Shackled (The Lord Series) by Carlos

The news of Senator Ross and my father killing each other has been the hot topic of the week. Apparently, my father kidnapped and killed Senator Ross' son, Malaky, and after a heated confrontation, they killed each other. While I haven't said anything, I know my men are behind this. They promised they would kill all those who had hurt me in the past. Some men buy jewelry to prove their love. My men give me the heads of my enemies. Only figuratively, because I'd have a meltdown seeing a head in the house.

I am so happy Malaky, and my father are dead. Because of them, so many people suffered or died. Not to mention what they did to me. Knowing they are six feet under makes me sleep like a baby.

The oven lets me know the shepherd's pie is ready. Tyson revealed to me that Jasper loved this dish when he was a child. I wanted to do something nice for Jasper because he spoils me daily. He's not the only one I'm making food for. The other night, Mose and I made kimchi together so Tyson wouldn't run out of his favorite snack. I got candies for Rueben and chocolate bars for Ansel. For Mose, it was a bit hard to find out what he likes, but it was Hellcniht who told me Mose likes Korean honey cakes. I have to admit that learning Mose prefers sweet desserts came as a shock since he only eats spicy food.

I got in the kitchen early in the morning since the weather today is going to be perfect for eating outside. Spencer mentioned the other night that he wanted a picnic with everyone. Grandma Khloe has been helping me throughout the morning. She left a few minutes ago to make sure the guys got everything else ready, like drinks, sun umbrella, chairs, table, and anything else we might need. If the water is warm enough, we might even get in the lake. I haven't swum in so long.

I put the sheet pan on the counter to check the pie. Before I can cut out a piece, Spencer bursts into the kitchen, Diva chasing after him.

"Mommy! Mommy! Help. Diva wants to eat me!" His giggles fill the kitchen.

I catch Spencer in my arms, lift him up, and start spinning him. I'm not scared that Diva will hurt him because since the day we returned from Malta, Diva and Spencer became best friends, but because I feel that the only safe place for Spencer is with me, in my arms.

"She's not the only one who wants to eat you," I say before covering his little face in kisses.

Spencer laughs louder. Diva barks as if telling me to let Spencer play with her a little more.

My heart is so full of happiness that I'm afraid it will explode. I never imagined, never dared hope, that I would ever live such a wonderful life. It's even better than the one I planned with Tyson. "Mommy, no! Don't kiss-eat me!"

I don't know how Spencer came up with kiss-eat, but it sounds about right.

"Then, I'll let Diva lick away all my kisses," I say before I press my lips to his cheek one more time.novelbin

"No! I don't want Diva to swallow your love."

I stop spinning since I'm dizzy, and I don't want to fall and risk hurting Spencer or the baby. I put Spencer on the counter, far away from the pie, so he won't accidentally burn himself and say, "No matter what, no matter where I am, I will always love you."

Spencer circles my waist with his arms and rests his head against my stomach. "I know you will. That's why you and Daddy left Heaven. To be with me."

I kiss the top of his head. When Spencer is older, if he still remembers this period of time, I'll tell him the truth. Not the bad parts, but that Tyson and I were forced to separate and that I was made to believe Spencer died. "Yes. Because we couldn't live without you," I say.

A small baby bump is starting to show and the guys take pictures of it daily. I pretend to be bothered about it, but secretly, I love how excited they are.

Spencer looks up at me. "Mommy, when will the baby get here?"

The other day, Tyson explained to Spencer about the baby. He is too little to understand how the baby can grow inside me.

"When the leaves turn yellow," I reply.

The date the doctor gave me for a due date for the beginning of November. It's a bit tricky since I haven't had a period in years, so he had to approximate based on the size of the baby. "Oh." Spencer sounds disappointed.

So I say, hoping to get him excited again, "Will you help me get the nursery and many other things ready for when the baby gets here?"

The vintage furniture Rueben chose for the nursery is absolutely adorable, and I don't plan to change it, but there are still a lot of items I need to buy. Grandma Khloe is helping me make a list. Spencer's eyes light up. "Yes!"

I smile. "Until then, how about you taste the shepherd's pie I made and let me know what you think."

"I hate tasting food," Spencer complains.

"It will be just a small bite," I promise as I grab a knife and a plate.

While I cut a small piece to put it on the plate, I keep my eyes on Spencer, afraid he will move and fall from the counter. I'm not the only one watching Spencer like a hawk. Diva is like a mother hen around him. Spencer is content to wait patiently.

Once I have pie on the plate, I grab a fork.

"Be honest," I say as I offer him a small bite.

Spencer chews the food with his eyes narrowed, taking his job as food taster very seriously. It takes about half of minute for him to say, "Grandma Khloe makes better food than you." Ouch!

"But...do you like it?"

Spencer shrugs, not giving me a reply. Maybe he doesn't want to hurt my feelings. "Can I go play with Diva?"