Chapter 72

“I will never disappoint you again. I’m so sorry,” Cole said.

“Okay, Daddy. I love you,” Enzo said, joining the group hug.

“Let’s go play, Daddy,” Enzo said, pulling away.

“Yes, Daddy,” Ollie agreed.

“Okay,” Cole smiled, rising. Enzo held one hand, Ollie the other, and they ushered their father to the playroom.

Cole exchanged a polite smile with Debbie.

“They missed him so much,” Debbie said, approaching Hailey. “Hi, baby.” She hugged Hailey.

“Hi, love,” Hailey responded, hugging back.

“You look tired,” Debbie said, releasing the hug.

“Today drained me, but I’m glad Cole is here,” Hailey replied.

“Yeah, me too.”

“It’s so silly that Enzo was acting mad. He’d asked me countless times when Cole was coming.”

Hailey chuckled. “He takes after his father.”

“I want to make everyone’s favorite food for dinner. You’re not ditching us this time,” Hailey warned.

“But you guys need some alone time.”

“You’re part of this family, Debbie. Don’t always act like a third party.”

“Of course not. I’m just trying to respect privacy and boundaries.”

“You’re having dinner here. That’s final. Let’s go whip something up together.” Hailey intertwined her hands with Debbie’s and they went to the kitchen.

Three hours later, Cole and Hailey tucked their sons in, kissed them goodnight, and quietly left the room.

“What’s on your mind?” Cole asked as they walked down the hallway.

“Nothing,” Hailey mumbled, shaking her head.

Cole stopped. He took Hailey’s hand and pulled her close. He cupped her face. “I know something’s on your mind. Tell me.”

Hailey bit her lip. “Are you busy tonight?”

Cole smiled. “No.”

“Oh, I thought you were.”

“Why do you ask?” Cole asked knowingly.

“I want to show you something.” She took his hand and led him to her room. He followed.

They reached Hailey’s room and she shut the door. “I’ll be right back,” she mumbled, entering her walk-in closet. Cole, admiring her beautiful, organized room, sat on the edge of her queen-sized bed.

He heard the closet door open and was instantly captivated by what he saw. His eyes remained on Hailey as she slowly approached, barefoot.

Cole opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Hailey blushed. “You like?”

Cole looked her over. She wore the red lingerie he’d bought her on their trip—revealing and instantly arousing.

“You’re going to be the end of me, babe,” Cole said, rising and quickly undressing. He closed the distance, kissing her and caressing her body.

“Spend the night?” Hailey said between kisses.

Cole smiled. “You thought I was leaving after this? Hell no!” He picked her up, making her giggle, and gently placed her on the bed. He spread her legs, unbuttoned her lingerie with one finger, and climbed on top of her.

He intertwined their hands, staring at her. “You look so fucking gorgeous!”

Hailey smiled. He kissed her forehead, then entered her. He moved hard and fast until they both climaxed.

He pulled out, lay on his side, and pulled her close. She rested her head on his chest, the duvet covering them. “Thank you,” he mumbled.

Hailey looked into his eyes. “What for?”

“It felt the same after yesterday. Even better.”

“Were you doubting my feelings?”

She shook her head. “I’m sorry if my words upset you. But I was so scared. I was going to lose you.”

She moved closer and kissed him. “I know what I want, and I want this with you.”

“My dad. He told me about the past. Why he’s always looking out for you.”

“But my mom and brother?”

“Were the things that triggered you? Making it hard to accept your feelings for me?”

“Losing my brother and mother. I don’t remember much, but I loved my mom, and I remember her baby kicks. I wasn’t prepared for the pain when my dad said they were gone. I never had any real attraction to Vanessa. My father wanted me to marry her and showed me her picture. He was excited.”

“I felt something close to what I felt for my mom with you, and it scared me. I don’t want to lose someone I love. That’s why I acted that way, why I took a bullet for you. You have your answer. Life would be sadder without you. You’re my place.”

“That’s why I don’t have friends. I know a lot of people. Jess is in my life because we’re childhood friends. I tried to end it, but she kept coming back.”

He looked at her face, caressing her cheek. “I can’t thank you enough for giving me another chance. Enzo and Ollie are the best thing to ever happen to me, and I promise to protect you all.”

“We’re glad to have you in our lives, and we wouldn’t trade you,” Hailey said, kissing him quickly.

She touched his erect penis, then moved on top of him. Her blush was evident as Cole watched, amused. She positioned herself and began to ride him. He smiled, watching her movements, especially her breasts.

(The final line is incomplete and needs more context to be properly punctuated)