The Amendment (The Contract 2)

He’d always felt tears showed his weakness and made him less of a man. It was drummed into his head over and again as a child, and he still struggled with the concept, always hiding his emotions from most people. I thought it showed how strong he truly was when he allowed his tears to show. He had never been as handsome or as sexy as he was in that very moment. Emotional, open, and filled with love for his girls. For us. For me.

“I’m leaking too, baby girl,” I murmured, wiping away my tears. “Today is a happy day.”

“Yay!” She clapped her hands. “Look! Unca Mattog and Unca Aiden is leaking too!” She wiggled on Richard’s lap, and I helped her down so she could go see them. They took turns tossing her in the air, her happy squeals ringing out.

I bent over and kissed Richard. He smiled up at me.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “Welcome home, sweetheart.”

I cupped his face and kissed him again. “Welcome back, my darling.”It was sad to see Maddox and Aiden leave, although I knew it was time. I was eternally indebted to them for what they had done for Richard. For my family. When I tried to find the words to express my thoughts, they had both waved me off.

“Family,” Maddox stated fiercely, hugging me tight. “You are my family.”

Aiden had lifted me off my feet with his hug. “What he said,” he growled. “And if you need me, I’m right back here to kick his ass.”

“Won’t be necessary, Tree Trunk,” Richard assured him, pulling me back to his side, his hand wrapped around mine tight. “Next time you see me, I’ll be walking into BAM with some Danishes and coffee, ready to blow your mind with my next campaign.”

Aiden shook his hand hard. “I’ll hold you to that.”

“I can’t begin to express my gratitude for what you’ve done for me,” Richard began, his voice thick.

Aiden shook his head. “I already know, so don’t say it. Move forward, no matter what. That’s my one piece of advice.” He grinned and winked at me. “And don’t be a Richard to your wife.”

I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped my lips. Richard frowned, then chuckled.

“I won’t.”

I handed Aiden a large container, smiling as his eyes lit up.

“Fried chicken for the trip home.” I winked. “Wouldn’t want you to get hangry on the plane.”

He laughed, holding the container like a trophy. “Score!”

Heather was napping, but they had kissed and cuddled her before I carried her upstairs to her crib. After another round of hugs, and lots of kisses from Gracie, they slid into their car and left.

I blinked away the moisture in my eyes.

“We’re very lucky to have them.”

Richard nodded and swung Gracie up on his lap. “I’m lucky in many ways.”

Gracie tugged on his hands. “Ride, Daddy.”

He laughed low and spun his chair. “Okay, baby girl. Then Daddy has to work.”

I followed them, smiling at the subtle change. After he came home from the hospital, he didn’t want to be touched. By me, or the girls. He didn’t like having them on his lap or anywhere near his wheelchair. Any attempt by Gracie was rebuffed. He was self-conscious and angry all the time. Now he was cautious, yet open. And he wanted to be close to all of us as much as possible. I had missed his touch greatly, and I knew Gracie had as well, so it was lovely to see them together.

In the house, the little voice on the monitor let me know Heather was now awake. Richard glanced over his shoulder. “You go, sweetheart. I got my munchkin. She can count my reps with me.”

“I tount to ten, Daddy,” she informed him with a frown.

He grinned down at her, kissing her cheek. “Daddy will teach you more today, okay?”

“Otay!”

I watched them wheel away, my heart full.

We were going to be okay—I was sure of it.

There simply wasn’t another option.Heather squirmed and squealed, flailing her arms and legs, splashing the bathwater everywhere. She loved her bath time, and I always enjoyed the relaxed moments with her. Richard was reclined in our bed, reading Gracie her bedtime story. It had been a busy day all around, and it felt as if we were finding a routine. Different than it used to be, yet still good.

I was glad to be home.

I lifted Heather out of the tub, dried her off, and got her ready for bed. I sat in the rocking chair, holding her close. She still liked a bottle at night, and although it was water, it was a time I always cherished. Her hazel eyes, so like Richard’s, grew heavy, her long lashes resting on her cheeks as slumber pulled her under. I stroked her soft skin, marveling at her. I stared at her for a few moments, then stood and carefully laid her in bed, tucking a light blanket around her and making sure her favorite bunny was close.