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Jenni sighed and spread more wet cement with the trowel. “I wish Mikey hadn’t turned back to defend me. ”

“He didn’t know, babe,” Juan said in a soft, cautious voice.

“I know, but. . . you would have liked him,” Jenni fought back a few tears and lifted the heavy cement block into place. She rarely spoke to Juan about her kids. It was hard to speak of a piece of her life she could not ever share with him.

Juan kissed her cheek softly, causing the makeshift platform they were on wobble a little. “I know, Loca. I know. ”

“If I could find a way to give you kids. . . ”

“Loca, it’s okay. Really. I got you. I got Jason, even though he does hate me, and I got Jack. And Jack is a pretty bad ass kid. Kinda furry, but a great kid. ”

Jenni laughed despite the lump in her throat.

“Besides, Katie and Travis are probably going to be spitting out kids left and right and we’ll end up with babysitting duty. ” He wiped the sweat from his brow, managing to get a little cement in his hair. “I just want to be with you. Okay? If we’re together, I’m happy. Even if you are batshit crazy. ”

Jenni laughed and leaned against him. “Crazy is good. ”

“Crazy is good. And fun in bed. ” Juan grinned at her lovingly.

“You’re such a pervert,” she teased and kissed his salty cheek.

“And you like it. ” He pressed a kiss to her forehead, then moved to lay another brick.

Jenni looked back down at the kids and Nerit.

“Okay, who’s next?”

A slew of kiddie voices shouted, “Me!”

2. Time to Move On

“Hey, Mom. ” Jason slid into the chair next to Jenni at lunch. He peered out at her from beneath his long bangs and looked a little embarrassed.

“Hey, baby, what’s up?” Jenni shoved a couple of homestyle fries dunked in mustard into her mouth and ignored Jack staring at her longingly from Jason’s side.

“I was wondering if I could have Shelley over to watch movies tonight?”

the teenager whispered, his cheeks blushing.

“You gonna make out?” Jenni asked around a mouthful of fries.

“Mom!”

Jenni grinned at him. “Are you?”

Ducking his head, Jason looked up at her through his bangs. “Maybe. ”

She playfully nudged him with her elbow and grinned. “My sexy son is getting some loving!”

“Mom!”

Jenni rolled her eyes, shrugging. “Okay, okay. Have your make out session, but she has to leave by eleven. ”

“You’re so embarrassing, Mom,” Jason grumbled.

“Hey, I gotta tease you when I can. You’re always off with Roger and your crew making crazy mad scientist zombie killing stuff. ” Jenni hugged him and smothered him in kisses. He squirmed with discomfort.

“Mom, fine. Okay. I get it. And thanks, Mom,” her stepson said, and quickly kissed her cheek. He ducked out of her grip and stood up.