Chapter 17
Leo helped Catherine into their house and led her to their bedroom.
“No,” she said. “This will probably be the only time I get to watch a show with some peace and quiet. I love our kids, but right now, I want to veg out in front of the TV, not have to cut up anyone’s food, find any homework, repack a diaper bag, or clean up a diaper.”
Grimacing, he helped her to the couch, handed her the remote, and covered her with a blanket.
Entering the kitchen, he filled up her water bottle and took it to her.
Hoping to find her a pair of cozy pajamas, he went to their bedroom.
Piles of clothes lay in baskets on the floor, meant for the washing machine.
He picked up a load and tossed it in, then returned to search for her PJs.
“Do you want to change?” he asked, carrying in a nightgown and a robe.
“I’m too tired right now,” she said. “I’m sorry I didn’t get the laundry done.
When I didn’t have to puke my guts out, Derrick decided to smear crap on the wall, and Grace threw a tantrum because I bathed him first. Melody got mad at me for not helping her with her lines for the school play until I finished.
By then, she forgot to tell me about the fundraiser at school, and I needed two dozen cupcakes.
I ended up rushing to Bryanna’s first thing in the morning to buy them from the bakery.
Of course, Melody and Grace pitched a fit when I didn’t let them get a treat from Aunt Bryanna,” Catherine said, shaking her head.
“Why didn’t you call me?” he asked, feeling tired while listening to her day.
“Because even if I did, you’d have something going on with the team and show up when I finished everything,” she bit out. “I’m sorry. Don’t listen to me. I’m pregnant and crabby.”
“We still need to discuss this. You’ve entered your second trimester. Have you decided on what you want to do?”
Sighing, Kit Kat gazed at him. “I have no idea. The more you’re gone, the angrier I get about this. Leo, you missed the one freaking appointment I asked you not to forget.”
“I know,” he murmured. “I let you down. We have to talk about this sometime.”
“Not tonight,” she said firmly. “Let me enjoy the peace.”
Nodding, Leo returned to the kitchen. His phone chimed, letting him know someone turned up at his driveway. He opened the door and stood in the warm air as Saint got out of his truck, carrying Ty’s bag.
“Hey, thanks for picking this up,” Leo said, taking the food from him.
“Anytime, brother. How’s she doing?” Saint asked.
“She’s dehydrated and anemic. Her blood pressure remained high, and Doctor Greene said she’d continue to monitor it. They gave her an iron transfusion at the ER, and she’ll continue with infusions over the next five weeks. She’s tired and crabby.”
“How about you?” Saint asked, gazing at him.
“I let her down,” he said softly, gazing into the evening light.
“I don’t know Saint. As soon as she told me about this pregnancy, something shifted between us.
It’s not only the baby, but it’s also how we’re handling things at home.
Chase makes it seem so damn easy, and he has more rugrats than any of us. ”
“Don’t compare yourself. Chase has no privacy in his home. Maddie and Joe practically live there to help with the babies. Victoria and Ivan visit at least four times a week with Nick in tow. They’re family, but even they can get on your nerves,” Saint advised.
“I can’t do anything right, damn it,” Leo swore.
“My wife’s suffering through a pregnancy she doesn’t want because I didn’t make her my priority.
She’s sick because I retreated to the facility and dug my head in the sand while she struggled with three kids and a full-time job.
Kit Kat apologized to me because she didn’t get to the laundry after a night from hell with the kids. ”
“Then, fix it,” Saint advised. “You’ve taught us all family comes first. Heed your own advice and heal the wounds before we spin up to that hell of a desert and regret everything you didn’t say.
She’s your wife, your first partner, and the one who has your six.
Catherine will forgive you. You may go big or go home, and you may act crazy like a fool when she’s pregnant, but in the end, you show up,” Saint said, poking a finger in Leo’s chest. “The only easy day was yesterday, brother. Get in there and handle business.”
Leo nodded before returning inside.
“Saint brought dinner. Do you feel like eating?” Leo called.
“Sure,” she said unenthusiastically.
Pouring some of the hot soup into a bowl, he brought it with a pack of crackers. A few minutes later, he returned with a lemon-lime soda with extra ice.
“Thank you,” Kit Kat murmured, noticing he brought her favorites. “Will you stay in here with me?”
He jerked his gaze to meet her wandering eyes. When did they grow so far apart? Didn’t she know he’d die before he left her side? She represented his home and heart.
“Will my food bother you if I set it up on a TV tray on the other end of the couch?” he asked, pushing her tray forward.
“I don’t want to fight,” Kit Kat whispered. “You’ll be leaving soon. After you eat, do you want to cuddle with me?”
“Pick out a movie. I’ll get my food, and then I’ll join you on the couch,” he said, feeling relieved. The small step felt like a giant leap over the Grand Canyon.
“Shall we watch an action movie? If I watch a romantic movie, I’ll start blubbering,” she said, sipping her soup. “Oh, this tastes good, and I think it’ll stay down.”
“Good,” he said, going into the kitchen to put away the rest of the food and fixing his meal.
Kit Kat turned on the TV and surfed the channels until she landed on a comedy. “How about this?” she asked, gazing at him.
“It’s exactly what the doctor ordered,” he said as he cut into his steak.
Setting the remote down, she sipped her soda and ate her soup.
When Leo finished eating, he cleaned up their mess and switched out the laundry.
They paused the movie long enough to check on the kids.
Leo sat against the arm of the couch and placed a pillow in his lap.
He patted the spot, indicating for her to lie down.
Sighing, Kit Kat rested her head in his lap and turned toward the TV. Her skin still seemed paler than usual, but Kassie assured him the fluids helped her.
She giggled about something on the TV, but Leo stayed engrossed in her.
He stroked her long red hair, feeling her body relax.
How did he lose track of the most important person in his life?
Between work and the kids, Kit Kat got lost in the shuffle.
Guilt, remorse, and regret hit him like a ton of bricks.
Kit Kat turned and yawned. Her big green eyes fell on Leo. “I know you said you’d sleep in the guest room,” she said softly as his heart dropped into his stomach. “Will you please sleep with me? We haven’t shared a bed for an entire night since Grace’s birth.”
“You got it, Kit Kat,” he said softly, barely able to hold back his emotion. “Do you want to finish the movie?”
“Yes, I’m enjoying the quiet,” she confessed.
“It feels strange without Melody yelling from her room, Grace asking for a cookie, or Derek crying,” Leo chuckled. “Strangely enough, I miss it.”
“Give it another day or two and I will,” she said, smiling. “I love them, but it’s nice to have a break.”
“Maybe we can hire the night nanny again and a morning helper,” Leo suggested. “I can take on some of the night shifts if you decide to pump.”
“Leo,” she warned. “We know you’ll get called in to work. We don’t even have room for another baby unless we move Grace and Derek together. I finally got her sleeping in her big girl bed,” she said, sighing.
“We’ll manage,” he said. “You know, the first few months, this one will most likely sleep in our room while you breastfeed. We can set up a changing table, and you can use the rocking chair.”
“I’m not sure I can do it,” she confessed.
“I talked to Kassie and Mom. I’m tired, Leo.
The sleepless nights, the crying, the diapers, and the school runs.
We discussed this before, and it’s the reason why you got the vasectomy.
I didn’t want another child. You’re barely around, and when you’re here, work consumes you.
Don’t get me wrong, you’re an incredible dad.
I don’t think you understand what happens during those times. ”
“Do you want to abort the baby?” he asked, surprised but he’d abide by her decision.
“Her hand moved to her stomach. “If something ever happened to you, I’d be raising these three hooligans all on my own. Yeah, I know my mom offers to help, Kassie works around my hours, and the team will help. But they’re ultimately my responsibility.
Your mistake adds to it, and I didn’t get a say,” she cried. “Why did you put me in this position?”
“I’m sorry, Kit Kat. I intended to follow through. If I knew the pain this caused you, I’d have told Matthew to wait another day or have the team leave me behind,” he said, wiping her tears with his thumb.
“It’s not the baby’s fault. He or she came from our love despite the fact I’m a walking zombie these days. I barely recall having sex,” she said, chuckling. “Don’t take it personally. You’re very memorable.”
“Damn right, I am,” he grumbled, teasing.
The movie ended, and Leo helped her into the bathroom.
“Did the spotting stop?” he asked, worried.
“It seems like it has,” she assured him. “I’m sure the extra fluids and the iron helped. Even after lying in bed today, I’m exhausted. I’ll probably sleep like the dead.”
“Don’t ignore your body’s needs. I have no idea when we’ll spin up, but I’m determined to show you I’m taking responsibilities seriously,” he informed her as she came out of the bathroom, changed into pajamas, and headed toward the bed. He lifted the covers and helped her get comfortable.
“Won’t you stay with me?” she asked.
“I’m taking care of the laundry first, and then I’ll come to bed,” he said, grabbing a basket to fold the clean clothes.
“Thanks. Grace decided to break her record for the number of outfit changes she needed per day. I’m packing three for Avie for daycare. Your child has taken after you,” she said, yawning.
“Like you have room to talk, Melody has turned into a miniature version of you. She’s bossy, controlling, and has a temper like a—"
“Watch it,” Kit Kat warned him, laughing.
Leo smiled, feeling more relaxed with his wife than he had in weeks. “I’ll be right back.”
A few minutes later, he stripped and climbed into their bed. Sighing, he appreciated the incredible mattress beneath him. A few weeks on his office couch or one of the bunks made him appreciate the finer things. Soon, he’d be sleeping in a tent on the hard ground or a cot.
Turning, he pulled her over on his shoulder. Her arm went around his waist as she closed her eyes. He kissed her forehead and murmured, “Goodnight, Kit Kat. I love you.”
He closed his eyes and let the scent of her lavender shampoo lull him to sleep.
Between having his wife’s warm body snuggled against him and the comfortable bed, he counted his blessings.
Starting tomorrow, he’d make some headway by preparing breakfast, getting the laundry and house cleaned, and then starting on his wife’s heart.
He left a gaping hole with his lack of attention and care.
It seemed like a good time to make up for it.