Page 109 of Je T'aime, Actually

Monroe nodded, her smile softening. “Yes,” she said slowly. “The kids go back to school in the morning, and Poppy’s planning to sleep at home tomorrow night, so I’ll go back to mine.”

Chloé poured herself a glass of water and leant against the counter, just a flicker of disappointment crossing her features. “And how do you feel about that?”

“I’m…ready,” Monroe said, then paused. “It’s been intense, hasn’t it? The kids are great, but I will enjoy a little ‘me time’ in between.”

“Your little cottage will be glad to see you,” Chloé said warmly. “You always seem more like yourself there.”

Monroe tilted her head, smiling at the truth of that. “I think I do, too.”

Chloé took a sip of water, then looked directly into the camera. “I miss you, you know.”

“I miss you too,” Monroe said softly.

“I think things here are going to keep me busier than I’d like,” Chloé admitted. Their eyes held a beat too long before Chloé blinked, shifting the mood with a gentle smile. “It won’t be for long, I promise.”

“I know. It’s a difficult time for both of us. These things are sent to test us, right?” Monroe chuckled.

“Too many things,” Chloé said. “I want you to be here. In my arms.”

Monroe reached for her drink, her smile warm. “I want you to be here. Inmyarms.”

“Aha. A stand-off? Stalemate?” Chloé grinned. “Only one of us can win…”

“Or we both lose. Just for tonight.”

“Oui. For tonight,” Chloé murmured. “And then…hopefully, you’ll be home. Here. With me.”

Monroe glanced up at the ceiling as footsteps padded across the floorboards above.

“Kids awake?” Chloé asked. “I should probably let you go.”

Monroe shook her head. “It’s fine. Probably one of them just needs the loo.” She smiled. “Stay. Tell me about your day. Fall asleep with me.”

“You’re not in bed.”

“Technicality. I can fix that.”

Chloé’s smile turned lazy. “Mm. Tempting. Though I warn you, my day was painfully dull. You may regret this.”

“I doubt that very much,” Monroe said, rising from the sofa. “Besides, your voice is my favourite lullaby.”

Chloé rolled her eyes, grinning. “Smooth. Very smooth.”

“You love it.”

“I do,” she whispered.

ninety-three

Benji had a meltdown.

“I don’t want to!” he screamed when Monroe asked him to get dressed.

She stayed calm, firm. “You’re going back to school today, Benji. Please get dressed.”

“No! I want to see Dad!” he shouted, then tore up the stairs and slammed his bedroom door so hard the walls seemed to flinch.

“He’s such a pain,” Kitty muttered, already in her school uniform. She sat at the table, stirring her cereal with slow, methodical patience. “I’m making the milk chocolatey,” she added when Monroe gave her a look.