“Maybe it’s time that you become a stay at home mom.” I just start at her. “What? You said that’s what you wanted.”

“Oh please.” I roll my eyes.

“What?”

“Yeah…okay, I said I want to be a stay at home mom, but not now.”  I get up from the stool. “You just think it’s a good idea because it’s more convenient for you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“If I stay at home with the kids, it’s easier for you to just jump up and leave whenever you get a phone call.” Ashley raises an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t have to worry about who’s going to watch the kids because they would be with me.” Ashley’s usually keeps the kids with her while I’m at work. Being the boss of her own business gives her that leeway.

“Okay…whatever.” Ashley gets off of the stool. “I’ll get my mom to watch the kids while you’re at work tonight.” She turns and starts walking out of the kitchen.

“Ash…where are you going? We are having a conversation.” Ashley turns around and shakes her head.

“No, what we were doing was leading into an argument. I’m not up for that right now.”Ashley sighs and leans against the doorway. “I have to go book a flight.”

“I’m going to call the kids.”

We end the conversation there.

“You guys be good for mommy.” Ashley’s says releasing the girls from another hug as we drop her off at the air port.

“I’ll be right back.” Jordan nods her head and help Paris back into the car.

Ashley grabs my hand as I walk with her across the Airport parking lot.

“I’ll call as soon as I step off the plane.” She informs me while putting her bag down.

“You better.” I say stepping into her open arms.

“I don’t like when you’re mad at me.” She whispers into my neck.

“I don’t like when you leave on short notice.” I know I shouldn’t be starting this conversation while she’s about to leave, but I can’t help it.

“Don’t start.” She pulls back and kisses me. “I love you.”

“Love you.” I peck her on the lips a few times, squeeze her hand and walk back to the car.

“What’s up?” Ashley answers the phone after the first ring.

“Hey.” She called hours ago but I was with a patient, so I had to wait until I got on break to call her back. It’s almost three in the morning; I don’t get off work until six.

“How’s work going?” She asks and I just yawn into the phone. “Mmm…do me a favor and just stay over my mom’s house when you go get the girls. I don’t want you driving when you’re that tired.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Good.” I can tell Ashley is nodding off on the other end.

“What time will you be home?” I refill my coffee mug.

“Around eleven tonight.”

“Get some sleep and call me later.” We say goodnight and hang up.

“Mommy!” Paris jumps out of her chair and run into my arms.

“Hey baby.” I grin as I scoop her up in my arms. “Syd still sleep?” I ask my mother in law.

“Yeah…” She giggles. “You know that’s Ashley’s baby…” We both laugh. Sydney never gets up on her own before nine. Just like Ashley. They both stay up late and rise late.

I busy myself helping Ashley’s mom with breakfast. Ashley calls a little after breakfast to tell me what time her plane is getting in and have a little talk with the girls. When Paris gets done telling Ashley about her morning, she hands me back the phone. 

“I miss you.” I whisper into the phone.

“I miss you too, baby.” Ashley says. “I’ll be…”

“Paris…” I interrupted Ashley when Paris runs pass me. I tell Ash to hold on so I can tell Paris to stop running in the house.  “Paris! Stop…” The words and phone leave my hand when Paris trips over Treys skate board. Paris falls forward in hits her head on the floor. Hard.

TBC