Jude’s truck pulled up in the driveway.
Raven kept working. If she greeted Jude at the door, since she was supposed to be merely a guest, the kids might become suspicious.
The door burst open, and the kids stampeded inside. They shucked off their boots, mittens, toques, and coats.
“Whoa. Whoa. Hold up. Hang your stuff.”
A smile tugged at Raven’s mouth, since Jude had used his authoritative tone.
“Well... hello...” Mrs. Matawapit’s voice carried into the living room. She probably stood in the main hall off the kitchen.
The kids dashed by the archway, most likely hurrying to their kokum.
Jude sauntered into the living room, grinning. He sat on the sofa beside Raven. “How’d your day go?”
“Pretty good.” Raven kept stitching. “How about you?”
“It’s pretty excellent now.” He kept grinning. “What’re you making?”
“Don’t say anything. It’s a secret. Moccasins for Rebekah and Noah. I hope to have them done when they get back from Kenora.”
“That’s when I plan on talking to them,” Jude murmured. “Maybe you can bring the gifts over on that Friday? I think it’s the best time to sit down together and have dinner with the kids.”
Raven’s heart fluttered. She was so close to life finally going her way. But there was the forum to address, the Monday after March break.
Chapter Thirty-two: We Can Make It
Mom yanked a wooden spoon from the cutlery drawer and used her hip to slam it shut. Then she attacked the jug of orange juice. With the amount of force the big wooden spoon generated through the liquid, a hurricane should erupt any second. Jude had expected a cocked brow from Dad when he’d told them Raven was staying at his place until the kids returned, not for Mom to be pissed.
“Can you keep it down? She’s in the spare room. She’ll hear you.”
“The kids have been through enough.” Mom kept attacking the jug like a tsunami ready to unleash its torment on a tiny island. “What if someone tells them what’s going on before you can?”
“I’m telling them Sunday night when I get them from the airport.” Why should Jude explain himself anyway?
Mom set aside the wooden spoon. She looked up, wiping her hands on a tea towel. “This couldn’t wait until after your annulment?”
“No.” Was she serious? “The annulment could take a year or two. The marriage tribunal has more red tape than the government.”
“We’re trying to teach the kids the obligations of Catholicism. And what you’re doing—”
“... happens to a lot of other Catholics.” Jude set his hand on the counter.
“Yes, it does, but...” She waved her hand in a dismissing manner. “Never mind. Your father and I already talked. He’s right.”
“Right?”
“He admitted he made a lot of mistakes with Emery and Bridget. He said he wasn’t going to do the same with you.” Mom capped the orange juice. “Understand, I like Raven. She’s been most helpful here, even when I ask her to relax because she has a full schedule. Work. School. Recovery meetings. This is my problem. Not yours.”
“And your problem is... ‘
She touched Jude’s cheek. “You’re not the only one upset about your divorce and what Charlene did.” The corners of Mom’s green eyes Emery had inherited wilted. “I wanted you to be happy—”
“Who says I’m not?” Mom’s palm on his cheek warmed Jude’s heart.
“You’re truly happy? You had it all...”
“And who says I can’t have it all here? I have my job. It doesn’t pay six figures, but what I earn is tax free, so I’m making a more than generous salary. I have a home. It’s not a fraction close to what Char and I had, but it’s free and a roof over my head. I can build one if I want to. The best part? I have full custody of the kids.” And he had Raven.
“Mom, I’m happy. Really, I am.”
“Okay.” She leaned in and pecked his cheek. “If you’re happy, then I’m happy.”
That was all that Jude needed to hear. He just had to pass his children’s test.
At his own home, Jude picked up the dinner dishes and set them on the kitchen counter. Raven also stood, retrieving the leftovers they’d cooked. Pork chops. Baked potatoes. Brussel sprouts. Nothing fancy, but it’d been a lot of fun preparing dinner. Now they’d clean up, since there wasn’t a dishwasher.
“They left without much fuss?” Raven asked for the third time.
“They’re fine. They gotta get used to it.” Jude filled the sink. He added a helping of dish soap. “I’m sure Charl will keep them busy. Stephen’s back from his meeting, so they’ll probably go to the movies.”
“Oh? What meeting?”
“School board.” Jude switched off the taps. He turned to meet Raven standing behind him. He wrapped her in his arms and drew her against his chest. “I’m glad you’re staying here. It’s been a rough week.”
“It has.” Raven rested her head on his shoulder. “The gossip hasn’t stopped.”
“I’m glad we finally have some alone time. It’s been busy but great having dinner with you every night. I lucked out, hey? Y’know, the kids wanting to eat at their grandparents’ all week.”
“It was awesome. It gave me a chance to know them. What do you think they’ll say when you tell them the truth?” She lifted her head.
“They’ll be fine.” He toyed with her braid. “Becky can hardly wait to finish her dream catcher.”
Pride had filled his heart when Rebekah had begged to make something after watching Raven work on the moccasins this week, so Raven had put aside her project and had shown not only Rebekah, but an eager Noah how to make dream catchers. The kids weren’t done yet. They’d wanted to take their crafts with them to Kenora, but Jude had urged them to keep the material at home in case they needed Raven’s help.
Raven had brought over her crafts. The moccasins she was working on rested in a bag beside the woodstove, along with her assignments from class.
“You’re a dictator.” She pecked his nose. “Giving out homework on Thursday before the March break.”
“Hey, the break’s the best time to tackle assignments. What’d you think I’m doing? Playing catch-up. What else?” Her slim body pressed against his was an invitation to whisk to the bedroom. But there was the DVD he’d purchased.
“I think you’ll like the movie I bought us.”
“Oh? Which one?”
“Indian Horse.”
“Indian Horse?” She grinned. “I never woulda expected you to watch something about the residential school. I saw it this summer. When we were in the city. Did you read the book? It’s excellent.”
“No, but I plan on to. Dad read it. He told me I’d really like it. I figured we’d watch that instead of Some Like It Hot.”
“Sounds kinky. A porn?” She giggled. “I do a mean imitation of a porn star.” She bumped her hips back and forth.
He swatted her luscious butt. “Not a porn. It’s a classic. Marilyn Monroe. You must’ve heard of her, at least.”
“Duh, who hasn’t?” She giggled again. “Miss Iconic Blonde. I’ve never watched any old movies.” She rubbed his nose. “Let’s watch it.”
“You’re on.”
And they did. Jude was as content as a trusted blanket wrapped around him to ward off the cold while they watched one of his favorite movies. Around eleven, while Raven washed up, Jude readied the queen-size bed he’d bought since his king couldn’t fit in the small bedroom. Plus, he’d wanted something new instead of what he’d previously shared with Charlene.
The thick duvet kept him warm during the chilly winter nights. He used flannel sheets because when he woke at six, he had to reload the woodstove, the fire having died down to ashes in the middle of the night. Very chilly. But he was used to waking to a cold floor and cold house. As long as the place was toasty before the kids woke, he was fine.
“Well, what do you think?” Raven’s husky voice scratched along Jude’s shoulders.
He turned. His cock thickened. The black teddy he’d bought her during their trip to Thunder Bay was cut high to elongate her already long legs. She did a little twirl to show off the sheer material riding high up her backside to give him a nice view of her sexy ass.
“I’d say I made a great purchase.” He shoved aside the pillows he’d fluffed and strolled about the bed.
“I’d say you did, too.” Her slim arms draped his shoulders.
He leaned in and slid his mouth along hers. They stood there for a few moments, simply kissing. It’d been ages since he’d last held Raven. But his hand couldn’t resist trailing up and down her bare back and exposed ass. Her flesh was warm and silky, urging him to explore.
He kept kissing her while cupping her bare buttocks. His cock was rock-hard. She grinded her crotch on his. He wasn’t the only horny one needing some action. Her tongue searched every inch of his mouth while he kept feeling up her nice ass. He traced her spine, and she shivered.
His cock sought out her warmth, and he caressed the hot, damp area that was an invitation to fuck. Her heat coated his prick with a fever. He kneaded her ass, pinching at Raven’s backside while she wiggled her hips.
He tugged at one of the flimsy straps to the teddy. She moaned into his mouth. Her breaths came fast, a groan of delight while continuing to bathe his tongue with slow licks. Her excitement was his excitement. He began peeling off the sheer material pasted to her sleek body.
Her mouth moved to his neck where she suckled. The wet trail she left on his throat was a tease to his cock. He lowered the teddy around her thighs, and she stepped from the sexy lingerie.
She edged her hands into his sweatpants and lowered them. His cock burst from its confinement. He traced her contracting abs and cupped her cunt. She moaned into his ear and licked at his lobe. Her sassy groans were enough to make him come. This woman was too sexy for her own good. He eased his finger between her slit and was greeted by ripe, wet heat. Her hips thrust, and he spread her pussy juice along the folds of flesh.
“Oh, Jude.” Her husky voice was an octave lower. “Fuck me. Fuck me—”
The hood of her clit had eased away. Her pussy lips were thick and wet, her cunt more than ready for him. She panted and groaned, calling out his name as he kept fingering her clit. Her hips rocked, gyrating in rhythm with his teasing strokes.
She humped his finger hard and fast, her groans filling the bedroom, calling out his name between heavy panting.
He expected her to wait a moment and savor what his finger had done to her, but Raven whipped about and slithered onto the bed. Her hands and knees braced the mattress. She raised her ass to him.
“Fuck me. Fuck me now,” she said hoarsely.
Cock throbbing, Jude scurried onto the bed. He settled behind Raven and grabbed her hips. He didn’t even get to ease his cock into her. She slid down his length and rocked back and forth along his prick.
He was close to bursting. Damn, she was horny. He fucked her hard. He didn’t let up until the head of his cock burst from his excitement.
* * * *
Raven kept her arm looped through Jude’s. The outdoor chill attempted to nip at any part of her body not covered. Still, this was winter, and any evening hovering around minus twenty was a good evening. The fresh scent of snow and the outdoors was the perfect way to wind down after a wonderful day since she’d started her Saturday by waking in Jude’s arms, before showering and heading for work.
Now they were making their way down the road, which earned them plenty of looks from the passing vehicles. But Jude would tell the kids once they returned from Kenora. There was no point in hiding their relationship anymore. After all, he’d stopped by on the lunch hour at the diner to tease her at the counter while enjoying his soup and sandwich, and tongues had wagged. Since he lived downtown, people had most likely spied Raven leaving his place that morning.
An evening stroll after a delicious dinner she’d brought home from the diner was the perfect way to work off bannock burgers smothered in cheese and bacon, French fries bathed in gravy, and key-lime pie for dessert. They’d gone all the way to the Grassy junction, a flat walk with a bit of a curve to the road. They were on their way back.
“Full?” She squeezed his fingers through her mittens.
“Very. But it was worth it. I can’t eat that stuff all the time. I’m too much like Dad. I’d blow up to the size of a beach ball.” He chuckled.
“That’s okay. I’ll eat enough for the both of us.” She couldn’t help teasing him.
“Yeah, you would. Bridget, she’s slim like Mom and Emery, but she has to watch what she eats, too. She curses Dad’s genes.”
“Really? I thought she was one of those naturally slim girls. She’s got the ballerina build.”
“She’s gotta—” Jude’s cell phone rang. “Hang on. It might be the kids. Hello.” He stopped, brows crinkling. “Walking.” He frowned, listening. “Look, I’m a good half hour away from the house. Can this wait?” His lips remained tight. “I’ll call you back... okay... bye.”
“You okay?”
“The ex. C’mon, we’d better get our butts in gear. She says it’s important.” Doubt lingered in his tone.
* * * *
After hanging up his coat and grabbing a cup of tea Raven had made, Jude shut the door to his room. The covers on the bed were pulled down and the pillows plumped, waiting for him and Raven to retire.
He sat on the edge of the bed and pressed Charlene’s contact button. She came up on the screen, looking the same as the last time they’d talked—tired, even defeated.
“What is it?” He sipped his tea. Raven was probably loading Indian Horse into the DVD player. They’d decided to watch the late Anishinaabe author Richard Wagamese’s book that had been made into a movie.
As usual, Charlene’s gaze roamed around. Regret filled his chest. He should’ve been more patient with her over the years, instead of wanting an answer right away. In some ways his ex-wife was a lot like Mom, a woman who held everything inside.
He’d wait to let her speak. Raven and Indian Horse weren’t going anywhere, and his new girlfriend understood his responsibilities to his family.
“I... I got some news today from the reserve.” Charlene’s voice was tinier than her natural little-girl pitch.
“My rez? This rez?”
Charlene nodded. She licked her lips. “Is she there?”
A wall of defense quickly built around Jude. “What’re you talking about?”
“Your new... new girlfriend.” She wouldn’t look at the camera.
The pain in Charlene’s blue eyes ruffled the former agony she’d handed to him after unearthing her affair. He fought to stamp down the fire rising in his gut and not spit out you got a lot of nerve. A helluva lot of nerve after what you did. I got every damned right to see who I wanna see. You threw in the towel on us. Not me.
Sending up a silent prayer that unwound the tension in his muscles, he managed to say in a controlled voice, “I told you we’d talk about it when I think it’s best. Being the mother of my children doesn’t include you in my personal affairs unless it impacts our kids. And right now, it isn’t.”
“I knew you’d be this way. You never listen.” Her jawline stiffened. She was going to withdraw into herself. There’d be hisses under her breath while she trounced around her home, a book maybe banged, perhaps some snapping at the children, and then she’d retire to bed, refusing to speak to anyone.
Jude wasn’t going to placate Charlene. He had a right to stand up for himself. “I listened and I answered.”
“Fine. Whatever.” She didn’t snap. She didn’t fade off into sadness. Her words were quiet resignation. “Goodnight.” She disappeared from the screen.
He rose off the bed, tossing the cell phone on the duvet. At least he’d spoken low enough so Raven might not ha
ve overheard. When he opened the door, Raven stood at the kitchen counter pouring some fresh drinks. The microwave hummed, popcorn cooking.
She glanced over her shoulder. “Everything okay?”
Her concern washed away the damage of Charlene’s phone call. He was starting a new life. There’d be no more paying penance for the old one. Yes, he could’ve been a better husband—more attentive, more sympathetic, a better listener, but he couldn’t take one hundred percent of the blame for his failed marriage. Charlene had to take fifty, and he had easily owned up to his fifty percent.
The woman at the counter with the long black hair, the sexy seductive eyes, the sensual body, and take-charge-take-no-shit attitude was who he wanted to introduce to his children. He wanted Raven to become a part of his life.
“Y’know something? I’m fine. Seriously.” He ambled up to her and wrapped his arms around Raven’s slim waist and pecked her cheek. He nuzzled her ear. “Ready for the movie?”
“Ready.” She giggled and bestowed a light kiss on his mouth.
“Then let’s put it on and enjoy ourselves. We got two more hurdles.”
“Two?”
“Yep, two. The forum. And telling my kids. I wanna forget for now and enjoy your company. You’re the best company I’ve had who’s older than twelve.”
They both burst out laughing.
Chapter Thirty-three: Trial by Fire
Jude finished off the last of the green and yellow beans. Noah continued to shove his veggies around on his plate. Rebekah, like the good girl she was, munched on hers.
“You gotta finish. No dessert if you don’t.” Jude pushed back his chair.
“They taste like wax.” Noah made a face.
“And how do you know what wax tastes like?” They really had to get a dishwasher, instead of having to scrape the plates and wash them. Jude switched on the taps.
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