The kids come to Texas.
1307 Words
Josephine
Charles texted me that Ben had arrived safely and...Angelina had stowed away on the jet.
I tried to contact Ben, his phone was off, it seemed. I was angry at him for that.
He was distancing himself from me, it was what I had once wanted, but now, I missed him very much.
My father and mother arrived with the kids. They were so happy to be at home. But very disheartened that daddy wasn't there to greet them.
I hugged Estella and kissed her head warmly. "Why did dad have to go away again?" she had tears, thinking it was because of her.
" I'm sad too pretty girl. He just had some business that's all. But...tell me all about Disneyland!"
Her face lit up, as she told me all about it.
Little Elijah was sleeping in grandma's lap. He wore himself out on the plane ride over.
" Mom, let me tuck him into his bed." She nodded.
I smiled seeing how happy she looked just holding this little boy. I softly put him into bed and covered his warm little boy body up.
The other boys ran off chasing Arturo to the new barn, excitedly.
" We should talk daughter." She told me as she shut the door quietly.
" Where are Charles and Ben?" She looked worried.
" Mexico, together." I looked down, biting my lip nervously.
My mother laughed.
" Two men, your one loving heart. Everything will be fine my dear. Zerano told me so. And...you are going to have children, lots of children." She rubbed my belly.
" Mother, it really doesn't take Zerano to figure that out, look around you." I smiled and hugged her.
My father entered and sat next to mom. "We aren't staying, Arturo is setting things up here with the staff and we leave in the morning.
Apparently Ben gave him strict instructions.
Charles father called me just now, he's taking over security at the house. Ben asked him to do this. Jo, is he in great danger?"
I stood up, wringing my hands.
" There's a ten million dollar bounty on Manuel Ortega's head for the return of Angelina to her father, he's a powerful and dangerous lawyer for the cartel.
They believe he had the woman who kidnapped Ben, Grislan murdered.
Angelina doesn't know who her real father is, she was just a toddler when she was kidnapped.
Daddy, I'm scared to death for both of them. Charles promised he will look after Ben. I made him promise me. I'm a total wreck."
I looked out in the yard, as Arturo was marching back to the house, 5 little Ben's behind him lined up like ducklings.
Arturo spotted me and told the boys to get washed up. They all saluted him," Yes sir, yes sir." they all said.
Arturo rubbed sweat off his head and smiled at me. "Can you look any prettier?" He said for my ears alone.
I was standing in his large shadow, though I did notice he had slimmed down.
I looked up at him, shielding my face from the sun as we stood face to face on the large deck.
" Are you coming with us to Oregon Arturo?" I hoped.
" Yes, he made me promise to look after you, specifically you, not the kids, you Jo." He grinned.
" See he does love you Arturo, no longer head nanny then?" I put my arm in his. "Let's go for a walk, come with me please." I said.
He stood very still for a moment.
" Not like that Arturo, I have my hands full with men right now." I jabbed his rib.
He wiped his head again.
" Not that I would have minded Jo, it's just that I am his best friend. I could never cross that line with you boss, lady."
I put my head on his shoulder and held his arm.
" I want to know what's in his devious brain. Why divorce me now, before he left?" I looked up at my giant bodyguard.
He shifted his pants and adjusted his gun in it's holster at his chest.
" He wants to protect you from Angelina's father. These Southern cartel are no joke.
They are big into revenge. He would kill you and Manuel's kids for sport Jo."
I nodded. "I thought so. I want to go to Mexico, to help him somehow."
" No disrespect ma'am, but no f*****g way, I have orders to use any means to keep you safe."
I let go of his arm. "Arturo, don't you dare threaten to hurt me!" I yelled, pointing my angry finger at him, jabbing his gut.
I turned around fuming at his words, "by any means." I mimicked him.
I began to stomp away.
" Stop Jo, wait." He ran after me and grabbed my shirt.
" Wait please. Jo, I love you. I would never hurt you again, I swear it. I'm just telling you what is expected of me. Please Jo, don't be angry." He looked distressed as he held the back of my shirt in his big fingers.
I sighed and turned towards him, hugging him tightly.
" Ok, I love you too. Let's figure this all out together then."
He took my face in between his thick palms and kissed me all over like a puppy.
I threw my head back and laughed.
We went back to the house to get ready for dinner.
My father was setting the table. All the kids were sitting down, they had their little heads bowed down in prayer.
My mother was leading them and asking them to each take a turn.
I looked at my sister Brea. She smiled. Sophia was holding her hands together with her eyes closed tightly.
This was my family, my great big family and I loved it, every last bit of it.
I took my place next to David. He nudged me looking at Arturo.
" Number three now?" He murmured.
I nodded. " Yes, he's my third love." I smiled at him.
He squeezed my hand,"No I'm your third Jo, he's your fourth."
Brea kicked him under the table.
"Ouch!" He glared at her.
She gave him the death stare.
I lowered my head and giggled.
It was nice not to be alone.
***********
Later that night I got a phone call around 11pm.
" I need to speak to my husband, it's important Jo."
My mouth dropped open.
" Lana Hill?" I said surprised, not in a good way either.
" Yes, I need to talk to Charles, it's urgent Jo. Please. He's not taking my calls."
" Uh, of course he's not taking your damn phone calls!" I got up from bed and went to the bathroom shutting the door for privacy.
" Are you out of your f*****g mind calling ME?" I said angrily with a growl to my voice.
Arturo knocked on the door.
" Need me?" He said through the door.
I swung the door open and grabbed his shirt, pulling him in, shutting it again.
" Lana, there is nothing you can say to convince me to let you talk to my...well my Charles." I knew we weren't married, but he was mine.
Arturo's mouth made a big Oh.
" Pah, settle down off your high horse, it's between me and my husband, just put him on." She said, trying to manipulate me.
" No, not now, not ever!" I hung up on her. I was breathing very hard.
Arturo was planning on literally sleeping in the room with me.
He had just returnrd from making rounds on the ranch and came in to go to bed.
" That woman has a lot of nerve calling you boss."
I stared at my phone.
Lana texted me then.....
- Writer
