Page 39 of Honey Trapped

Ace:And you’re not in mine.

Norah:We should do something to change that.

I’m typing out a reply when there’s a knock at my door.

I open it without checking to see who it is. I look down expecting Lennon with her blankie and Norah not far behind her.

“Ace, hate to stop by so late. I drove by earlier but didn't see your bike. Has your sister or anyone called?” My head snaps up at the sound of Deke’s voice. He’s a local deputy.

“No. Is something wrong with Tish?”

“I know you and Eileen aren’t married any longer.” My stomach drops. “Heard it earlier today at the station and thought you should know that she passed away.”

“What happened?”

“Was at some party and had a reaction to an injection. Some kind of filler in her cheeks. I’m not sure on all the details.”

“I appreciate it, man.” I shake his hand and he nods before returning to his cruiser and leaving.

I don’t know what to think or feel about Eileen. We were together for nearly ten years. Ten years I felt I wasted. I don’t want to waste any more time and add to my regrets.

I close my door and knock at Norah’s. She opens after a minute with Lennon on her hip. “Hey.”

“Babe, I got a solution to our problem.”

“I’m listening.”

“Want you and Lennon to move in with me.”

“And Hammie,” Lennon says.

“Yeah. Hammie too.” I chuckle.

Norah steps aside and I enter her half of the duplex.

“Thinking we need a bigger place. Bigger yard for a swing set. I’ll get Tish on it tomorrow.”

“You sure?”

“About what the swing set?” I grin.

“About us living with you. That’s a big step.”

“It’s the right one.” I lean in and claim her lips.

Lennon blows a raspberry and says, “ick.”

“You want one too?” I tickle her belly.

“No.” she shakes her head.

“Good. I don't kiss ol’ sour lemons. Only pretty mommies with a sweet honey trap.”

“Ace,” Norah hisses.

“What’s that?” Lennon questions with a scrunch of her nose.

“Nothing. Did you brush your teeth?”

She bobs her head.

“Are your ears clean?”

“I dunno.”

“Better go wash behind them or I won’t read you a story.”

She wiggles out of Norah’s arms and darts off.

“Now what were you saying about me not being in your bed?” I pull Norah into my arms and kiss her hard and deep.