Chapter 4

Mark and Michelle sat at the kitchen table sharing a cup of coffee. Mark was relaying to Michelle what their daughter had said to him at the park earlier that afternoon.

"Kaia said that Alyssa showed her the bruises on her arms and legs. Kaia also said that Alyssa told her that if she said anything to anybody about what happened to her at home…"

Mark shook his head and rubbed his tired green eyes.

"Oh, Mark, that's terrible. That poor girl. What kind of monster could ever think of hurting a child?"

"I don't know, Michelle. I just don't know. How anybody could ever abuse a kid is beyond me."

Michelle took a sip of her coffee, then sat the mug back on the table. Mark slid his coffee mug over to the side. He sat in silence looking out the kitchen window.

"Mark?"

He didn't answer.

"Mark."

Mark turned his eyes back towards his wife. "Hmm? Oh. I'm sorry, Michelle."

"What's on your mind? What are you thinking?"

Mark lowered his head. "Nothing."

Michelle tilted her head to the right. "Mark… I can sense you're not being honest with me. Come on, baby. Tell me what you're thinking."

Mark sighed heavily sitting back in his chair. He leaned forward resting his arms in front of him on the table.

"Michelle. You know I love Kaia, right?"

"Well, yes, I know. And she knows you love her too."

"I hope so. You know I would never hurt her, right?"

"Mark. Yes, of course I know that. I know you would never hurt her or any of your other kids."

"The day I ever raise a hand to my kids, you might as well take a shot gun to me and blow me away."

Michelle glared at her husband. "That's not funny, Mark."

"It's not supposed to be," Mark retaliated.

"Mark," Michelle began.

"I'm serious, Michelle. The day I ever strike Kaia, Gunner, Chasey, Gracie, or you will be the day you have my permission to end my life."

"Mark," Michelle said as tears filled her eyes.

She rose from the table, grabbing her coffee cup and taking it to the sink. Even with her back turned to him, she could see from her shoulders shaking that she was weeping. Mark stood from his chair and approached Michelle lightly touching her left arm. He turned her around to face him. Mark reached up with his thumb and wiped the tears away.

"I'm sorry, Michelle," he said pulling her close to him. "I wasn't being fair to you. Please forgive me."

Michelle sniffed. "I do. I love you."

Mark pulled Michelle away and held her at arms-length. "I love you too. Always."

Mark pulled her close to kiss her.

"Wait a minute."

"What's wrong," Michelle asked.

Mark looked left, right, and behind, then back at his wife.

"Just checking. That little blonde-haired whippersnapper of a daughter likes to sneak a peek at us when I'm showing my love and affection for you."

"I think we're safe."

"Yep."

Mark backed Michelle up against the sink and kissed her. They kissed passionately until a giggle sounded behind. The kiss broke. Mark and Michelle turned. There, Kaia stood in her Hello Kitty pjs, hair hanging over her shoulders. Michelle chuckled.

"Aw man," Mark whispered. "Never any privacy. Never."

"Oh, stop. Ready for bed, honey?"

"Yes."

Mark walked over and picked her up in his arms. "That's the second time you interrupted us today when I was kissing her. Good grief."

"Sorry," Kaia said smiling.

"Uh-huh." Mark said as he walked out of the kitchen with Kaia.

-"Comfortable, dear?" Michelle asked after tucking Kaia in.

"Yep."

"Okay, kiddo," Mark said. "Try to get some sleep, alright?"

"Okay."

Michelle leaned down and kissed Kaia on the forehead. "Good night, darling."

"Good night, Mommy."

Mark leaned down and kissed Kaia on the cheek. "Good night, sweetheart."

"Good night, Daddy."

Mark and Michelle stepped out into the hallway shutting the door behind them, leaving a crack open. Michelle wrapped her arms around her husband's waist.

"You know I love you?"

"Oh yes I do. I'm sorry for what I said earlier. It's just the thought of someone hurting a child…."

"I know. It bothers me too."

"Yeah."

Michelle wrapped her arms around the back of Mark's neck and pulled him closer to kiss him softly on the lips.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go slip into something more comfortable."

"Oh really? What would that be?"

"You know that black silk nightgown you like so much?" Michelle asked with a wink.

Mark purred. He watched Michelle walk down the hallway towards their bedroom. Mark turned back towards Kaia's room and stood by the door. He heard her little voice praying.

"God bless my mom and my dad. And God bless my new friend Alyssa. Please help her, Lord. She needs you bad."