AllFreeNovel
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I look out the window at the tree house in the nearest yard. It’s been in an oak since I was a kid, and it was a place I used to sneak into at night when I was a teenager, up to no good. It hasn’t been used in years. Shame since it was a great hideout.
“Maybe you can do a covert operation and repair it at night.”
“Risk falling off that old ladder in the dark? I’ll stay right here on firm ground.”
With a tap on the wall, Dad disappears into the garage, and I start on dinner. I sauté the sausage and add the spinach. I’m adding the pasta to the pot of boiling water when the door opens and I hear a car door close.
Knowing my babies are home, I run to the front porch and hold out my arms. Hunter comes barreling up the stairs. His hair is an unruly mess, and he has dirt on his cheeks.
“Mommy! Daddy took us riding on ATVs today!”
My head shoots up to Tyler, who is carrying the kids’ bags up the stairs. “We said we’d discuss this. I told you I wasn’t comfortable with them on those death traps.”
“They loved it.” He beams, completely ignoring my body in awhat the fuck, Tylerpose.
My scowl alone should be indication enough that I’m pissed, but I state it clearly, “I’m pissed.”
“You’re overreacting. Isn’t she, Iz?”
Izzy ignores Tyler as she walks up the front steps with headphones on her ears.
“She had a blast and doesn’t want to show it,” Tyler explains calmly, but I’m still reeling.
“Mom, I was going so fast! They let me ride on one all by myself. I was flying!” Hunter’s elation is adorable, if not unnecessary.
“Of course you loved it. It was dangerous and not appropriate for a five-year-old.”
Tyler drags his hand through his hair. “You’re overreacting.”
“I asked you for one thing.” My tone is one I use for scolding the children, and in this case, he is the child because he can’t follow basic directions, likedon’t put our children on death traps.
“They’re my kids, Lyss, and if I want to take my kids to a safe and reputable ATV track, then I will. Hunter loved it.”
“He also loves magic, but I don’t see you taking him to see a show.”
“Magic? Lyss, come on. It’s …” He pauses, realizing tiny, almost six-year-old ears are listening. “ATVs are cooler.”
I tap my foot. “Hunter, go inside. I want to talk to Daddy.”
Tyler holds up a finger and starts to back away. “As much as I’d love to have this conversation, I have to run. Maisie is waiting for me, so we can leave.”
“A disappearing act. Who says you don’t like magic?” I’m oozing sarcasm.
“You should see what I can do with a rabbit and a hat.” He winks with devilish charm, and I stomp my foot so damn hard against the stone porch that I hit nerve in my heel and feel a zing up the back of my foot.
“Shit, that stings.”
Tyler is hastily running down the stairs as I call out, “I’m not done reprimanding you!”
“Didn’t think you were,” he shouts over his shoulder as he rounds his car.
Hunter and I wave Tyler off—me using only one finger instead of an entire hand.
“Okay, so let me tell you all about the ATV track!” Hunter grabs my hand and walks me inside.
For the next four hours, he talks about his weekend with his father nonstop. He talks through dinner, in between the grumbles and protests about eating spinach, and he continues through bath time and even as I’m putting on his pajamas. I love hearing the joy in my son’s voice, yet I’m still annoyed it’s about something I asked Tyler not to do.
Once he’s in bed, I check on Izzy. She’s on her bed, reading a book. I stop in and take a seat on her bed. My hands comb her long hair, and then I run a thumb along her soft cheek.
