
I head for the bathroom and go about my morning routine. While brushing my teeth, I ponder what to do with my girls today. The cooler air outside may eliminate some options, but there are still plenty of alternatives. Indoor options are endless—movies, arcade, bowling, wandering the mall, trampoline playground.
I swish and spit out mouthwash as my phone pings.
Autumn:About to eat breakfast. Give us at least 30 and come by?
Jonas:See you soon.
After a quick shower, I let Spartan out and whip up scrambled eggs and toast. Autumn said thirty minutes, but giving her and Clementine extra won’t hurt.
Finished eating, I wash the dishes then grab my wallet and keys. The second he hears my keys jingle, Spartan bolts inside his crate. I hand him a treat and turn on his radio then head out the door.
I type out a quick text to Autumn to tell her I am on my way.
Cracking the window, I shiver at the breeze blowing inside the Jeep. It should reach the upper sixties today, but with the sun beaming down, it will feel closer to mid-seventies. A day at the park may be an option if my girls are up for it. Perhaps a park Clementine hasn’t visited yet.
I park outside Autumn’s apartment and all but dash to the door. Seconds after I knock, Clementine squeals on the other side.
“Mama, he’s here!”
Clementine’s boisterous, joyful nature soothes me in an unimaginable way. Her radiant smile and sweet laughter cause my heart to swell in ways I never thought possible. It’s strange. That exact moment you discover you were missing this odd-shaped piece of yourself. Not the piece that completes you as a lover. But the one that makes you whole as a man.
The door swings open and my girls stand a foot away with bright smiles warming their faces. And my heart.
“‘Morning, girls.” I step inside, squat down to hug Clementine, then stand tall and kiss Autumn.
“‘Morning, Mr. Jonas. Where are we going?”
Door closed, I reach down to take Autumn’s hand in mine and walk us to the couch. The simple gesture warms my skin and jump-starts my heart. This feeling—like the start of a summer rainstorm, when two energies collide and turn electric—will never get old. Will never fade away. Not for me.
“Thought I’d ask if there was anywhere you wanted to go. It’s nice outside. The park could be fun.”
Clementine bounces in front of us. “Ooh, ooh, ooh. The park, the park. Can we go to the playground?” Seriously, she and Spartan must have taken the same bouncy pill this morning.
Autumn leans into my side and I inhale her cherry vanilla scent. The fragrance hits me, and I close my eyes. Relish the perfume I have memorized. And delight in the way it relaxes every ache in my body.
“The park sounds nice. Let’s go to a different one. Okay, pumpkin?”
“Only if there’s a playground.” Clementine gives Autumn a look that states she is not to be messed with. I bite the inside of my cheek to resist laughing. Last thing I need is to provoke her sassiness, which reminds me of Dad with Lex during Wednesday night dinners.
“Promise we’ll find the perfect park, pumpkin. Go grab your jacket, just in case.”
Clementine runs down the hall to get her jacket. Autumn spins to face me and smiles. The dark circles under her eyes not as significant today. Like mine. The luster in her cognac irises glows brighter today. Warmer. More inviting and intoxicating. Her lips perkier.
