THE HONOURABLE MAN

Episode 41

The new day dawns crisp and clear as the sun seeps through the window. New hopes and aspirations await. Kiana rubs her bleary eyes before reaching for the digital clock that sits still next to the lamp. She turns it around to check the time, it's 6am in the morning.

She twists her neck to her right glancing at her husband who is still asleep. She leaves him to sleep on and ducks out of the bed and slips into her dressing robe.

Today they have a road trip awaiting them, Monroe practically begged them to spend Christmas at her house hence they have to drive all the way to Castle city two days before Christmas. Kiana strolls into Kiandra's nursery to check on her. She breathes a sigh of relief after noting that she is still asleep. This gives her free time to start packing everyone's bags.

She quietly enters Bryan's room hoping not to wake him up. "Mom!" he squeals not aware that his screaming has startled his poor mother who expected him to still be asleep.

"Bryan...did I wake you sweetie?"

"No...I was just pretending to be asleep," he simpers mischievously.

"Why are you up so early?"

"I couldn't sleep...I can't wait to get to grandma Monroe's house," he squeals.

"Aww...you love your grandma don't you?"

"Yes I do," he grins widely

"More than you love mommy?" She raises her brow.

She watches with amusement as confusion shows in little Bryan's expression.

"You don't have to answer that...I was just kidding," she playfully ruffles his hair.

"Do you want to help mom pack your things so we can finish quickly and get to grandma's fast?"

"Yes...what must I do mommy?" he eagerly questions.

"I will pull out things from your closet and you will receive them and nicely put them inside the suitcase...can you do that?" She bends low to his height.

"I think so,"

Seconds drift into minutes and before they know it, they are done. Kiana gives Bryan a quick bath and by the time he finishes dressing up they hear baby Kiandra crying.

"Mommy...Kiandra is crying," Bryan informs her as if she couldn't hear her cry herself.

"She is hungry....let's go fetch her," she responds as she ushers him along the corridor and into Kiandra's nursery.

"Oh! I wasn't expecting to see you here," she utters to her husband whom she expected to still be in bed. Her lips quirk in a chuffed smile for the sight of Bryce cuddling a baby in his arms still gives her goose bumps. He is a handsome man and a wonderful father, she thanks heavens for him every single day.

"I can't believe you didn't wake me up," he pouts.

"Daddy..." Bryan runs to hug his father's legs.

"Hey there young man." He hangs his head down to stare at his son with one hand ruffling his hair.

"You have no idea how cute you look when you are asleep. I just couldn't interfere with that beautiful sight." She gives him a silly smile before taking the baby from him.

"She needs to feed," she mentions.

"I will go and make some milk and porridge," he offers.

"Are you sure?" she thoroughly glances at him.

"Yeah...it's no problem...just carry on with whatever you were doing," he reassures.

"Daddy....I don't want milk and porridge for breakfast. I want bacon and Vienna's," Bryan protests.

Kiana and Bryce exchange glances before giggling at their son's protest.

"Milk and porridge is for the baby and as for you..,"

"You can have whatever you like," Kiana completes her husband's sentence.

"Oh great...but why does Kiandra have to eat milk and porridge like all the time. Why can't she have some bacon and sausages for a change?" He blankly questions.

"I will leave you to answer him," she smiles as she walks away.

While Bryce watches the kids Kiana finishes packing their suitcases and takes a shower.

When she emerges downstairs, she is pleasantly surprised when she finds breakfast ready for everyone.

"Aww babe, you are the sweetest husband any woman can ever wish for," she plants a quick kiss on his lips.

She grabs a chair and devours the tasty breakfast that her husband prepared for her. She glances at everyone around her, from her dashing husband her eyes drift to their first born child and then to their bubbly little daughter. She is overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness.

The beautiful family she has still feels too good to be real.

Bryce reaches for her hand and fondly squeezes it, this shakes her out of her thoughts. Her cheeks dimple in a smile.

"Honey you should go and bath now...I will just bath the baby and then change afterwards," she suggests.

"Sure,"

"Try and be quick.. remember we promised mother we would get there in time for lunch."

"It's 8: 30am sweetheart and mother's place is only three hours away. Don't worry yourself,"

"Let's try to leave before 9:30, we can't drive three hours non stop when we have kids with us. We will have to stop at least every hour so the kids can give their butts a break," she giggles.

"Okay sweetheart, whatever you say," he shouts on his way to the bathroom.

"Mommy can I help you bath baby Kia?" Bryan enthusiastically requests.

"Of course, I would love nothing more," she responds and follows by leading him to the main bathroom.

Soon everyone is dressed up and ready to leave.

Bryan can't contain his excitement as he climbs into the back seat of his dad's car. He is not only excited about going to his grandma's place but he loves to be on a road trip with his family as well as the idea of being in a whole new different environment.

There is a plastic bag full of goodies that is on the seat next to Bryan, he is free to snack on anything in there anytime he feels hungry. Kiana packed his favourite fruits, potato crisp and a few candy.

"Watch over your little sister," Kiana utters to him while fastening the baby's car seat.

"Okay mommy," he quickly agrees.

Bryce takes the wheel and the journey begins. They make their first stop by the fuel station to fill their tank thereafter they hit the highway at a safe speed keeping in mind they have children in the car.

Bryce flashes his wife an admiring smile, "What's that smile for?" She asks with the corners of her mouth creasing.

"I know you had your own plans for Christmas this year and my mother can be a little controlling and persistent. Thank you for making her wish come true. I want you to know that I appreciate this very much."

"Oh honey, it's nothing at all besides our son is super excited about spending Christmas at his nana's place," she replies.

They stop along the way for a couple of minutes. Bryce takes his son to the restroom whilst Kiana nurses the baby. They manage to get to Monroe's house just in time for lunch.

"Mommy look," Bryan excitedly peers through the window at the beautiful Christmas decorations on the front porch.

"Wow someone's Christmas spirit is on another level," Kiana comments turning to her husband.

"When I was growing up it used to be just the two of us for Christmas and although we always had fun she longed for more. The more the merrier and this year she has kids coming to her house for Christmas all the more reason for her to get in high spirits." He mentions as he steps out of the car.

Kiana takes another look at the beautifully decorated porch. The pre lit cordless greenery flickers and the velvet ribbon on the wreaths along with the cheerful red accents gets her in mood for a merry Christmas.

Bryan marvels at the white and red deer's that are decorated along the walkway as well as the lanterns and the battery operated cordless Christmas trees.

On the front door, a pile of lighted gift boxes gets baby Kiandra's attention and she starts babbling and squealing.

Bryce knocks on the door and Monroe eagerly rushes to the door. She pulls them in a hug one by one ending with baby Kiandra whom she takes into her arms.

"Aww you have no idea how happy I am to have you here with me," she beams before shifting her attention to the baby. "My very own granddaughter.. I can't wait for you to grow up so we can play doll tea party together," she muses.

Kiana and the children settle in while Bryce moves the bags from the trunk into the house.

The indoor decorations are amazing and heart warming. There are Christmas socks hung on the fireplace with their names embroidered on them.

"Look daddy...there is a Christmas stocking with my picture on it," Bryan points at the stocking.

"I can see that...how sweet of grandma,"

"Wow...I can't believe you did all of this, It's beautiful mother," Kiana compliments.

"Oh it's nothing, an old lady like me has nothing to do. I had to find a way to keep myself busy," she utters.

"Still..it was thoughtful and I appreciate it," she smiles.

"Oh don't get too soft on me.. let's get lunch ready for these gentlemen," she ushers her into the kitchen.

"Ooh wow...looks yummy," Kiana gushes at the dishes waiting to be carried to the dining table.

Among the dishes is linguine with bacon and peaches, chicken wraps with cheese and celery, Turkey meatballs, lunch kebabs and a Greek yoghurt chicken salad.

"It sure feels like Christmas already," Kiana grins as she struts out of the kitchen with a tray in her hands.

Monroe requests everyone to hold hands as she says grace. They relish the delicious food while savoring its taste.

"Wow babe...I have never seen you cram down my cooking the way you are gobbling down Monroe's food." She teases.

He pauses eating to guiltily glance at her, "I'm sorry sweetheart it's got nothing to do with the cooking.. I'm just exhausted and starved," he flashes her a reassuring smile and continues, "You know I love your cooking,"

"Bryce has always enjoyed my cooking ever since he was a child and besides I'm older than you Mrs. Adams that means I have more cooking experience than you," Monroe adds.

"Mother! It is not a competition," Bryce is alarmed.

"I'm happy to learn more from you Monroe," she flutters her eyelids. Monroe is pleased by Kiana's response, she turns to her son and smiles at him,

"You picked a good wife my son, she is so humble and above all she honours and respects the woman who conceived her husband," she simpers.

Bryce takes Kiana's hand into his and squeezes it gently while casting her an adoring grin.

Kiana clears the table and washes the dishes after lunch.

"Mother! Can you watch the kids for a few minutes?" Requests Bryce.

"Is everything okay?" She arches her brows.

"Yes...I just want to treat my wife out for ice cream or some milk shake," he responds.

"Oh babe you don't have to, I'm sure there is ice cream in the house, I don't want to trouble Monroe," Kiana declines.

"Nonsense! It's no trouble at all, I would love some alone time with my grandkids that's the only way we can truly bond and besides the two of you deserve some quality time alone without the kids interfering. I'm sure you haven't had that chance for a while now," she insists.

"Come on now love, I deserve to have you all to myself for a change," he winks mischievously.

"Okay...okay... let's go but we shouldn't take too long," she says.

They check in at a nearby ice cream parlor and order gelato's.

It feels good to be out just the two of them, "This feels refreshing, we should do this more often," Bryce suggests.

"But who will watch the kids for us?" Kiana falters.

"That's what baby sitters are for,"

"But babe, I thought we talked about this. I'm not comfortable with trusting a total stranger to be in our home alone with our children,"

"Kiana! Is it really about that or there is more to it?" He turns agitated.

"Why would you ask me that?" She gapes.

"I don't know..." he pauses to sigh deeply.

"I feel like you don't care about having some time alone with me, all you seem to care about is our kids. Don't get me wrong I love that you adore our children but they shouldn't be your first priority. You can't neglect our marriage because of them,"

"What are you talking about?"

"Sweetheart...you no longer have time for me, even our s*x life has turned really bad,"

"That's because I will be tired babe," she defends.

"So let's get someone to help us, you need to learn to trust someone with our kids. That's the only way we can get time to ourselves. We can't go on like this forever, these children are not going to grow up tomorrow. It's going to be years until we can leave them on their own,"

"You are not a mother you can't understand."

"Fine...if you don't want to hire some help then let's ask my mother to come and live with us," he proposes.

"What?.. Absolutely not!" she gapes.

"Why not?"

"I can give you ten reasons why,"

"Okay give me three,"

"We need our privacy, second they can't be peace in a house with two women fighting over control and lastly I don't want to ruin my relationship with my mother in law. Living with her will make me aware of all her weaknesses and my flaws will also be exposed to her," she frantically utters.

There is tension between them and uncomfortable silence. She hangs her head down feeling emotionally distressed.

It pangs his heart to see his wife looking so gloomy, he reaches for her hand and tilts her head up using his fingers.

"I'm sorry...I didn't ask you out here to depress you...I promise I won't bring out the subject or any complaints until next year," he utters.

"Next year is less than ten days away," she chuckles.

"I know...so let's make the best of the remaining days of this year," he smiles.

"I would love that,"

"So how about we book a hotel for a good thirty minutes," he naughtily wiggles his eyebrows.

"I will race you out the door," she says while biting her lips.

As soon as they are behind closed doors, he pins her to the door and they rip their clothes off. They kiss intensely and hungrily, their temperature rises as they let our their inner beasts.

He grabs her waist and lifts her up, she wraps her legs around his hips. They carry on kissing like people on fire. He throws her on the bed and explores her body with his soft caressing hands.

They keep building the heat with kisses and touches. Her hands trail through his hard and defined muscular chest. He cups her breasts into his hands and caresses them gently.

They switch positions, she gets on top and shows him the s*x goddess that she is. She nibbles his ears and flashes him a mischievous smile. The passion and desire in her eyes make his blood rush. Her eyes linger on his as she runs her hands through his hair.

She wraps her legs around him and shows him that she wants him right then and there. She pays attention to his erogenous zones while guiding his hands towards the areas she needs touched.

Chest to chest they gently straddle, he sucks on her neck but not too hard to leave any hickeys. She nibbles his ears while moaning and breathing into them.

Bryce's phone starts vibrating, its his mother calling. "Pick it up, it might be important," she urges.

He reluctantly picks up, "Mother," he clears his throat.

"I thought you said you won't be gone for too long. How come you are still not back? Kiandra needs her mother," she squawks.

"We will be there shortly mother," he hangs up.

"Okay, we have five minutes," he whispers to her.

"Make them count," she chuckles.

"With pleasure," he responds as he enters her and thrusts hurriedly, going deeper and vigorous with each stroke.

Their fingers are intertwined as they move together in rhythm. Her body wiggles from underneath his as she relishes in the sensual and pleasurable moment.

She starts pulling her hair and moaning uncontrollably as he gives her all of him. She explodes from the inside as c*m oozes from her body.

He soon follows with a loud scream of overwhelmed pleasure and satisfaction.

"Oh baby!!!" He shouts as he slumps his head onto the pillow, he has sweat all over his face and body.

"That was fun," she contentedly grins.

"I wish we could just cuddle in bed for a little while but we have to dress up and head back to the kids," she adds as she ducks out of the bed and starts dressing up.

"Sweetheart I need a few minutes to catch my breath," he lingers on the bed and doesn't make an effort to leave it.

"But you heard Monroe," she gapes

"I know my mother, she is just feeling lonely and bored. I never even heard Kiandra crying,"

"Still... we have been gone for nearly two hours. I should head back and help prepare dinner," she insists as she grabs his hand and drags him out of the bed.

He gives up and slips into his clothes and they exit the hotel.

He keeps leering at her as he drives back to the house, although she is staring out the window she can feel his burning gazes.

She turns around to protest, "you are making me uncomfortable. Why are you staring at me like that?" she chortles.

"I'm just in awe... you were amazing, does that make me a bad person to appreciate my wife's inner beast?" He bites his lower lip.

"No... I just wanted to let you know that I heard you. I really have let the children get in the way of our love life and I'm so sorry for that. I promise from now on I will find a way to avail myself to you emotionally and sexually," she takes his hand into hers.

His eyes crinkle as his face brightens with amusement. "Thank you...so...does that mean tonight I can count on a repeat of what we just had in that hotel room?" he wiggles his eyebrows.

"Nooo! We are not having s*x under your mom's roof."

"Oh come on, we are going to be here for three nights. We can't be booking hotels yet we will be sharing a bed every night. We are married, mom knows that." He gripes.