The Wanted Short Stories (Wanted 5.5)

“I love you forever…plus infinity, Heather.”

I couldn’t help but let out a giggle as I read Elizabeth’s text message.

Elizabeth: I don’t know how you keep up with these two!

Me: I don’t know either, believe me!

Elizabeth: Did you know that Will can open the bedroom door?

Me: Yep. He figured that one out a few weeks ago.

Elizabeth: Don’t worry, honey. We are about to head to the park. Everything is going great!

Me: Thank you so much for doing this!

Elizabeth: We love these little sweethearts.

Josh came walking out of the room, laughing, and he sat down next to me on the private balcony.

I glanced up and smiled. “What’s so funny?”

“Dad said Will had a bowl of oatmeal and tossed it across the kitchen. Mom tried to run and catch it, and he said it was probably the funniest thing he had ever seen. He said she actually dived for the bowl.”

“Oh my gosh. Did she get hurt? I was just texting with her. She didn’t mention it.”

Josh began laughing harder. “Dad said she did a complete split, but I’ll be damned if she didn’t catch the bowl!”

I threw my hands up to mouth and began laughing. “Oh. My. God.”

“I know. Hell, I would have paid top dollar to see that show.”

“Joshua Michael Hayes, that is not nice!”

Josh kept laughing as I giggled and pictured my poor mother-in-law doing a split across our kitchen floor. He finally got his laughing under control, and then he mumbled something about paybacks.

“I’m totally loving just the quiet,” I said.

He reached for my hand and gently kissed the back of it. “I’m glad, baby. You deserved some quiet time.”

We sat there in silence, and I closed my eyes and took in all the sounds.

“Heather, have you thought any more about that teaching position?”

My heart dropped, and I opened my eyes. Mason Elementary had offered me a teaching position, and I had turned it down. When the principal had told me I could have a few days to think it over and change my mind, that was all I had been doing, except for the last two days. It hadn’t even entered my thoughts until now.

“Not really. As much as I would love to go back to work, I just don’t think I can, Josh. I can’t leave Will and Libby.”

I glanced over at him, and he was smiling.

He almost seemed relieved. “That’s your final decision?”

I nodded my head and said, “I love being home with the kids and you. I can help with the business and take advantage of nap time.” I wiggled my eyebrows up and down.

Josh laughed. He stood up and reached for my hand. I gave it to him, and he pulled me out of my seat.

He brought me into his arms. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say all of that. I will always support you in whatever you want to do. Having you and the kids home though is what I really want.”

I grinned and reached up to kiss his lips. “Do you know what I really want?”