Chapter 23
It was almost ten and she slipped out of the bed.
"Where are you going?" he asked sleepily.
"The kids will be home soon."
"So? They have keys."
"No, I need to talk to Frank."
"What?" he asked, sitting up.
"I don't want him to believe I'm still thinking about his offer."
"Right. Tell the loser to hit the road."
She smiled. "I'm going to put it a little nicer than that. But, I guess, essentially, you're right."
He sat back, with his arms crossed behind his head, smiling smugly. The sheet had crept down so that it was just barely covering him, revealing the sprinkling of hair below his waist. God, he was so sexy! And the man behind the sex was so worth it. Was she a fool for even considering Frank again?
Yes. But not any more.
She pulled on clothes and practically ran to the door. The sooner she told him, the better.
The kids got out of the car slowly when they saw their mother approaching the car.
"What's up, Mom?" Daniel asked.
"Go inside, guys. I need to talk to your father."
"But—"
"Inside, Daniel."
Shit, he thought as he looked at his sister. They went inside, casting one more glance at their parents as they did.
"Frank, I've made my decision."
Frank smiled triumphantly; sure he would win this fight. "That's great, Karen, I'm so glad. We can work out how we want to do this and…"
"No, you don't understand. I'm not going back to you. I'm staying with Greg. This is where I want to be."
"But, why—how – I don't get it! How could you pick him over me?"
Karen shook her head at his arrogance. "Because I love him. And he loves me."
"I love you too!"
"No, you don't. You're just…lonely."
"I am not lonely. I have women all the time. Believe me, I'm never lonely."
"Yes, you have women, but you don't a wife, a family to come home to every night. That's what you had when we were married. Different women whenever you wanted, but a wife to take care of you and a family to provide love and warmth. It was perfect for you. But guess what, Frank? It wasn't perfect for me. And there is no way I would ever go back to that. Especially when I have a man who really wants me. Only me.
"Thank you for the offer, Frank, but no thanks. Find yourself a woman to marry who won't care if you cheat on her and you'll be just fine."
She turned and went back into the house.
The kids were in living room and she could see that they had probably just moved from the window where they'd been watching the scene. But since they couldn't hear what was said, they were still uneasy.
"Relax." She told them. "Everything is fine. We're not going anywhere."
"You and Dad…?" Daniel began.
"Are over. And will continue to be."
Brother and sister looked at each other and smiled.
Karen tilted her head. "I didn't realize you liked Greg that much."
Daniel shrugged. "It's not just that we like him. We do. But we like the way you are with him. We want you to be happy."
Emma nodded.
Karen felt tears welling up and as she knew this always embarrassed the kids – especially Daniel – she just pulled them both into a hug.
"I love you guys. Go to bed."
They hugged her back, then headed off to their rooms. She went back to her bedroom.
House was still awake, waiting for her. "Everything okay?"
"Yes. Frank has been sent off into the night, told in no uncertain terms that I belong to you." She said, as she removed her clothes and climbed back into bed with him.
"Damn straight! And he'd better keep his grimy paws off of my woman in the future."
"Ha. Your woman."
"You are." He whispered.
"I know. And I always will be."
He pulled her close to him and held on for dear life.