Chapter 267

Much to Ava’s delight, they were able to go to the beach that weekend. The weather was warm, but there was a nice breeze. They set up the umbrella on their favourite spot and Tori sat under it with Stevie. She made sure the girls were slathered in sunblock before she let them run off to play in the water. Next, she turned to Richie to put some on his back and didn’t notice that the second she was finished he took the bottle from her and took his time returning the favour, then abruptly handed her the bottle and headed for the water himself.

They were sitting together on the blanket, Tori reading and Richie watching the girls when a group of well built women walked by in bikini’s. Tori glanced at Richie and shook her head. “You’re drooling.”

His hand went to his mouth before he realized what she meant. He leaned over, kissed her and ran his fingers down her arm. “Naw. They’re pretty to look at, but they can’t compare to you.”

She snorted. “Good answer.”

“It’s true. They may make me drool, but you make me shiver – in a good way – and make me feel more like a man than any woman I’ve ever met.”

Her brows rose. “You’re really on the suck up express.”

“I’m reassuring, not sucking up.”

She searched his eyes, but only saw only honesty. Blinking away sudden tears, she stroked his cheek and kissed him softly. “Thank you.”

Despite the breeze, Tori was concerned about the baby being out in the heat, and took him into the nearby restaurant for the hottest part of the day, while Richie stayed with the girls. Rejoining them mid afternoon, they traded off, and Richie sat with the baby under the umbrella while Tori helped the girls put the finishing touches on their sand castle. Half an hour later, three thirty-something men were walking by and stopped to compliment them on the castle. While Tori and Kate chatted with them, Ava ran back to get the little flag she’d brought for the top of the castle out of her bag, but it was Richie who brought it to the castle.

“Honey, the baby just woke up and he’s hungry.” He eyed the younger men.

“Ok, I’m coming.” Holding out her hand she let him pull her to her feet. She said goodbye to the men and headed back to the blanket and her son, Richie’s hand riding proprietarily on her hip. She slanted him a glance and smiled. “Tell the caveman to relax.”

He shrugged. “Just protecting my family.”

“He won’t stop crying.” Ava was rocking her brother in her arms.

“That’s okay. He’s hungry.” Tori reached to take him. “Come here Peanut. Daddy’s being silly, but you’ll get used to that. Aw, what’s the matter? Are you hungry?”

Richie watched her settle Stevie and start to feed him. He adjusted the privacy blanket to make sure she was covered. “Yes.”

“There’s some cheese, crackers and fruit in the cooler.”

He bit back a snort, then shook his head when he realized she was serious. Sighing, he reached into the cooler, pulled out an apple and took a big bite.



A couple days later, Tori ws sitting on a lounge chair by the pool, watching Richie and Ava playing in the water, Stevie asleep in his bassinet in the shade, when they heard a commotion inside.

“There they are!”

“Well isn’t this just a perfect picture of domesticity!”

“Uncle Tico, Uncle Shirley, Uncle Jon!” Ava climbed out of the pool and ran to hug her ‘uncles’.

“Aw, man! I knew we should have changed the gate code.” Richie groaned. His greeting earned him the expected one finger salute from his bandmates.

“Hi Bean. Where’s your brother?” Jon hugged Ava back.

“Over there in his basket.” Ava pointed.

Tori stood and turned to face them. Before she could speak David’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “Holy shit Bela!” He patted around his neck.

“What the matter?”

“I forgot my garlic, but I don’t think I care.” He moved to hug her.

“What are you going on about?” She was almost afraid to ask.

Releasing her, David held her at arms length and looked her over. She was glad she was wearing a one piece bathing suit instead of a bikini. “You could give Pamela Anderson a run for her money.”

Tori rolled her eyes, swatted his arm and turned to greet the other two men. “Hi Teek.”

“Bela, you look wonderful.” Tico hugged her.

“Thank you.”

“Hey Sis.” Jon kissed her cheek.

“Hey.” She grinned at him holding Stevie. “Missing home already?”

He smiled down at the baby. “They don’t stay this small for very long. They grow up, learn to walk and talk and before you know it they’re running away from you, talking back....and want to drive your car. At least at this size they’ll still let you cuddle them.”

“Uh oh. Are you just feeling that your kids are growing up too fast, or are you jonesing for another one?”

“Naw, we’re done. When I get baby cravings I’ll just come cuddle yours.”

She smiled and squeezed his shoulder. “Where’s Hugh?”

“He’s coming in tomorrow. Kelly had him booked up and he couldn’t get out of it.”

“Well, let’s get you guys settled and we’ll talk about dinner.”

Tico grinned. “That mom gene kicked in fast.”

“I’m going to pick out my room!” David jumped up and ran for the door.

“Don’t take mine!” Ava ran after him.

“Put him in the first room on the left.” Richie suggested.

Ava paused at the door and frowned. “That’s Peanut’s room.”

Richie nodded. “Yeah, he’ll feel right at home.”

Tori shook her head and turned back to Tico. “What do you expect when I’m surrounded by children?”

Jon signalled Tori to accompany him upstairs. In the bedroom left for him, he set his bag on the bed, sat beside it and searched her face. “How are things going? I have to report back to Dot and Mom, so be honest.”

She smiled. “Pretty good. Of course we’ve been pretty much holed up here alone. We haven’t gone out much. He’s been incredibly sensitive and attentive. I can’t complain about his behaviour at all.”

He nodded. “And Heather?”

“Believe it or not she’s been very agreeable. We’ve got Ava for the whole summer.”

“Hmpf. Hope it lasts. So you’re feeling....better then? About the whole situation?”

She nodded. “It’s still going to take some time and effort, but I’m...hopeful that we can make it work.”

He stood and hugged her. “Good. You both deserve to be happy.”

Back outside, Richie fired up the grill and Rosa brought out steaks. Tori was playing with Ava in the pool, Jon and Tico were sitting at the table and David was wandering around the yard. He stopped beside the pool and watched the girls. Shrieks of laughter had Richie looking up from the barbeque. Smiling, he picked up his Coke and walked closer to the pool, stopping beside David. Tori climbed out of the pool and smoothed her hair back from her face. Richie glanced at David, frowned and pushed him into the pool.

David came up sputtering. “What’d you do that for?”

“Stop ogling my wife’s breasts!”