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“Things are going great,” Tim murmured next to her.
“So far, so good. Don’t jinx it.”
He chuckled and brought over the paella pan.
Using a large spoon, Teresa served Russell a generous portion of paella and then used a large spatula to give him a square of lasagna.
Tim poured white wine for the adults and orange juice for the children.
“We say grace before eating.” Erin glanced at her children. They all intertwined their fingers, even the toddlers.
“Oh, sorry.” Russell set down his fork and followed the kids’ examples.
Tim hid a smile.
“Go ahead, David,” Erin said.
“Eternal God, we thank you for this food. For rest and home and all things good. For wind and rain and sun above. But most of all for those we love. While we enjoy your gifts, may we never forget the needy and those in want. Amen.”
“Amen,” they repeated.
“Enjoy your meal,” Teresa said as she served each one.
As usual, Erin sat at the head of the table between her toddlers to help them eat without too much mess. Teresa occupied the opposite end, with Russell on one side and Becky on the other, in case the little girl needed help cutting her food. Tim sat across from his guest to be able to talk to him. Brianna and Debbie settled next to each other, chatting nonstop, with David and Rachelle in front of them.
Russell tasted his lasagna with spinach and loved it, then he devoured his paella like a starved man. “This is manna from heaven.”
Theresa beamed. “You’re welcomed to come any time. I’d be delighted to cook more of my specialties for you.”
Erin kicked her under the table and must have hit the wrong knee as Tim exclaimed, “Easy, kids. No kicking under the table.”
“I didn’t do anything,” her angels protested together, and Tim scowled at her.
“My dear Teresa, I’ll take you on your offer anytime. Your culinary talents are amazing.” He accepted a second serving.
The children politely asked to be excused, removed their plates to the sink, and disappeared into the backyard. The toddlers sucked on their milk, and Erin had trouble hiding her impatience.
“I’m sorry, but I’m working the nightshift and have to take a quick doze now, while the babies nap.”
“Please, go ahead,” Russell nodded and smiled at Teresa. “May I have just another little piece of lasagna?”
“Of course.” Teresa served him the last piece in the pan.
“I’ll take the babies upstairs for you,” Tim suggested. Careful not to dislodge the nipple in their mouths, he scooped the twins in his arms and slowly climbed the stairs. Erin took Nathan from him and set the baby inside his crib, while Tim lowered Ethan into his.
***
Not wasting any time on useless chatter, Tim pulled her against him for a long overdue kiss.
“I… Huh…” she started, struggling against his chest.
“Later.” He crushed her mouth, making up for a week of frustration and repressed passion.
He wasn’t trying to be gentle, not when he wanted her to feel he longed for her, body and soul. He tunneled his fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck. His hand engulfing the back of her head, he kissed her with his lips and his tongue, holding her against him, close to his heart, absorbing her softness into his hardness.
She responded to his ardor, her kisses reassuring him better than words. Despite her previous protest, she wanted him as much as he wanted her.
He released her mouth and trailed his lips over her face and throat.
