Chapter 1
“Alright, Ethan’s milk is in the fridge and so are the ingredients for his baby food. Please buy fresh vegetables and fruits at least every other day, and I want the kids to have real home-cooked dinner every night. Don’t just order pizza even if they want you to. Daisy has piano lessons on Tuesday and Thursday; and Hunter needs to study for his math test next week, otherwise he is not allowed to go to the football match on Saturday. Make sure Violet doesn’t spend too much time on the internet, and I haven’t had the time to go dress shopping with her for the Fall Ball, so you will have to do that. All emergency numbers are on the board next to the phone and you can call me any time, day or night.”
While Natasha whirled through the kitchen giving last minute instructions, James leaned against the kitchen island, his arms folded in front of his chest, a loving half smile on his face. The next time she passed him, he grabbed her by the hip and pulled her close to him.
“May I remind you that I am with the kids almost every day?” he said placing a little kiss on her nose. “I know their routines, I know what they are supposed to do and what not, and I know how to feed them. We’re going to be fine.”
Natasha sighed and relaxed a little. “I know. It’s just … I’ve never been away from them for so long. I’m gonna miss them like crazy.”
“It’s only for a week. You and Wanda will have a wonderful time in Florida, and we will call you every night.”
“I hope so.” Natasha got up on tip toes and kissed him. “I know you will take good care of them. I love you so much.”
“I love you too,” he replied returning her kiss fervently. She moaned softly. “Let’s not start something we cannot finish,” she whispered, just as a “ewww, take a room!” was heard behind them.
They turned and saw their oldest daughter, Violet, standing in the doorframe grinning. “Wanda is here,” the fourteen-year-old teenager said. “You will have to keep your pants on.”
“A little more respect, young lady,” James said taking Natasha by the hand and leading her to the door. “You’ll be at my mercy for the next seven days. I wouldn’t be too sassy. Someone will have to do the dishes after all.”
Violet laughed while her father put an arm around her shoulder and kissed her on the parting of her hair.
They entered the living room where Wanda was entertaining the other kids by making small items fly around the room, at one point even letting little Ethan hover a foot or so above his crib.
“Okay, let’s be careful here,” Natasha said grabbing the giggling baby from mid-air. “I prefer my children safely on the ground.”
“Sorry,” Wanda said winking at Daisy and Hunter when Natasha wasn’t looking. The two stiffled a laugh and Wanda greeted Nat and James with a quick hug. “Are you ready to go? Our cab for the airport is waiting outside.”
“I … I don’t know. I’m sure I forgot something. Something important,” Natasha said pressing the baby against her. “I don’t think I should go.”
“Yes, you should,” James said taking the baby from her. “We are fine and you will enjoy your holiday. Trust me.”
“I do. But I will miss you all so much.”
“Time for a Barnes family group hug!” James ordered. Immediately the children gathered around her and the six of them hugged tightly, Natasha placing kisses and loving words on everyone.
When they finally let go, Natasha wiped a tear from her face, kissed James once more, grabbed her bag and followed Wanda outside to the cab.
Standing on the porch the others watched and waved until the cab was out of sight.
“Okay,” James said plummeting on the couch when they had returned inside. He put Ethan on his chest and looked at his other children. “Mom is gone. What do we do now?”
“Pizza!”
“TV!”
“Mark is having a sleep-over. Mom said I could go.”
“No pizza, I’ll make spaghetti just like my grandma used to make them.”
“They already had spaghetti in the Middle Ages?” 8-year-old Hunter asked and ducked to avoid the pillow his father threw at him.
“Okay, no food for the rest of the week for Hunter,” James said trying in vain not to laugh. “Any one else want to make fun of my age?”
“Yes please,” Daisy piped who was only 6 but already very smart and witty. “Was it exciting to be there when electricity was invented?”
“Yes very much so but it was even better without it, as you will find out because there is no TV for you tonight. I thought you could watch some after finishing your homework but that’s off the table now.”
“Oh, daddy, pleeease!”
“Nope, I don’t think there is anything you can do to make me change my mind.”
Immediately Daisy ran over to him, wrapping her little arms around his neck and plastering his cheek with kisses.
“Aaargh,” James acted desperate making sure that she didn’t squish the baby. “You found my cryptonite! Kisses from the cutest little girl on the planet!”
Daisy giggled and let go of him. “So can I watch TV?”
“Yes. When you have finished your homework. I’ll check them. Same goes for you, Hunter. Now off you go. I have to go to the kitchen and start cooking.”
Hunter and Daisy ran off to their rooms and James got up and sat Ethan back into his crib before turning to Violet.
“So Mark is having a sleep-over.”
“Yes.”
“On a Wednesday night.”
“Y-yes…”
“And your mom said you could go.”
“Yes?”
“Well, I may be old but I am not stupid. You are not going to a sleep-over at a boy’s house. And I am pretty sure your mom didn’t allow that either.”
Vi shrugged and smiled apologetically. “It was worth a try.”
“Yes, a very nice try,” James said guiding her to the kitchen. “You wanted to help me with dinner anyway, didn’t you?”
“I can’t think of anything better,” Vi rolled her eyes laughing.