The Divorce Prescription

Jonah stepped into the room, and Bella's face immediately lit up with excitement. "Aunt Hailey, is Uncle Jonah going to sleep with us tonight?"

Hailey shook her head. "Of course not."

"Why not?" Bella asked.

Hailey bent down and kissed Bella on the cheek. "Because you're a little girl, and little girls shouldn't sleep next to any man except their daddy. It's a special rule just for us ladies."

Bella nodded, as if she understood part of it. "That's what Mommy told me too."

Hailey handed Jonah a storybook. "I'm going to take a shower. Can you tell Bella a story while I'm gone?"

Jonah accepted the book. "Got it. She's in good hands."

As Hailey headed toward the bathroom, she glanced over her shoulder. Bella was lying peacefully on the bed, while Jonah leaned against the headboard, reading the story aloud.

His deep, soothing voice was perfect for storytelling. He had such gentle patience with children.

Hailey smiled to herself as she stepped into the shower.

By the time she emerged, Bella was already sound asleep.

She asked softly, "Is she asleep?"

the blanket

her damp hair. "Mr. Pilsner, you

pulling her down onto his lap. "Are you

"Obviously."

stay here tonight?

sleep on the couch here

"Because you're here."

leaned in

quickly pressed a hand over Jonah's mouth.

darkened with desire. "Then be

he pulled her into a

and her body melted into his touch. Before she could steady herself, Jonah swept her into

we going?" she

showered yet," Jonah murmured.

her reply, he carried

protest, but Jonah didn't give her the chance. He pressed her against the

we can't," she

off his

her like

had never called her "baby"

we