Chapter 3

"Are they asleep?" Joe whispered as Taylor started toward him.

"Yes. I told you that if we took them swimming they'd get all tired out."

Joe uncorked the bottle of wine, and carried it over to the hot tub. He glanced over at Taylor and wiggled his eyebrows.

Taylor picked up the wine glasses and carried them over to the hot tub. She set them next to the bottle of wine. Joe wrapped his arms around Taylor and nudged her toward the tub.

"Mommy Daddy time," he reminded.

Taylor made her way to the bathroom and changed into her bathing suit. She walked over to the tub and slid in. Joe eyed the bathing suit and looked at her in confusion. "Kids," she reminded as she nodded toward the other bed and the two rollaways. All four were sound asleep, but Taylor knew that any sudden noise would wake them all up.

Joe pulled her on to his lap. "Guess that means we have to be quiet, huh?"

"Pretty much."

"So tell me again why coming to Disney was a good idea?"

"Because we want the kids to see Disney. Yes, I know this means no making love for a week, but just think of it as me having an extended period."

Joe rolled his eyes. "Tay-"

"You'll live, Joe." She poured the wine and handed him a glass. "Now, would you please stop grumping and bitching about this vacation and enjoy it? You've done nothing but gripe since before we left the house."

Joe sighed. Taylor was right. He really wasn't enthused about this vacation, mainly because he wanted to go to the lake. He wanted to fish and swim, not walk all over central Florida in the heat and hear a million little girls screaming over Snow White. He cringed inwardly, knowing one of those screaming girls was going to be his daughter. "You're right. I'm sorry," he apologized.

Taylor took a sip of wine. "I love you dearly. I always have. But it's not about you and me anymore. It's about those four that are sound asleep dreaming of Lightning McQueen and Cinderella."

"Ok, but when we get home, first weekend off, my Mother is taking them, and we are going to the lake for a weekend of fishing and campfires."

Taylor leaned against him. Joe stroked her hair.

"Mommy Daddy time," he reminded.

"Ok," she agreed.

"I'll try to be in a better mood tomorrow," he offered.

"Just do it for the kids, Joe. They'll never get another vacation like this. At least not for another 10 years."

"You're right, and I'm sorry. I've been an ass about this whole trip."

"Yes, you have been. But I still love you."

"I love you too, Tay." He lifted his wineglass. "To us."

She touched her glass with his. "To us."

An hour later, the wine bottle was empty, the water in the tub was cooling, and Taylor felt like a prune. She stepped out, and Joe handed her a towel. "Thank you," she said as she started to dry off.

"I don't suppose that I can talk you into not wearing your pajamas tonight, huh?"

"Not with the kids in the same room."

"Damn."

She looked at him.

"I can't help it, Babe. You turn me on. You always have."

She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I love you. You're so good for my ego."

"I love you too."