Thank God Des pulled into the driveway when he did. I was very close to strangling my youngest. Not sure where that lip came from, but I am at my wit’s end. As we walk arm in arm into the house, I watch Daisy’s lip curl up at the sight of us. As childish as it sounds ‘whatever, kid.’
“Des, wash up, dinner is ready. Jagger is working so it is just the three of us. Made your favorite, babe.”
Smiling my way, he makes his way to the kitchen sink, grabbing Daisy by the neck and giving her a kiss on the cheek. She grins his way but also pulls away. I don’t miss the look of concern that crosses his face before he blanks it.
I pull the meatloaf out of the oven to let it sit for a few, then grab the mashed potatoes to fill a serving dish, placing it on the table. Next I snag the broccoli and cauliflower, serving that up as well. By this time both Des and Daisy are sitting at the table. I throw the towel over my shoulder at the sink and take my seat. Like a rehearsed dance we say grace and then start filling our plates.
“My Sugar and Little Queen, how were your days? We were swamped at the garage. Not sure if it is the change in the season. With fall around the corner, people are worried and want to service their cars. Ya know, before the cold weather.”
His gaze sweeps first my way then to Daisy. She glances up at him, nods slightly, then concentrates on her plate. A plate that has two trees of broccoli, two trees of cauliflower, and an end cut of meatloaf. No spuds. Go figure.
“Being I was off today, babe, I did the usual. Grocery shopping, cleaning, clothes, took the fur babies for their annual checkup. And made dinner. My usual day off.”
Before Des can say a word, Daisy screeches across the table at me.
“Mom, why did you take the dogs and cats without me? You know I always go w
ith and help. See, you really don’t want me around.”
She then leans back, crosses her arms, and shoots daggers my way.
“Daisy, your mom had the time. I doubt she intentionally left you out. Saying that, I want to talk to you both about something. I think we all need a break. This household is like a war zone and I don’t like it. So next weekend, Daisy, you are going to spend time with Trinity, Hope, and Cadence. Sugar, we are going away for a couple of days.”
My mouth drops open. What does that even mean? Des is not a romantic type of guy; yeah, he can buy flowers or expensive gifts, but a spur of the moment couple weekend? Nope just not him not him at all.
“Des, really, I can go for the weekend to the Powers’ house? And spend time with little Hope. I would love that. What do you think, Mom, is that going to be okay?”
My head zips Daisy’s way. She hasn’t been this excited in a long time. Not to mention that smile on my beautiful girl’s face. My heart warms just seeing her so happy.
“Daisy, if you want to then yes, sweetie, I’m good with it. Des, what do you have planned for us? Hoping not another camping or cabin trip. The last one almost killed me with that poison ivy rash. Well, come on, give it to me.”
Shaking his head and smiling his wicked sexy grin, I know he isn’t going to share. Then he surprises me.
“Just to put you at ease, Dee Dee, I had help planning the weekend. That is all I’m gonna say. So now, Daisy, tell me about your day.”
As we eat dinner, it is the first one in what feels like forever that is close to our old normal. That is without a battle scene.
Later that evening after dinner, dishes, and some family TV, as Des is in the bathroom getting ready for bed, I walk down the hall to hear Daisy on the phone with whom I assume is Trinity. Not intentionally eavesdropping, I’m shocked at my daughter’s admission.
“Trinity, thanks for letting me come over next weekend. I truly appreciate. As do Mom and Des too. I’ve been a witch, so they probably need a break from my attitude and me. I can’t wait to spend time with Hope and you. Tell her I love her too. See you guys soon.”
Clearing my throat so she hears my approach, I walk through her door to her bedside. “Thanks for helping with cleanup tonight, Daisy. Get some sleep ‘kay?”
“You’re welcome, Mom, and just so you know I truly hope you have a great time on your weekend. Much deserved, I get it.”
I grab my daughter by her neck and bend over face-to-face.
“Baby, you need to know this. No matter what, you are my heart and I love you. Even when we agree to disagree. You will have a wonderful weekend with Hope because it is all that girl will ever give to you. She adores you, Daisy. Night, honey.”
Walking to our room, I first see bare feet then sleep pants and a Henley. My eyes reach Des’s face, a face every time I see it takes my breath away.
“She okay, Sugar?”
“Actually, for once she seems to be. Maybe this too will pass. Where are we going, Des? How do I pack, and again where are we going?”
“Dee Dee, pack for weather like we have, and you’re not gonna need a lot of clothes, if you get my meaning. This is our weekend, Dee Dee, and I’m not taking you to wine country. We are going somewhere to connect and enjoy each other. Bring what makes you comfortable. Not telling you where we are going, it is a surprise. And, no, not even a blow job is gonna get you the location.”
Grinning like a lunatic, he grabs my hand and together we walk to our bed. We do this comfortably together, knowing what we have is real and special. And when my head hits the pillow, right before I fall asleep, I pray he didn’t rent a frigging cabin in the woods with no electricity and water again.