Jarod and the kids arrived back at the house in the late afternoon. Parker laid on the sofa fast asleep. Jarod placed Taylor into his playpen. Katherine tiptoed to her mommy.
"Mommy," she whispered. There was no response.
"Shh, daddy," Katherine placed her finger to her lips.
It was unusual for Parker to be asleep in the late afternoon. He was a bit concerned. Gently, Jarod touched her shoulder and shook her, but, got no answer. There was no movement.
"Sweetie, why don't you play with your brother, okay?"
"Mommy alright, daddy?"
"Yes. She's just tired."
Worried, this time a little harder, Jarod shook her again. She stirred a little. He sat down next to her and leant forward. He pushed locks of her hair away from her face.
"Honey? Honey." It had been a long time since he'd called her that.
Parker opened her eyes at the sound of his voice. Startled, she jolted up suddenly, but quickly laid back. Her queasiness hadn't subsided.
"What's wrong? It's unlike you to be laid up all afternoon." He squeezed her hand gently.
She could see the worried look in his eyes and also by the tone of his voice. "I'm just not feeling well, nothing serious."
"Nothing? I'm worried about you and you tell me nothing's serious? Have you had anything to eat at all? I could whip up something for you."
The thought of food made her sick to the stomach. "No."
"Tea? How about some tea? It'll keep you warm inside. Would you like that?" He still held her hand in his.
"Stop it. I'm not one of the kids. I can take care of myself," she hissed softly.
"Yes, I can see that," he answered sarcastically.
"How was the park? Kids had fun?" Her eyes shut tightly as she spoke.
"Yes." His eyes moved slowly to her. Jarod stood up, carried her into his arms and headed towards the bedroom.
"What are you doing?" The slightest movement made her nauseous.
"Putting you to bed. I'll take care of the children tonight. Just get some rest."
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It was eight o'clock Sunday morning. Parker woke up to the sound of the shower. She made the bed and after several minutes, Jarod came out of the bathroom in his underwear, his body still slightly wet. He pulled the drawer of their dresser and took out a pair of walking shorts and tee shirt.
"You're up. How are you feeling?"
"Fine. Thank you for taking care of the kids." She watched him as he pulled up his shorts and threw his tee shirt over his head. He was comfortable in front of her as he dressed. Somehow it seemed like he'd forgotten the problems that laid between them.
"No need to thank me, they are my kids, too. They've already eaten. Katherine's playing with Taylor in his bedroom. And there's an omelette on a plate. Thought you'd be hungry."
She approached him and lightly touched his hand. "Jarod, I..."
"Look, Parker. Nothing's changed. I only stayed last night because of the children. That's all. And being that you're feeling a whole lot better, it's time for me to leave."
She didn't want to start an argument and simply replied. "Okay."
Jarod walked into Taylor's bedroom. "Hey, you two. Give me a kiss." His son held out his hands to him. "And you too, young lady, how about a kiss? I won't be here tonight. I have tons of paperwork to do. So, I'll see you tomorrow night, okay?"
Suddenly, Katherine with her hands on her little hips, she cocked her head. "Where you going?" She questioned her father a la Parker style.
Surprised, he studied his daughter's actions. "Excuse me, missy, I don't like your tone of voice. Ask me nicely."
She stood at a stance and pouted while Parker remained silent. Jarod stared at his little spit fire who didn't budge.
"Katherine, daddy doesn't live here anymore, you know that."
"Whatever!" She snapped and crossed her hands in front of her.
The once pretender walked to her and bent down to her level. "What did you say?" His chocolate browns met with her light browns.
She cried. "Going away, again?" Her hands tightened around his neck.
Jarod embraced her tightly. "Take me with you, daddy."
"I can't, sweetie pie. I can't."
"Never coming back?" Her wet long eyelashes fluttered at him.
"Katherine, baby, listen to me..."
"Because I don't belong to you," she said softly, but tearfully and pulled away and ran out of the room.
Jarod heard her little heart shattered into bits and pieces. "Katherine! Sweetie!" Jarod called after her and at the same time lashed out at his wife. "You told her that? I can't believe you told her!"
"I didn't! She must have heard us arguing! Look, maybe you should leave. I'll calm her down."
"I'll do it! Or do I need permission to talk to my child?"
He followed her cries into his den. She sat in the corner. He tried to lift her up, but she stiffened. "Katherine."
She wiped her eyes. "Do you love Taylor more than me?"
Jarod held back his tears. "No. I love you both the same."
"But, I'm not yours." She poked her finger at his chest. Tears ran down her flawless face.
This time Jarod didn't hold back. He cried. "Yes, you are. In every way. You're mine. You'll always be." He held on to her and rocked her back and forth. "Oh, sweetie, daddy loves you so very much."
"Don't leave, daddy."
Parker cried as she watched the heartbreaking scenario before her. She closed the door and left father and daughter to mend their broken hearts which she herself created. As she glanced down at her tummy, she felt the love for their unborn baby and truly hoped she would soon have the courage to let her husband know of their little addition.
Yet, it was a dilemma. She knew Jarod so well, that, he would immediately move back in and do what he felt would be the right decision. But, to Parker, she prayed that his decision would be because of his love for her and not a duty to her.
TBC - CHAPTER 5
