Charles & Darlene

It took what seemed like forever, but I finally allowed him to lower the bow down, though I didn't let go of my grip on it. I could fell myself shaking a little, feel the sting of tears in the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I looked at Jon, glaring at him. "You might be alive... but you're dead to me. Don't... ever speak to me," I said and turned around before walking away.

Ezra

"You better honor her request Jon. In fact, I'd be pretty happy if you didn't talk to me either."

Darlene

"Wait, what was she talking about?"

Jon

"That's none of your concern."

Darlene

"Are you alright?" I asked him.


"Come on...let's go to the Mess Hall." I told Darlene, putting my hand on her lower back.

"Gladly," I said and got the girls from Pepper before going with him.

Darlene

"No," I said quietly.

Jon

"I'll go home with you if you want." I was almost whispering when I spoke "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I deserved it. And more. I would like that... but you don't have to."

Jon

"I know I don't. Let's go." I said and and took his hand as he walked back towards his cabin.

We got the kids home and in bed, then sat down on the couch to wait for Mason. "That was fun, but it's good to be home."

"I think we're getting old, Babe."

I laughed softly and leaned against him. "Maybe. But I feel wonderful. Things are perfect here."

"If you're happy then I'm happy."

"I'm very happy," I said and kissed him.

I got home and it looked like Dad and Darlene were still awake. I went inside and they were both sitting there "Hey, the kids in bed?"

"Yeah, they went straight to bed when we got home. How was your night?" 

"It was really good, I had a good time. What about you guys?"

"We had a good time too. So... tell me about Carolina."

I smiled a little "Not much to tell I guess. She's a single mom and expecting again in a few months. She used to be married to Blake Kyle but they divorced and her second husband died trying to get her out of Kampfer."

"I knew all that. Tell me something I don't know. Did you enjoy... spending time with her?" 

I looked between her and my Dad "As in sex? I haven't made it that far yet."

"Mason!" I shook my head. "That is not what I meant." 

I couldn't help but chuckle and shake my head slightly "Mason. Don't do that to your step mother."


"What did I do?" I grinned. "You guys should just ask me what you want to know. I'll tell you."

"You know exactly what you did. I asked if you enjoyed spending time with her, not if you had sex with her. Though I do want to know what your intentions are. Do you like her?" 

"Yeah, I like her. I like Logan too, he's a good kid."

I nodded slowly. "Do you think things will get... serious with you two?"

I hope. "I guess I'll just have to wait and see. She's been through a lot so I don't want to overwhelm her or anything."

I nodded again. "And how do you feel about the kids? If things do get serious, I mean, taking on the stepdad roll?"