Redemption(94)

Shrugging, I tried to look as cool as a cucumber. “I don’t know. Maybe half a football team?”

Tyler gasped. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me! Dean, please tell me you’re joking.”

I started laughing and everyone, apart from Tyler, joined in. “Don’t worry about it, Tyler. Twins run in my family. Maybe we’ll get lucky and have a couple of sets of them. That will help speed things along.” Tyler looked about ready to kill me. God, I wanted her right now.

She scowled at me. “I’m not a baby-making machine, Dean. Get that out of your head right now.”

Jimmy laughed. “Hey, that rhymes. It would make a great song title.”

Tyler frowned. “What? Baby-making machine, Dean?”

“Hey, I’m not the one making babies.”

Tyler tugged on my hand. “Oh, so it’s okay that I keep pumping them out for your convenience?” She huffed a little and it made me want to slam her against the wall.

I shrugged. “I heard it was like shelling peas.”

Tyler practically squealed. “Shelling peas?! Shelling peas?! Do you know how much pain I was in with Jeremy?”

My gut twisted. At that moment, I felt any desire I had to wind her up further dwindle. Tyler saw my expression fall, and her own smile faded.

She gripped my hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

I shook my head. “You never have to be sorry, Tyler. I just wish I was there. If we have more children in the future, I want to be there to hold your hand the entire time.”

Jimmy laughed. “I think you’ll be doing more than holding her hand, Dean.”

I smiled at Jimmy. “Shut up, fuck face.”

He nodded, smiling back. “No, shit for brains.”

“Arsewipe.”

“Fuckwick.”

“Bonehead.”

“Mucous breath.”

I frowned at him. “What the fuck is—”

“Okay, boys. That’s enough.” Tyler shook her head at Tara, then faced me. “Carry on like that and I shall make you both sit on the naughty step.” She looked over at Jimmy a moment and he actually hung his head. I would have laughed if it wasn’t for the fact Tyler was being serious. “Do you two really want that?”

Jimmy shook his head, but I had other ideas. “Can I opt for another punishment?”

Tyler tried not to smile, but failed miserably. “And what did you have in mind?”

I was about to tell her when Tara placed her fingers in her ears. “La, la, la, la, la… I don’t want to hear it. Jeremy! Time for lunch!” She looked back at us. “That should shut up your dirty talk.” She nodded triumphantly as we heard the sound of little footsteps coming down the stairs.





Chapter 18



Tyler



The very next day, after a dip in the pool, I decided to go and get Jeremy’s trainers. He came with me because I needed to make sure they fit. By the time we set out, it was two in the afternoon and the sun was high in the sky. At least we had air conditioning in the car.

Once in the store, Jeremy tried on the trainers he picked out. They were white Spiderman ones, which lit up every time he took a step. Jeremy was in his element as he wandered around the store. Every time he stepped and the light came on, he would giggle so loudly, virtually the whole store was watching and giggling along with him. That was one thing about Jeremy. His giggles were so adorable and infectious, people couldn’t help but join in.

He didn’t want to take them off, so I paid for them and put his old ones in a bag they provided. I left with a smile. I was feeling good about my life. I still had a lot to deal with as far as my parents were concerned, but I was sure they would come around in time. For now, I was just so happy that I finally had the family with Dean I always desired.

On the way to the car, I grabbed Jeremy’s hand and smiled as he fell silent. He was too busy watching his shoes light up as he went. As we walked, Jeremy let go of my hand and started running for the car. “Look, Mommy! My shoes go crazy!”

Panic rose as he sprinted away from me. “Jeremy, slow down!”

I tried running after him but, out of nowhere, a van pulled up in front of him. A man, who I instantly recognized, jumped out. He gave me an evil grin, grabbed Jeremy, and jumped back into the van. Jeremy screamed as I ran after them, but it was too late. By the time I got to the van, it had sped off and screeched as it rounded the corner. I tried memorizing the plate, but my brain just didn’t want to engage.

Bile rose in my throat as I froze for a second before reaching into my bag and fetching my phone. With shaky hands, I tried dialing nine-one-one, but my fingers kept slipping. After screaming a few times, I got through.