Your response to the first chapter was amazing and passionate. You all have very strong feelings about this husband. I love it!

Welcome new readers! I saw some unfamiliar names in the reviews. All of you who are still with me. Thank you :)

Ready for You

Beta-Kitchmill (I tweaked this chapter a bit, so mistakes are mine)

Prereader-Dawn

2

Sophie's first few months of life go by with a blur. I'm busy with my beautiful children, learning how to balance two small children with very little help from my husband. He's a good provider, we have everything we need. But he's not here; physically because he's gone working so much and emotionally, because when he is home he's distant.

He's been so busy at work that he has postponed his vasectomy...indefinitely. This has led to many arguments between us, since it's something we had agreed upon months ago. I can't imagine having another child with the way things are between us. He, however, has a different solution...no sex.

Once again, he is late getting home in time to eat dinner with the family. Ellie is watching Frozen in the living room, so I sit with him while he eats the warmed-up food. He's distracted as usual, bordering on irritated...with me.

"I'm going to visit my parents," I say nervously. "Sophie is over three months now, and the pediatrician says it's safe for her to fly. I'd like you to come with me. I'm nervous to travel by myself with both girls."

"You know I can't do that, Bella." He huffs, sounding exasperated, like I've asked for something so outrageous. "Work is crazy. I'm wooing these new clients. You've seen how much extra time I've had to put in—breakfast meetings, dinner meetings. We would most definitely lose this account if I up and leave right now."

I sigh, resigned, knowing that would be the answer; it always is. There is always some excuse for not spending time with the family, with me. He's been working more now than ever. I can't help but feel jealous, abandoned. It's caused a major rift in our relationship as well as his opportunity to bond with Sophie. She barely sees her daddy, and when he's home his focus in on Ellie, not me or the baby. What little physical contact we had before the the baby was born is now nonexistent.

The tears fall again over the ever present stack of dirty dishes, my back turned to my family so they don't see. This is almost a daily routine. The disappointment of my marriage eclipses my parenting, my family, my happiness. And then there is the guilt that follows. Why can't I just be happy with what I do have? Why do I have to want more?

At least he drives us to the airport and gets me to the baggage check. The repeated condescending peck on the forehead I get from him leaves a sting that goes deeper than the surface of my skin. Ellie gets his best; Sophie and I get "the peck."

The flight is easier than expected. The baby eats and sleeps, and Ellie loves the attention of everyone within earshot of her rambles.

"Shouldn't my hormones have stabilized by now? I should be happy. I mean, look at my perfect babies," I plead to my mom, who I wish I'd had by my side when Sophie was born like I did when I had Ellie.

"You are all adjusting, Bella. Give it some time. Have you talked to your doctor about this?"

I nod. "Yes. She said until I stop breastfeeding my hormones won't go back to normal. I don't remember it being like this with Ellie."

"Two babies is much harder than one, honey. And with your husband working so much, it's only natural for you to be exhausted and stressed. Why don't you and I go and get manis and pedis tomorrow, pamper ourselves? Your dad can watch the girls for a few hours," she suggests.

I want to take her up on it, but Sophie hasn't taken a bottle yet. I'm at her beck and call at all times. "I don't know, Mom, but thanks for letting me vent. I'm going to head to bed early. Sophie is a nighttime feeder." I smile weakly as my mom envelops me in her motherly hug. Tears sting my eyes once again, making me feel weak.

I call home before turning in, but there is no answer. It's only eight p.m. and he never goes to bed that early on a Saturday night. I try his cell, and it goes straight to voicemail like his phone is turned off. I leave a quick message both places and try texting him. A half an hour later...nothing.

My mind is forming all of these scenarios, none of which are good or positive. What if he's sick or got in an accident? He was going to fix some stuff in the baby's room while I was gone, stuff that required him to get up on a ladder. I try calling each number one more time, with the same result.

Nearly frantic with worry, I call my most loyal and trusted friend, Rose, who happens to live close to our house.

"Rose, I'm worried. He's not answering any phone and he was going to do some repairs at the house. I'm worried he's hurt or something. Would you mind going over there and checking on him?"

"Of course not, Bella. I'm sure he's fine, but I don't want you to worry. Give me a minute to change and I'll head over there. I'll call you back as soon as I know anything."

I wait. It's the longest thirty minutes of my life. The scenarios play over and over in my mind like a song on repeat.

When my cell finally rings, I'm out of breath from the constant pacing. "Rose? Is he okay?"

"I think he's fine, Bella," she says, the tone of her voice off.

"What did he say?"

"I didn't actually talk to him. Um, are you sitting down?" she asks.

A/N

Dun...Dun...Dun... Sorry for the cliffy (sorrynotsorry)

Okay, I need your help here. I can post one maybe two longer chapters a week, or I can post 3-4 this length. What would you prefer?

How do you like hubby now? I can't wait to hear :)