11

Jethro's POV.

I lay here, wide awake. Watching Kat sleep, softly snoring away. No doubt dreaming of something. The breeze gently blowing through the room from the open windows.

I've just made love to the mother of my children. Twice! I asked her for another child. I told her I love her! What is wrong with me?!

Kat's cell phone vibrates softly on the bedside table. Snatching it up, not to wake her. Looking at the caller ID, it's her dad.

"Hey Mickey." I whisper as I make my way to the living room.

"Jethro?" He enquires sounding surprised that I answered Kat's cell.

"Yeah it's me, how are ya?" Best to me friendly, given what I've done.

"Ah, I'm fine thanks. Just looking for Katherine." Sure, I know why.

"She's sleeping at the moment. I can get her to call you back." What am I? Her personal messenger service?

"Nah, that's ok. Why is she sleeping? She sick?"

"Nah, just overtired." I say nonchalantly. She is tired from the rigorous sex we just had twice.

"Why are you there?"

"Just checking up on her. My dad was concerned about her after the weekend, wanted me to make sure she was ok." I lie. Oh no. Rule 7: when you lie, be specific.

"Is she?" I can tell in those two words how much Michael Fitzgerald loves his daughter.

"She will be." I say sadly knowing that Kat will never repair the relationships with her siblings. There's too much damage already done.

"Catch ya Jethro."

"Cya"

I disconnect the call quickly and grab my cell. Dialling the general stores landline from memory.

"General store. Jackson speaking." Always so formal.

"Dad, it's me. I'm in trouble."

"What is it son?"

"I lied to Mickey Fitzgerald and I need you to cover for me."

"About what son?"

"Why I am at Kat's house?"

"Why are you there?"

"Dad, just listen. If Mickey asks say you asked me to check on Kat."

"Sure son, but tell me what's going on." I knew he would have my back.

"It's complicated Dad. I'll tell you soon." Major understatement !

I had to disconnect the call. It's time to get the girls from school. Best wake Kat.

"Kat honey," I whisper trying to wake her up.

"Again? Geez L-J let me sleep." She whines half asleep.

"Kat, honey. Lucy, Zoe, dentist appointment. Ring any bells?" She opens her eyes and studies me intently for a moment. "And Kat, I could make love to you all day if you'd let me."