"Mum, can I talk to you?" Robin asks at the same time as my phone rings. It's Harry. He must be about to go to bed. But one look at my teen's tight frown and slumped eyebrows let me know that whatever she wants to talk about is important to her.

"You can. Just give me a minute to get your Dad to call back later, okay?" I let out a sigh of relief when she nods and I walk into the kitchen to answer his video call.

"Hey baby," he yawns once the FaceTime connection stabilises and his naked torso comes into view. Christ almighty! Why do our children have such awful timing?

"Hi H! Listen, I can't talk now, can I call you back later?"

"Sure. Everything okay?" His sleepy demeanour switches to concern, like somebody has flicked a light switch. I swallow a moan as he sits up and the sheets pool around his hips, forcing my thighs to clench together as I lean against the kitchen worktop.

"Just Mum stuff."

"Anything I can help with?" His long fingers comb through his hair and I wish they were mine instead. A shudder flows through my body as I recall how soft his curls felt against my skin when he kissed me goodbye.

"Robin asked to talk to me -"

"Is she okay? Should I call her?" His eyes shoot open in concern and my heart races at how much he cares for our children. Not everyone is so lucky, especially when it comes to daughters and their Dad's. I remember feeling so bad watching how uncomfortable Daniella's friends Dad looked watching their end of year show at dance class. It was obvious he'd been dragged there against his will. Harry on the other hand could be heard above everyone else, cheering just as loudly as he would for Mac during a basketball game.

"She seems okay, but I haven't spoken to her yet -"

"Is she nervous about her interview with Teen Vogue?"

"H! Sweetie, I won't know until I speak to her," I giggle to try to ease his concern. "I know it's hard for you being so far away but we're all okay, you don't have to worry so much, yeah?"

"Yeah," he says as he lets out a massive sigh. "I know, baby - just miss you guys and I feel like I'm out of the loop. Wish it was Saturday already."

My hands clutch the phone to my chest and I wish with my entire being that he was here so I could hug him and tell him everything will be all right.

"Jessi? Are you still there?" My shirt muffles my husband's voice as the speakers press against my body.

"I'm here. Just cuddling you." I smile as I move the phone so I can see his pretty face.

"Love you," he whispers. His words erase any silliness I feel at hugging the device.

"Love you too. So much."

"Call me later, please?" His lips press to the camera in a kiss.

"If it's late, I'll call first thing in the morning," I nod. I press a kiss to the tips of my fingers and then press them to the screen.

"No, later. I'll be awake. Promise me you'll call later!"

"Okay. I promise, H." As we say our goodbyes I make a note to call Mitch, Tommy and Anne tomorrow. It sounds like my husband is not coping well at all.

"Mum?" Robin's soft voice questions as I make my way out of the kitchen. I try to push my concern about Harry to the back of mind and focus my attention on my oldest daughter.

"I'm all yours," I smile and link my arm through hers. "What do you want to talk about?" I lead her over to the sofa, it's the comfiest spot but not the most private. Hopefully, the rest of the kids can keep themselves entertained for a bit.

"You and Dad are pretty solid, right? Like he's your soulmate or whatever, but how do you know? It must have taken a long time because you guys broke up. You never told me about that, you said you would. Did Dad break up with you or did you break up with him? Why did you guys break up? How did you get back together?" Robin's brow crinkles as I can see more and more questions forming in her head.

"Sweetheart?" I squeeze her hand in mine and wait for her to look at me, once she does I continue to speak, "is everything okay? Is this because me and your Dad had that fight a few weeks ago? I know I shouldn't have stormed out and I promise I won't ever do that again, okay?"

"No," she shakes her head. "That's not it. I wanna know about you and Dad, why did you break up?"

"I broke up with him," I whisper the words. This is a subject I had hoped I wouldn't have to discuss with my kids. I'm not proud of how I behaved, and I didn't want them to judge me for being so stupid.

"Why? Was Dad different from he is now? Did he do something you didn't like?"

"Oh, gosh! No. Your Dad has always been an absolute gentleman, the most wonderful man I know."

"So why?" She looks at me with narrowed eyes and I pull her closer as I continue my story.

"I got scared, Robin. You know how your brother gets when he's in a crowd of people or when the paps surround him?" Her head rubs against my arm as she nods it up and down. "Well, that was me. Still is me, only I've learned some skills to handle it better. I still go to therapy Andreea too sometimes."

"Wow, how come you didn't tell us?"

"I'm not sure, I guess I didn't want to project my fears onto you guys. Your brother knows. We went to his first meeting with Andreea together. Anyway, at the time - with your Dad it was just awful. They followed us everywhere, and I didn't know how to handle it, so I left," I sigh. It feels like such a stupid decision now, but at the time I thought it was my only option. That or go crazy.

"And Dad, just let you? Doesn't sound like him. I'd have imagined he'd chain you to the house before he let that happen." Her nervous little giggle doesn't disguise the disappointment I can hear in her voice, and that makes me sad.

"Don't be mad at him, sweetheart." I squish her cheeks with my hands and tilt her head up to look at me. "I'd made up my mind. There was no changing it." I press a kiss to her forehead and then pull her into a tight hug because I don't want her to be mad at me either.

"That's really sad."

"Yeah. It was sad, but it all worked out in the end, right?" I hold her closer.

"I guess. Did you date other people? How did you get back together? Did you fall back in love?"

"Yes, we both dated other people. I realised life was too short to spend it making myself miserable and I can honestly say I never stopped loving your Dad. Not even for a second."

"But weren't you still scared?" Her body curves into my side as she hugs her arms round mine.

"Yeah. But your Uncle Jeffrey found me the right people to help,, so I could learn - or understand how to be comfortable with the fact that the paparazzi will be interested in taking my picture because I'm your Dad's girlfriend or wife. And by the time we got back together I was ready to do whatever it took because he is my everything, my person, my soulmate, whatever you want to call it, he's it for me." I can feel tears bubbling up in my eyes, so I press a kiss to the top of my daughter's head. My first born.

"What were the ones you dated like?" She whispers. Her fingers move to play with the jewellery on my ring finger.

"I only dated one guy, the other was just a huge mistake - I mean I should never have dated Doug either but -"

"Wait! Doug?! Like Uncle Doug?" Her head snaps up towards me like someone has switched me with an alien.

"Yes. That Doug."

"But him and Dad are friends. That's weird." She scrunches up her nose and I pinch it between my fingers as I let out a little chuckle.

"It's not weird."

"It is! I bet you aren't friends with any of Dad's exes?" Her eyes are wide as she stares at me, unblinking.

"I'm friendly with Kendall and Camille. They've both worked with me on occasion," I reply. I enjoy the company of both women, they're fun.

"Hmm..."

"Why the sudden interest in mine and Dad's love life, huh?" I tuck her hair behind her ear. The green eyes staring back at me are a mirror image of her father, and it makes me miss him even more.

"I - uh - it's Anlon -" she pauses as she pulls my hand into her lap, her fingers fidgeting with my wedding rings again, "like he's my best friend and I love him but I just don't think I like him as my boyfriend."

"Sweetheart, that's okay." I whisper while cupping her cheek in my right hand. My thumb swipes away a tear that rolls down her cheek.

"It's not. I tried so hard to like him that way, Mum. I really did -"

Another tear trails a path over her soft skin and I hug her tight, my fingers brushing through her hair as I cradle her close. "Robin, it's okay. You can't force yourself to like someone -"

"But I want to, Mum. My friends are doing stuff - you know - but I don't want to and I know Ani won't pressure me," she sniffles.

"But, sweetheart, you can't stay with him only for that reason, that's not fair to either of you. You need to be honest, Robin." I run my fingers through her hair, hoping to bring her some comfort.

"I know, but -" she lets out a massive sigh, "people ask me less questions now I'm dating Anlon and I know that makes me a shitty person -" tears squeeze their way out of the corner of her eyes again and my heart twists in my chest.

"Oh, my love, you're not a shitty person. If you were you wouldn't be feeling so bad about this. Trust me. Now what questions are people asking you that you'd go to such great lengths to avoid them?" I reach over and grab a tissue from the side table and gently wipe away the wet tracks on her face.

"I don't know how to answer them, Mum. I just - I don't know who I like. I don't really want to date anyone. Is that weird?" She whispers the last part like a little mouse, and I crush her in the tightest hug I can manage.

"Of course, that's not weird. You're only thirteen. At your age I didn't know what colour shoes I wanted to wear, let alone who I wanted to date. To be honest, dating wasn't really my thing growing up either, it never really seemed to work out for your Grandma Anna so I guarded my heart, never trusted it to anyone and then when Grandma died it hurt so much which just reinforced my beliefs -"

"But you gave it to Dad, right? And you knew you liked boys. I'm not sure who I like. Lots of genders are cute to me but nobody I know makes me want to take that leap, you know?" she sighs. "I thought that since Anlon is my best friend, then it would just work."

"I think a more accurate description would be that your Dad stole my heart. It wasn't really up to me. And sexuality is complicated, Robin, and I'm afraid it's not something I can, "fix" for you." I press another kiss to the top of her head. "I wish I could solve all your problems, but this is something you have to figure out on your own. I can help you find articles to read and learn and you might slot neatly into a single group or fit multiple, your preferences could change over time and you might even decide that you don't want to label yourself at all, your Dad doesn't but whoever you decide you are and whoever you love then that is okay. You're my baby and I will always love and support you no matter what. Dad too."

"Mum?" She questions before adding, "I love you."

"I love you more," I smile.

"Hey Mum!" She repeats my name, pulling away slightly so she can glance up at me. "You didn't explain how I helped you and Dad get back together, did getting back together make you realise you wanted a baby and you decided to have me? You guys were young."

"Not exactly. I was already pregnant when we got back together, but we didn't find out until a week or so later -"

"Wait! What? So Dad's not my real Dad?" Her voice jumps so high I worry that she might shatter the windows. It instantly makes my entire body tense.

"What?" I breathe once the shock from the change in volume has worn off.

"Well, he can't be, can he? If you were pregnant before -"

"Oh shit! Robin, no!" I grip her cheeks between my hands and make sure she's looking straight at me. "Your Dad is one million percent your Dad. We uh - we - you were -" I stutter as I struggle to find the words to explain to my teenager how she was conceived, "- we slept together a few months before we got back together."

"So I was a mistake?"

"No! Definitely not," I gasp. "You were the best surprise. The most loved little bump. You're the one who made me a Mummy, you taught me all about this other kind of love, so different to how I love your Dad but just as powerful. I loved you from the very first second and I'll love right up until my last so no Robin Ann Styles you were not a mistake."

"Okay - okay." She giggles softly. "But how come you and Dad didn't get back together when you - you know - " she scrunches up her nose as if there's a bad smell in the air, "-made me," she forces the words through gritted teeth and I have to stop myself from giggling.

"I was stupid. Stubborn. Scared. Do you need me to say more? Thankfully, your Dad was willing to give me one last shot and I haven't messed it up so far," I smile. My life with Harry has been pretty amazing. The twins choose that moment to begin their regular gymnastics and of course Robin has more questions, so I try to get comfortable as I settle down to answer them as honestly as I can.

-----

I pounce on my phone as soon as I hear my wife's ringtone sing from the speakers. I've been tossing around in bed for hours, being at my Mum's isn't helping me sleep at all. "Hi baby," I cough as I realise my voice sounds like gravel. Her smile lights up the screen as the Facetime screen connects. "Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes?" I grin as she perches on the end of our bed. Her t-shirt reads 'be a nice human' and is tied around her bump which is covered with what I know to be a mustard coloured skirt because Shelli had sent me a picture of her with Willow. She looks adorable, and it makes my dick pay attention. God, I miss her.

"Puh - lease," she scoffs. Her cheeks tinge pink as she rubs the back of her neck. "I feel like I could sleep for a week and it still wouldn't be enough. How about you? How are you doing?"

"Bullshit! You look so charming right now." I swallow a hiss as the sheets brush against my growing erection. "How's bambino number one?" I ask to distract myself from my situation.

"She'll be okay. Things aren't working out between her and Anlon. She's feeling a little confused about her sexuality, doesn't really know where she fits in." Jessi explains as she sinks back onto the bed.

"That explains the random 'I love you' message she sent me about ten minutes ago. Did you tell her we'd love her no matter what?"

"I did." My wife smiles up at the phone she's holding above her head.

"I'm sorry about Anlon though, how do you think he'll take it?" And although I'm quite pleased, my daughter won't be dating anyone, I don't want her to get hurt either. I know she'd be devastated to lose her friend and I can tell he is rather smitten with her, I'm not sure he'll take the breakup well.

"He's gonna be hurt for sure but hopefully he can see their friendship is worth saving."

"I hope so. How are the rest of the kids?" I let out a whine as the screen suddenly goes blurry.

"Hang on," I hear her grunt with effort before the picture settles again, and from the angle of the room I can see I know she's sat down at her dressing table. "Sorry. Arm was getting sore holding the phone up." Her grin is wide but lazy and it makes me long to be stood behind her, my fingers firmly massaging her shoulders to relieve the tension I know she's carrying.

"Yeah, good. Madison has been following Mac around like a shadow ever since they called you this morning. He taught her to dribble, well sort of, she can bounce the basketball and catch it again, which is pretty fucking impressive for a three-year-old, I think. Dani and Lena have been swimming with Auntie Gem and Luka and Sammy have been plotting how they're going to see each other again before we leave." Her lips turn up even further as she talks about our children and nieces and nephews, and once again I'm overcome with affection for this woman.

"How about my buns in the oven? Baking nicely?" I smirk at my own joke and it gets wider when Jessi indulges me with a giggle.

"Misbehaving. They need Daddy to calm them."

"Let me talk to them then." I chuckle as she picks up the phone and presses it to her bump. "Stevie and Monroe, what did I tell you guys about being good for Mummy, huh? Did you forget? She's working hard to make you a nice home so you have to give her a break sometimes, okay?" I leave a pause for them to answer, "I miss you guys too. I'll see you soon," I kiss the speaker over and over again as I faintly hear Jessi's voice say she thinks it's working.

"What about me? Do you miss me too?" Jessi's lovely face is smirking at me when it appears back on the screen.

"Mmm... baby, more than you know." The words come out somewhere between a whimper and a growl, and she smirks as she stares at me with tender eyes.

"The maternity wear really doing it for you tonight, huh?" she giggles and I want to squish her against my chest so I can feel the sound vibrate through my entire body.

"Anything you wear does it for me," I counter. She completely zones out as her right finger traces over her clothed shoulder, it's the exact spot where her scar is and I know I left a hickie there the night I left. "Baby? You okay?"

"Hmm...? Oh, yeah." Her hand drops from her shoulder. "Got a little lost picturing you - anyway, how are you? Don't think I didn't notice you dodge my question."

"Really? You'd rather ask me about that than explore those thoughts you got lost in?" I chuckle, but she just gives me a pointed look in response. Her deep brown eyes not flinching for a second. "Better now I'm talking to you. Not sleeping. I struggle without you."

"Did you take the sleeping pills the doctor gave you?" Her eyebrows squish together as she narrows her eyes at me, knowing the answer long before I shake my head.

"H..." she drags the nickname out for the length of four guilty beats of my heart. "You need sleep to be able to keep going at the pace you're going, why did you even go to the doctor if you weren't going to take the pills he prescribed?" she sighs and my heart sinks. I know she's right.

"But what if I take them and you need me? What if the phone doesn't wake me? I'd rather be tired until you get here."

"If I can't reach you, then I'll call Tommy or your Mum, one of them will get you. I'd rather you slept than pass out with exhaustion. Do you have your glass of water there?"

"Yeah." I reply as I recall pouring it for myself earlier. Usually Jess would sort that for me. I find it waiting on my bedside table every night, along with whatever book I happen to be reading at the time.

"Okay, good. Take your sleeping pill and then I'll think about helping you with your other pressing issue." My arse is up out of the bed before she's even finished speaking and her giggle reverberates around the bedroom like a rubber ball bouncing off the walls.

I grab the bottle from the bottom of my toiletry bag and tilt it to read the instructions. Take one capsule before bed. Sounds simple enough.

"Done!" I yell as soon as I've swallowed the pill with a drink of water.

"Good boy," she coos. I know she's teasing me, but it piques my interest.

"Say that again, please?" I add as much pleading to my voice as I can manage, hoping my wife is willing to indulge my praise kink tonight.

"Always so good for me, H." She replies without missing a beat and it makes my heart swell with pride. I adore this wonderful woman. "Where are you? Let me see you?" Her words remind me that I'm still stood beside the bed. My hand is in my pants and my phone had toppled over in the commotion to get up and take my medicine.

"Shit! Sorry!" I hiss as I shuck my underwear quickly down my legs before positioning myself on the bed, my phone perched on the bedside table so she can see me.

"Good. Fucking. Boy." Her words force my head back against the wall on the other side of my childhood bed, my Adam's Apple bobbing in my throat as I struggle to pull enough air into my lungs. "You look so pretty like that, honey." I slide my hand along my shaft before realising I need lubrication and having none to hand I quickly spit into my palm before continuing my movements, earning a loud tut from my wife.

"Hate that," she huffs.

"Sorry, but you're not here to lick it for me -"

"Uh - god - wish I was," she breathes and I smile at the screen. She's discarded her t-shirt, her skirt is hoisted up her legs and her seat is pushed back so I have a perfect view of her fingers working between her legs. I wish I'm using my laptop, so I have a better view than this tiny phone screen, but it'll do. "Is that what you'd want, hmm? Want me to trace my tongue along that large, velvety dick of yours - all the way from the bottom to the top?"

"Mhmm... please," I beg as I continue to stroke myself. I watch her as she moves her hand to squeeze her boob.

"Wish these were your fingers instead, H. You always make me feel so good." Her voice sounds silky smooth as it penetrates my ears, and it makes me feel a little tipsy.

"Fuck! Wish you were here," I breathe. I wonder what the outside world would think if they could see this view. Because Jessi is kind, polite, and a little reserved around strangers, they assume she's this delicate, innocent little flower whereas the reality couldn't be further from the truth. And what a reality it is. I groan as I take in the sight of her, legs akimbo, clothes dishevelled, hair mussed up as she chases her high.

"You look so hot like that, wish I could taste you," she gasps. Her tongue poking out to drag along her bottom lip before sucking it into her mouth. My thumb creeps over my tip and my impending climax becomes impatient.

"Are you close, baby? Want you to come with me." The fingers on my free hand stretch out towards the screen as if she's able to reach back towards me.

"Almost." She says softly, her fingers moving in and out at a much quicker pace. I notice her free hand is also stretched out towards me and it makes my heart thump even harder.

"You look so beautiful, you know? God, grab your boob for me again." I bite my lip as she does what I ask. My toes curl as she pinches her swollen nipple between her fingers.

Her moans become louder and I pick up my pace to match. I kick my leg out as my orgasm over takes my body and my phone crashes to the floor with a loud thud.

"I love you so much." Jessi pants as I frantically search for the device so I can see her face.

"Love you too, baby." I whisper as my fingers wrap around the silky smooth glass.

"Tired now?" Her wide grin lights up the screen when I flip it towards me and I nod my head. I am feeling sleepy.

"Good, get back into bed then and I'll stay with you until you fall asleep, okay?"

"That would be nice," I sigh happily. "Gotta pee first." I prop my phone on the bedside table and rush off to the toilet. Eager to get back and snuggle with my wife.

The door creaks when I walk back into the bedroom. "Hey sweetie, somebody else wanted to come say night too!" Jessi calls out and I feel thankful for the heads up, grabbing my underwear and pulling it on.

"Hey Dad! How come you're staying at Grandma's?" Dani says.

I shrug as I climb into bed and lie down, my head propped against the pillow so I can see the phone screen, which is being taken up by my wife and my middle daughter. "Figured it was better than me and Grandma both being home alone, right?"

"Uh huh. We're getting to stay with Grandma Anne while we're there, right? She said she's gonna help me make a scrapbook about our trip to New York, when we met Elphaba, remember?" she says as if we're flying in and out of JFK regularly.

"I remember. I'm sure Grandma will love to have you guys stay over, plus that means I get to take Mummy out for dinner. Just us." I grin at Jess, who is smiling back at me.

"Not Fortune City." My eight-year-old scoffs, sounding more like our teen.

"I love Fortune City. It's my favourite." I can feel the pout on my lips.

"I know but you have to take Mum somewhere special for a date, so she can get dressed all fancy."

Jess giggles, and Dani turns to give her a harsh look. "It's true."

"And whose been teaching you about dating?" I hum as my eyelids start to feel heavy. She is right about taking Jess some place special, though. Maybe that French place she likes?

"That's for me to know and you to find out," she sasses.

"I'll find out," I grin lazily as I close my eyes.

"Hey Dad! Don't sleep yet. I love you!" Dani's voice raises. "Did you hear me?"

"Mhmm. I love you too, pumpkin. So much." It's the last conscious thought I have before being pulled into a deep sleep. I don't think I like how unnatural it feels.