Youve always been the one keeping us together, putting me first, and pardoning my sins over and over. Youve given me everything, and Ill do the same for you. Its okay to fall apart because Ill catch you. She held me tighter. Ill fix you.

I controlled my tears and stopped them from falling.

I can fix this, she said. Dont worry. She pulled away and looked at me, her eyes just as soaked as mine. Whatever you need, Cortland. Ill give you.

I need space.

Okay. She tried to hide her disappointment.

I think it would be best if we were just friends for a while More tears fell. Okay But Im not going to see anyone, if thats what youre worried about.

She breathed a sigh of relief.

I should go. I headed to the door and hid my face.

She didnt stop me, respecting my wish. Okay.

Ill see you later. I wiped my tears away before I stepped out.

Cortland?

Hmm? I didnt face her.

I love you.

I took a deep breath. I love you too.

6.

Scarlet I have an evil idea. I got into bed beside Sean.

OoohI want to hear it. His hand moved up my hip, his eyes sinister. This probably wasnt the best time to have this conversation.

Its about your parents.

He flinched. You always think about my parents before we have sex?

I rolled my eyes. Lets invite your mom to dinner tomorrow night along with Mike and Cassandra. We can have dinner as a family. Maybe that will get your dad to see your mom differently.

Sure. Whatever. His lips moved to my neck and sucked the skin.

I pushed him off. Do you think it will work?

Baby, Im not even listening to you right now.

Can you just stop thinking about sex for a second?

Can we just have this conversation after we have sex?

God, youre annoying.

He moved on top of me and then found my entrance immediately. He had a radar built inside that head of his. The sex was slow and gentle. Sean took his time, dragging it out as long as possible. He was doing a good job so I didnt mind.

Im not stopping until you come twice.

What? We hardly talked during sex.

When a woman has an orgasm, she increases her chance of fertilization. So, if I can give you more orgasms, you are more likely to get pregnant.

I dont know where he heard that but I didnt question it. If he wanted to make my toes curl twice, then go ahead. I wouldnt stop him.

He made love to me in a sensual way. It was the easiest way to get me off. He kissed me passionately, making love to my lips while he moved inside me. Every touch was just for me. One hand was between my legs, rubbing my clitoris. Now I didnt want to get pregnant so we could do this every time. He did all the work, rocking into me from above. I lay back and enjoyed it.

He made me hit the first orgasm quickly. I moaned quietly, enjoying the slow burn before it ignited into an inferno. My hands moved into his hair while I enjoyed it, knowing Id get another one very soon. When it passed, he got back to work and brought me to the edge again. He was panting and grunting, trying to hold back.

Let me know when youre there Sweat formed on his chest. I wrapped my arms around his neck while he kept up his amazing work.

Right there He rubbed my clitoris harder and pushed me over the edge. Then he came inside me at the same time, his breath falling on my face. I moaned as the tenderness spread through my body.

Sean pulled out then lay beside me, exhausted.

I caught my breath and let my high disappear before I thought about my plan again. Ill invite them over tomorrow but we wont tell your dad. Itll be a surprise, and it will make Andrew want to be a family again.

Sean snored.

I looked over and saw him fast asleep. I rolled my eyes then set his alarm.

I made tacos for dinner and set the table. Andrew sat in the living room and watched TV. He was nice company around the house. We played games and watched TV together when I was sick of reading manuscripts. And since he was exceptionally tall, he always grabbed things out of my reach.

Im excited, Andrew said from the couch. We havent done anything fun in a while.

It will be fun. I hadnt told him about Diane. Ill just let that be a surprise.

Sean came home with Mike and Cassandra behind him. Hey, baby.

I came to him and gave him a big kiss, a bigger one than I usually did. When people were around, I wasnt this affectionate. I kept my distance and tried to keep my hands to myself, but after he made me feel so good the night before, I was excited to see him.

Sean immediately got hard through his slacks. I felt it against my leg when he kissed me. When the kiss went on long enough, I pulled away.

He stared down at me. That was a nice greeting from my lovely wife.

I missed you.

Mike winked. Looks like Sean did something right for once. His arm was around Cassandras waist.

No, Sean said as he wrinkled his eyebrow. Im always messing shit up.

Mike laughed. At least you admit it.

I pulled his face close to mine. You really rocked my world last night.

He smirked. You liked that?

Lets just say I hope we dont get pregnant for while His eyes darkened. Ill do that every night if you greet me like this every day.

Deal.

Cassandra and I arent deaf, just so you know, Mike said sarcastically.

Leave them alone, she said. Theyre cute.

Am I cute? He gave her a cocky grin.

Most of the time.

Andrew came to Mike and hugged him tightly. Im so glad you brought a lovely date.

I guess you talked some sense into me. He patted his back and pulled away.

Andrew immediately hugged Cassandra. Im so happy youre here. The happiness was in his voice.

Thank you, she said.

Mike pulled her away. Dont get any ideas, Dad. Shes mine.

I could steal her if I really wanted to, son. Just be happy I dont.

Ooh, Mike said. My old man is threatening me.

Im always threatening you, he teased.

Im starving, Sean said. I hit the gym pretty hard today.

I squeezed his arms. Nice.

His eyes widened. Youre being really nice to me today Because youre being nice to me.

Mike pulled Cassandra away. Lets get out of here before they start going at it on the floor.

Please, Andrew said. You dont live with those two. A hallway and two bedrooms stand between us and I can still hear everything.

I cringed. Were moving our bedroom downstairs.

Or were moving his, Sean said. Lets eat before this gets any weirder.

Everyone sat at the table but I didnt serve dinner. I was still waiting for the last guest.

The doorbell rang right at six and I dashed to the door.

Diane held a homemade pie. Hello.

Hi. I hugged her tightly and led her inside. Thanks for coming.

Well, thanks for inviting me.

We came to the table, and Andrews eyes flashed in surprise at her appearance.

The only seat available was the one next to Andrew, which is exactly where she sat.

Hey, Mom. Mike came to her side of the table and hugged her. You look nice.

Thanks. She tucked her hair behind her ear then looked at Cassandra. Her eyes filled with emotion. Im so relieved you two worked it out.

You think Id let a fox like her get away? Mike winked at her.

Cassandra came to her and hugged her. Its nice to see you again, Mrs. Preston. I mean, Diane. The awkwardness spread on her face at the mishap.

Its okay, Diane said gracefully. I may be divorced but I havent changed my name and I never will. But I do prefer Diane.

Sean hugged her next then sat down. Its nice to have dinner as a family. He shot a look at his dad.

Andrew cleared this throat then turned to Diane. She was wearing a white blouse with pearls. For an older woman, she looked very pretty. The last time I visited her, she looked like a wreck. Im glad she cleaned up. She looked just as elegant as she did before their marriage fell apart.

Its nice to see you, Andrew said.

Come on, Sean said. Dont be stiff and hug her.

Andrew gave him a firm look but didnt touch her. Im glad to see youre doing well.

Im doing the best I can, she said simply. There was no sadness in her eyes.

He turned away and looked at the bottle of wine on the table I served the food and popped open the wine. Cassandra, I got this from a vineyard here in Connecticut. Its so good. I cant have any, but take a bottle home. I poured her a glass and she watched the liquid fill the cup.

Thank you, she said.

I sat down and waited for her to drink it. Try it. Its good.

She eyed the cup but didnt reach for it.

Mike snatched it then downed it in one gulp. Damn, that is good.

Cassandra smirked but didnt say anything.