Shannon and Kris stared at the 5 year old, completely shocked at the vulgar language that had just come from his mouth. He had just spilled some of his milk onto the table and promptly screamed, "Shit!"
"Benjamin David Dunham! What is that I just heard come from your mouth?" Shannon yelled.
Steve and Pete could hardly contain their laughter.
"That's it, encourage him! Pete, this is your fault anyway! I told you to watch your mouth around him!"
Pete threw up his hands in defense. "Hey, how do you know it wasn't Matt? That bugger has thrown some less than acceptable language around young Ben here."
Shannon stood up quickly from the table and gathered her and Ben's plate. "Ben, you are in time out for the next 15 minutes. Pete I trust that you are finished, too." Shannon said as she snatched his plate away. Kris started to chuckle. Pete looked up at Kris. He leaned closer and whispered, "looks like I'm in time out too."
"Peter, get out of my kitchen, NOW." Shannon bellowed. "Would any of the adults like dessert?"
Pete went to raise his hand, but seemed to think better of it and headed into the family room with Ben trudging along after him, head hung in defeat.
"No, I'm stuffed right now. Thanks though. Call me if you need help with the dishes or something," Kris replied.
She headed into the family room to find Pete on the couch watching TV. He patted the couch next to him, offering the seat to Kris.
"Watcha watchin?" Kris asked as she sat down.
"Sky Sports," Pete responded without looking from the TV. Kris pulled her knees into her chest and tried to watch the sports program. After about 20 minutes of soccer talk that felt like an eternity, Kris sighed and get up from the couch.
"What's wrong?" Pete asked, looking confused.
"Nothing, just a little bored." She walked around the room, stopping to look at pictures and various other knick knacks. A couple pictures were of Shannon, Steve, and Ben, some were of Pete and Steve, some were of the wedding, and others were of what she assumed was Pete, Steve , and their parents. All of a sudden, Kris felt a presence behind her, a little too close for comfort. Turning around, she saw that Pete had left his spot on the couch to stand directly behind her, softly breathing on her neck, pretending to thoroughly observe the pictures. Tilting her head up, Kris looked up into his blue eyes. He never broke his gaze with the pictures, but a slow smirk was spreading over his lips. Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, Kris tried to sidestep him, but his arm went up, blocking her escape route.
Frowning, Kris tired the other side, but produced the same result. Pete's smirk turned into a full blown grin and his eyes were smiling, yet still he looked at the pictures. Kris thought for a few moments. The next step was force. Bringing her hands up, she lightly pushed him. He hardly budged. She tried to push harder, only resulting in making Pete laugh harder. Gathering all her strength, she went to push him again, but this time Pete grabbed her hands and held her there for a few moments.
"Can you let me go?" Kris asked, frustrated.
"What are the magic words?" Pete taunted.
"Or I'll kick you in the balls." Kris deadpanned.
Laughing, Pete released her wrists and stepped aside, sweeping his arms to the side and slightly bowing. Kris huffed by back into the kitchen.
