staring at Rex’s back like she could will him to fix this.
Clearly, they needed to talk.
Sierra could only imagine what was going on in her sister’s mind knowing she and Mason walked in on this mess.
Sierra had never cleaned so fast in her life, but at her sister’s look of pure appreciation when she finally did take her eyes off Rex and glanced at the kitchen, Sierra felt she’d helped. At least a little bit.
Mason appeared in the hallway entry, four kids lined up behind him. “Everyone is dressed, teeth brushed, hands washed. All the toys have been put away, sleeping bags rolled up, beds made. Let’s go eat.” He led the kids to the front door. Amy kissed her kids on the forehead as they passed and accepted the thank-yous from Danny and Oliver as they followed Mason and their cousins out to the car.
Rex set his coffee mug on the cluttered table, rose, and walked out the front door in his black dress socks without a word or glance for Amy.
Sierra went to her sister and wrapped her arm around her shoulders. Rex put the kids’ booster seats in her SUV, kissed each of his kids, and got them settled in the back. He closed the door and stood with Mason, chatting. Their voices didn’t carry, but they both looked serious.
“Do you think he’s asking Mason to represent him in the divorce?”
Stunned by her sister’s words, Sierra gasped and turned to face Amy. “Did he ask you for a divorce?”
“Not yet. But it’s coming.” Amy’s forehead wrinkled with worry.
“Are you sure? Can’t you guys work whatever this is out?”
Amy folded her arms across her chest. “I’m not sure it can be fixed. I’ve put everything I am into this family.” Amy’s sad gaze met hers. “I don’t have anything left. I do everything I can to make them all happy.”
But Amy wasn’t happy. Not anymore.
She acted like she’d tapped all her resources and had nothing left.
“Oh, Amy. I feel that same way, too, sometimes. I don’t want to wipe one more nose, solve one more problem, make one more school lunch, let alone give my husband the attention and affection he wants and needs. But it will pass.”
Amy looked unconvinced.
Work, children, life could really take it all out of you.
But those frustrations were temporary.
Because then you’d have those moments where life filled you up. Your child did something that touched your heart. Your husband washed the dinner dishes, and damn, that was sexy as hell. A song on the radio reminded you of something from your past. Your first date. A dance at your wedding. A long drive you took, just the two of you. The kids made you something special at school and were so proud and excited to present it to you.
Their exuberant laugh made you laugh with them and wish that they laughed like that every day for the rest of their lives.
Your husband kissed you like it was the first time he realized he loved you all over again.
Amy got lost in the storm of life. She just needed to ride it out and find the calm.
Every relationship had ups and downs. They’d work this out and find their way back up to the peak again.
“You and Rex need to take a breath and talk this out.”
“We talk at each other constantly. Nothing changes.”
Sierra took Amy by the shoulders. “Then tell him how you really feel. Tell him you’re unhappy. Tell him what you really want him to know. He can’t read your mind.” Sierra remembered all too well how she wished David would see everything roiling inside her when she needed him to, but he didn’t. She wished she’d spoken up. This time, with Mason, she’d do better. She’d make their relationship a priority. “Rex knows you, but you can’t expect him to know exactly what’s going on in your head. You need to tell him.”
Amy’s hands came up, dropped, and slapped her thighs. “I don’t know what I want.” Amy sighed and hugged herself. “I’m tired.” She glared at Rex. “I’d like to see him do everything I do for this family. Then he’d know how hard I work, how little time I have for myself.”
“Great. Take a day off. Rex is home today. Let him take care of the kids. Go to the spa. I’m sure Heather can fit you in. Get a massage. Have a mani-pedi. Indulge in doing nothing but letting others pamper you.”