I groaned as I felt the bed jostling, voices whispering in our semi-dark room. It was still early, barely any sun poking through the curtains. I rolled my groggy body toward the sound of Kash speaking to his dad. 

"Come on, Dad. It's not that early," Kash sighed. 

I lifted my head and scooted into Colt's arms. "Someone is up early this morning. Wonder why?"

Kash's little shoulders fell in defeat. Did he really think I forgot?

"I just…" he stammered. "I was too excited to sleep."

I hummed in amusement as I dragged his Jurrasic Park pajama clad body over Colt's and tucked Kash between us. "What in the world would you be excited for today?" I teased.

"Corri," Kash whined, his brow crinkling a little. 

"Are you excited because it's Saturday and you don't have to go to school?"

"I like school," his quiet voice countered. "All my friends are there."

"Ohhh," I added exaggeratedly as I snuggled him in my arms. "So you must be excited to spend the day with me and your dad then."

He groaned again and buried his face in his dad's neck. "Come on…" he pleaded with his dad as I could barely keep from laughing. 

Colt could only shake his head and smile. "Is there something going on today that you have to be excited about?" Colt prodded.

"You really don't remember?" Kash frowned, his gaze bouncing between us.

Colt and I glanced at each other with furrowed brows and curious stares. "I can't think of anything…"

Completely exasperated with our little joke, Kash stood up in the middle of our bed and began bouncing. "It's only the best day of the year!"

"Christmas? Easter? Fourth of July? Halloween?" Colt and I took turns calling out each holiday. 

"No!"

Colt reached up and pulled his son into his arms. He pressed a kiss to the top of his messy blond hair and sighed deeply. "Of course we know it's your birthday, buddy. We could never forget that."

Kash squirmed against us as we peppered his neck with tickles and his body with hugs. I couldn't stop the huge grin on my face as I watched them laugh and laugh until tears leaked from their eyes. Once we caught our breath, Colt sent Kash off to the kitchen with a promise to make some special birthday chocolate chip waffles and Kash couldn't have been more ready. 

Once the door closed, Colt was rolling over me, pinning me down with his muscular body and forcing my eyes to meet his. "Thank you," he murmured before letting his lips find my neck.

"For?" I prompted, tilting my head and enjoying the feel of his kisses on my skin.

He hummed wistfully from deep in his throat. The sound was growly and gravelly from sleep. I held my breath as he dusted little love bites down the column of my throat, slowly making his way to my t-shirt covered breasts.

He lifted his head and gazed at me with a twinkle in his moss-colored eyes. "Thank you for always being patient with him. You never seem to get flustered with the fact that we are rarely alone. And this party...you've done so much…"

I cut him off with a quick press of my lips to his. "Never thank me for doing things I enjoy."

Colt smirked in that devilish way of his and I had to giggle. "Speaking of things I enjoy," he murmured before pulling down my already stretched out tee. "Oooh," he breathed hard, feasting his eyes on my breasts as they spilled out over the neckline. "I've missed these."

I released a breathy laugh as I fell back onto the mound of pillows behind me. "How could you miss them when you held them all night long?" I mused softly as his tongue swept a circle around each areola.

Colt pressed my breasts together and peered up at me, his lips resting between my nipples. "Well sure I held them in my sleep, but I didn't get to taste them." He paused to lick each nipple and then added. "Or taste you anywhere else."

I gasped as Colt started kissing his way down my body. He seemed charged up today. We had gone to bed late, staying up to finalize all the plans for today's party. Exhaustion had hit us both hard and we had fallen right to sleep as soon as our bodies hit the mattress. 

As soon as Colt began tugging at my pajama bottoms, I curled my hand around his chin and drew his face back to mine. "We can't," I whimpered sadly. "You promised Kash waffles and I have so much to do before everyone gets here."

Colt grinned as he began shimmying out of his own pj pants while still easing mine down. "All the more reason to take the time for ourselves this morning. This is gonna be a long day, filled with kids squealing and me having to play nice with all the adult guests. I mean...you invited Beau for fuck's sake!"

I laughed and was caught off guard by Colt's quick, deep thrust. "Fuck," he hissed softly. "Just let me have you for a few minutes. Let me love you hard so we can start this day off right."

His eyes were pleading even as his hips had stilled. His body was shaking with need. His teeth sunk into his lower lip as he waited for my reply. I knew if I said no, he'd stop it. But he was right. We needed this time so we could get through the day. And I wanted him just as badly. 

I gyrated my hips in a circle and nodded almost imperceptibly. Without hesitation, Colt thrust forward, spreading me wide for him. He gripped the top of the headboard, his muscles flexing above me. "Tell me you want this," he begged, still holding back that friction I needed. 

I peered up at him and sighed. My fingers scraped over his sculpted stomach, trailing up to his wide shoulders. "I want this, Colt. I always want you."

That's all it took.

Pelvis to pelvis, Colt grinded tightly into me, making the most delicious friction between us. He took me fast and hard, his body sending electric jolts to every part of me.. Only minutes later, we were both shaking, our bodies so close to release. Whether it was from the lack of lovemaking from the previous night or the intensity of his body wound so tightly over me, I was soaring into my climax before I knew what hit me. 

"Baby," Colt groaned as he lowered his forehead to mine, his hips still pumping as my orgasm faded away. "I love you," he whispered softly as the tension in his body melted away and his arousal jerked inside me. 

We both panted hard, the whirlwind of a fast fuck taking our breath away. "Wow...that was just...wow," I sputtered. 

Colt eased out of me slowly and pulled me into his arms. "Sorry if that was too quick," he admitted breathlessly, embarrassment coloring his cheeks. "That was really intense. I just couldn't hold back."

I squeezed him reassuringly, then smiled up at his worried face. "Fast is good sometimes. Intense is good, too. Don't feel bad. I love everything you do to me, baby. Don't ever forget that."

Colt's face immediately brightened, making it obvious that I had removed any doubt he had. "I'm so lucky," he murmured into my hair as he held me against his bare chest. 

"I think we're both lucky," I giggled against his neck. Because we were. Everything just felt right.

…

"So what do you think of all this?" I beamed, glancing over the flurry of activity in our backyard.

Beau scowled as his eyes drifted to the giant inflatable slide set up in the center of the yard, with its long line of children waiting to ride it. "There's so many kids here," he commented, his lip turning up with a sneer.

I chuckled as we stood side by side, tipping back cans of hard cider. "Well this is a kid's party, man."

Beau nodded and took another swig. "Well no offense to Kash, because he's cool for a little kid, but I'm not sure how I got invited to this thing."

I laughed again and slapped him on the back. "Come on, Beau. You gotta know that Corri wanted you here. You're like her best friend."

Beau crinkled his nose at the term, friend. I watched his gaze trail over to where she stood, manning a photo booth complete with props and documenting all the fun. "And you're okay with that now? I mean with me and her? Because you've had a problem with it in the past," he asked cautiously. 

I nodded, knowing he was right. And he had called me out on it before because even when he was just being a good friend to my girl, I still gave him shit for it. But I was done being an idiot.

"I know I never really said it before, but thank you. You've been there for Corri a few times now. And you're right, I always assumed the worst. But I appreciate everything you've done for her and that you respect the fact she chose me."

Now it was Beau's turn to laugh. "Dude, I never had a chance. She has always loved you. I was just foolish enough to believe she could ever feel that way for me."

"She cares about you. A lot. And I guess that's what sets me off sometimes. You two have known each other a long time. But we're not competing for Corri. She's with me and I'm done screwing that up."

"And Katrina?" he mused, giving me a hard stare. 

I felt a tightness in my chest when I thought back to a few hours ago when Katrina had called me from Vegas and admitted she wouldn't be making it back in time for Kash's party. I could see the disappointment in his eyes before the anger struck. He was so tired of being let down by her. And I was tired of trying to excuse her behavior. I let out a sigh of relief when I saw him running around with his school friends. I knew deep down he was probably upset, but for now he was having a blast. And that was all that mattered. 

"She's still screwing up. Couldn't make it today. But at least she's not trying to take him from me. And the arrangement we've worked out says I get him the majority of the time. So it's good. For now."

Beau nodded slowly. I'm sure he understood as well as I did that this situation was temporary and as soon as Katrina decided she wanted her son back, there wouldn't be much I could do. 

While we spoke, I noticed how his gaze drifted to an unfamiliar blonde, who was presently fawning over Ally's baby. "Your date is very striking. Where did you meet her?"

I was met with a scowl and an eye roll as Beau stepped away to grab us two more ciders. "No way, man. We aren't doing this."

"This?" I echoed. "What would this be?"

Beau groaned lowly and went back to staring at the mysterious woman. "Discussing my life like we're a couple of chicks. And she is not my date," he added defensively.

Suddenly the thought of riling him up made me deliriously happy. "So you won't mind if Jason takes a shot then?"

I could see the way his whole body stiffened when he too noticed Jason approaching Ally and the woman Beau brought to the party. He stood close as he tickled Tiana under her chin. His gaze shifted back to me when he noticed me watching him closely. "She's free to see who she wants," Beau muttered unconvincingly. 

I knew Beau was full of shit. Whoever this woman was, she had his full attention. His jaw was working overtime, grinding hard as he held himself back from approaching them. For some reason, he wasn't giving anything away. Even to her, even when she turned and caught him staring a hole in Jason's head. 

"Dad!" Kash came barreling toward me full force, nearly knocking me down with his enthusiasm. "Corri said I can open the presents now if it's okay with you! Is it okay?" His words tumbled out of his mouth so quickly that I couldn't stop laughing. 

"Of course, but did you say hi to Beau yet?"

Beau swung his attention back to us, crouching down to give Kash an elaborate fist bump that I was sure they had spent some time working on. "Hi, Beau! Did you see the slide? Look how huge it is!"

"I did see it," Beau responded enthusiastically. "I think I need to try that bad boy out."

Kash's eyes went wide, wildly impressed at Beau's admission. "Really?" he gasped. "None of the other adults have done it yet."

Beau smirked. "Well obviously none of them are as cool as me."

I allowed Kash to drag me towards the gift table after shooting Beau a look that said we would discuss that woman later. I could see how he couldn't stop his eyes from veering in her direction. When she approached him with a coy smile, he seemed much more at ease. 

…

"Happy birthday, dear Kash-ash….happy birthday to you-ou!"

I saw the way Kash's gaze roamed around the faces of his party guests. He was hesitating to make his wish. "Go ahead," I encouraged quietly from beside him. "Make your wish."

His wistful expression made me wonder if his wish had to do with his mother. I made my own wish that as our son turned seven, she would make an effort to do better and not continue to let him down. When the party-goers cheered and Corri slid in beside me, I was distracted from my sad thoughts. "Everything okay?" Corri whispered as she stepped into my embrace. 

"I think it will be," I tried to assure her. Although I knew there was no way to be sure. I pressed a quick kiss to her temple and squeezed her tightly to my side. Even that slightest bit of concern from her had me feeling more assured.

Her eyes lingered on me for a moment before leaning over Kash and presenting him with the first cupcake from iced creation formed into a twirling race track. His friends were bouncing with excitement as she continued to pass out plates of the overly sugary concoction. I saw the happiness in my son's eyes and tried to push away any doubt I had about the future.

…

I sighed deeply later that night as I began to tackle the sink full of dirty dishes and all the leftover food that still needed to be put away. It was a small price to pay to see my boy so happy. It had taken some convincing to tear him away from all his new gifts so that he could get ready for bed. But now that he was sleeping peacefully in his room, it was time to get busy cleaning. 

"Colt," Corri whimpered from behind me.

I swung around to find her leaning against the doorway, my phone in hand and a devastated look on her face. I wiped my soap covered hands on the dish towel slung over my shoulder as I rushed to her. "What is it? What happened?" I demanded. 

Corri continued to stare down at my phone, her eyes wide and fearful. "I answered your phone...I thought it was mine."

I nodded quickly, knowing we had the same phone and often got them mixed up. "That's okay, baby. Who called?"

She blinked up at me and shook her head. "You need to call her back," she told me with a shaky voice, thrusting the phone into my hands."

I scanned the phone log for the last call and furrowed my brow in confusion. "Katrina's aunt. What did she want?"

"Just call her."

I turned to lean my back against the kitchen counter, sagging a little under the weight of my confusion. Why wouldn't Corri just tell me what happened?

"Colt?" Maria answered on the first ring. Her voice had me worried. I'd known the woman for years and there wasn't much that could rattle her. But something in the way she spoke my name told me that something was very wrong.

"What is it, Maria? What happened?"

"Oh, Colt," she sighed deeply. "I hate this. I was afraid it was coming but I still can't believe it."

"What happened? Please," I begged, no longer able to handle not knowing.

"It's Katrina. She...Colt, she overdosed in Vegas." Her voice was cracking, tears were being choked back.

"Fuck," I cursed, blowing out the breath I'd been holding. "How is she? Do you need me to fly out? Bring her home?"

There was silence on the other end and fear and dread surrounded me. I could feel Corri wrapping her arms around my midsection, her arms banding tightly around my back. I swallowed thickly, my voice barely working as it clogged with emotion. "She...she's gone?" I croaked.

Maria could only cry in response. I couldn't wait for her to pull herself together long enough to reply to me, so I ended the call. Corri pulled my cell from my hands and placed it on the counter. "I'll call her back later and see what we need to do," she assured me.

I tried to wriggle out of her embrace, but it only made Corri latch on tighter. "Let him sleep, Colt. Let him have one more night of being a little boy who loves his mother so fiercely. Then in the morning, we can tell him...together."

I let my head fall into the crook of Corri's neck, accepting her comfort and refusing to push her away as I had done in the past. I tried to focus on her hands gripping me, her smell surrounding me, and her voice soothing me. We didn't speak, but I couldn't if I had tried. The loss of Katrina left me with my greatest fear. 

There was a strong possibility that I could lose custody of my son.