It was Summer who said, “I heard the show was a lot of fun,” as she went on to tell them how much NJ and Autumn enjoyed the show the other night with both sets of grandparents.
“The kids were really excited about going.” Karen laughed. “I tell you, I didn’t have to remind either one of them to pick up after themselves all week.”
Karen stopped talking as the waitress approached the table with their food. She gave Starr and Summer the thumbs up sign when the waitress set a turkey burger with all the fixings, a small salad, and a thick strawberry milkshake in front of her. Nobody made a turkey burger and milkshake like the Trolley Car Diner.
After the waitress finished serving them their dinner orders they blessed the food and Karen picked up where she had left off. “Ashley and Kyle both knew if they stepped out of line they would not be going anywhere.”
Summer reached for the pepper to sprinkle on her fries. “I noticed Mr. Kyle has been an angel lately.”
Karen blushed at the compliment. “I wouldn’t say an angel.”
“Well, he sure isn’t acting like a demon seed now.” Starr remarked. “Lord have mercy! I thought we were going to have to get the pastor to douse that boy in some holy oil.”
Both Karen and Summer laughed. Summer said, “Girl, stop it. Kyle was not that bad.”
“Oh yes the little imp was. He’s my nephew; I was there when my sister pushed his big head out, so you know I love him to pieces. But the boy was becoming downright mean.” Starr closed her mouth when under the table she felt Summer kick her. She was glad she’d done so too. She was about to fly off at the mouth and tell her sister that she wanted to give him a good old fashioned spanking. All that time out and go to your room just didn’t cut it for some kids. Shoot, she and Karen had both gotten their fair share of spankings while growing up and they had turned out just fine.
Karen lifted a perfectly arched brow. “Don’t hold back little sis. Tell me what you really think.” She knew her sister was about to start in on her about the whole spanking bit. It wasn’t that Karen didn’t believe in spanking, it’s just that she didn’t think spanking was the first line of defense when raising children.
“Well… I just meant…”
Rolling her eyes, Karen waved her hands. “Cut out all that stuttering. I know my boy was a mess. I’m glad I took Ava’s advice and took him to see a child therapist.” Swirling the straw in the thick milkshake, Karen let out a sad sigh. “My poor baby was hurting in so many ways because he didn’t have a father. Dom spending time with Kyle has been good for him.”
Summer nodded her head. “Yeah, come to think of it, Kyle has been a lot better since Dom has been taking him out. I guess he’s like the father he never knew.”
“Mmm-hmm. That boy sure loves himself some Mr. Dom. He called me Thursday night before he went to bed all excited about how he went to work with Dom. He went on and on about how cool it was to see how the welders put pipes and stuff together.” Starr laughed. “I didn’t think the boy would ever get off the phone.”
“Oh, how cute.” Summer said, propping her elbow on the table as she cradled her chin in her palm. “Dom must be making a big impact on him.”
“Yeah, he is,” Karen admitted, still stirring her milkshake.
“And how does that make you feel?” Starr wanted to know as she took another bite from her sandwich, her eyes never leaving Karen.
Karen tilted her head as she considered her sister’s question. How did she really feel about Dom playing the role of daddy to not only Kyle, but Ashley as well? She must admit that things have been running much more smoothly around the house since Dom had been spending time with the children. Not only that, but she’s been having some much needed free time for herself. Of course she loved her children dearly, but it was oh so nice to have a few hours all to herself where she could just sit and not have to worry about the kids. She had even started knitting again. Karen supposed that this is how things would be all the time if she had a husband to help with raising Ashley and Kyle.
“Honestly, I’m okay with Dom spending time with the kids. They really adore him and like having him around. And he seems to like being with them. The only thing I’m concerned about is what happens when he doesn’t have time for them anymore.” Or me, she wanted to say.
Starr frowned. “Why would you say that? Dom doesn’t strike me as the type that would suddenly for no reason leave those babies high and dry.” If Starr didn’t know anything, she knew men. Particularly men who were no-good, scum of the earth creatures. Dom was nowhere close to being in that category. He genuinely cared for her niece and nephew. And each time Starr was in their presence at different family functions she saw how his eyes followed Karen wherever she went. She saw the attraction and desire for her sister in his eyes. That man was not leaving those kids or Karen high and dry. If she didn’t know any better she’d swear Dom was falling for Karen.