Valentine's DAY! (DAY! Series Book 1.75)

2005

“Alright, alright,” Colin let out a slow breath. “We’re gonna be parents.” He sat beside Wanda on the bed in their cozy attic apartment on the third floor of the hotel’s west wing. She had just dropped the bombshell that she couldn’t go through with the abortion. Internally, he was a jumble of emotions. On one hand, he was over the moon, they had discussed it right after tying the knot. But when Wanda broke the news of her pregnancy, a mix of panic and unexpected paternal glee took root in him, like a confused garden gnome in a flower bed.

“Yep, Colin, looks like we’re in for the baby adventure,” Wanda said, dabbing at her tears. “It’s just... I’m sorry, it’s just that this whole experience with that woman... she was so unbelievably unkind and believe me if she had been on MY table and not I on hers, she would have had every reason to be unfriendly, but... I... I’m sorry.”

With a tender smile, Colin enveloped his wife in a hug. “Hey, baby, it’s all good. I... I’m actually glad,” he whispered, his lips grazing her temple. “Honestly, I may have said it’s your call – your body, your rules – but deep down, I was secretly hoping for this exact result. I mean, I love you, Wanda Day, with all my heart. And the baby? Well, it’s like a living, breathing high-five to our love story.”

Wanda chuckled softly. “Yes, because you want to sleep with me all the time,” she teased, a sly grin playing on her lips.

“Absolutely,” he said with a mischievous glint in his eye that Wanda recognized all too well. “You’re sizzling hot and irresistibly sexy,” he whispered, planting kisses on her head. “And now let’s fuck and then we’ll vanish into the basement and slaughter the couple, the screaming of the girl is starting to get on my nerves.”

“Well, that wasn’t exactly a scene from a romance novel, Colin,” Wanda scolded, her tone tinged with playful reproach.

Colin let out a dramatic sigh. “You’re absolutely right, my dear. And today is Valentine’s Day, of all days.” He cleared his throat and gracefully maneuvered on top of his wife. “Let’s make love and then we’ll slaughter the couple. With blood fountains and everything.”

Wanda giggled. “Oh, Colin Day, you do know how to sweeten the deal,” she whispered, pulling him in for a lingering kiss.

Colin awoke that morning feeling like a herd of elephants was tap dancing on his skull. As he cautiously attempted to sit up, his brain sent an urgent message: ‘Abort mission!’ His thoughts immediately drifted back to the previous night’s shenanigans with Chris: They had indulged in one too many libations and perhaps a few too many herbal delights. But there was no other way for Colin to put up with his buddy at the moment. While he himself was still in deep mourning, Chris was out there living it up, seducing every lady in sight.

And let’s be real, Chris was quite the catch, attractive, charming, and confident. He knew what he wanted - and how to get it. Colin had to admit that his friend’s romantic escapades were reaching legendary status. But as if that wasn’t enough, Chris made sure to provide a detailed debrief of his conquests whenever they partook in their nightly libations.

With a deep, melodious groan, Colin orchestrated a dramatic swing of his legs over the edge of the bed, followed by a staggering performance into the bathroom. There, he engaged in a riveting rendition of the refreshing shower symphony before embarking on a quest to conquer the kitchen and summon the magical elixir known as coffee, before he would start the midweek ritual of awakening the kids from their slumber and whisking them off to school or daycare awaited.

“Good morning, Dad,” Belle chimed as she enveloped her father in a surprise hug from behind, planting a kiss on his shoulder. “LeighAnn is in dental hygiene mode, and Henry has miraculously joined the land of the living already,” she announced with a cheerful grin, reaching for a cup.

“Ah, the eternal mystery of your morning cheer.” Colin shuffled towards the fridge in a valiant quest for milk.

Belle gracefully nudged her father aside and swiftly located the milk, presenting it to him with a mischievous smile. “Here you go, Dad,” she said, meeting his gaze with a twinkle in her eye. “I had a great night’s sleep. I guess having Thommy around just makes everything better.” She briefly glanced at her feet before locking eyes with her father once more. “I...”

“Relax, sweetie!” Colin planted a kiss on her cheek before plopping down at the kitchen table and expertly pouring milk into his cup. By now, he had accepted the fact that Thommy slept at their place a couple of nights a week, and Belle stayed at Thommy’s cabin for the rest. After the events on Christmas, Colin had finally made peace with their relationship. Even though Belle was legally an adult, they stuck to Colin’s three golden rules: no lies, Belle will go to Harvard, and absolutely no unexpected grandparenthood.

As Colin’s mind wandered back to his dear departed wife, he couldn’t help but ponder how she would have dealt with the current situation. He was confident that Wanda would have backed their relationship. After all, not once had Belle shed a tear over Thommy, and he had never hurt her.

“Dad?” Belle gazed at him with wide, innocent eyes.

“Please what?” Colin responded, shaking his head in mock irritation.

Unable to contain her amusement, Belle repeated her question. “Can I have the milk?” she asked.

Colin swiftly pushed the milk toward her, and in that moment, he was engulfed by a memory that completely swept him away:

2007

“Tanni di milt?” Belle stood in front of him in a precarious tiptoe situation, clinging to the sturdy oak table as if it were her lifeline. Their new abode had been their haven since the start of January, and the hotel was finally showing some green. Colin had snagged this cozy cottage to give them some breathing room until their ultimate dream home was ready. Belle was already one, growing up at warp speed, much to Colin’s disbelief.

“You fancy some milk?” he asked, sporting a grin as he nudged the bottle toward his daughter. With a giggle, she dashed into the adjacent living room, the diaper creating a comical rustling symphony with each of her steps, prompting Colin to burst into laughter. He couldn’t help but chuckle repeatedly as he observed Belle’s attempts to feed her teddy bear with the baby bottle, cradling him in her arms just like her mother does.

“You’re a great dad, you know that?” Wanda’s voice chimed in from close quarters, but before he could swivel around, she flopped sideways onto his lap and enveloped him in a bear hug, her arms encircling his neck.

“Am I?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Wanda affirmed, planting a kiss on her husband’s cheek. Her hands tenderly ruffled his hair. “You’re a fantastic dad, an amazing husband, a wonderful friend, my best friend actually, and an incredible lover.”

Colin chuckled. “An incredible lover?” he teased with a mischievous grin, drawing her closer, his eyes twinkling, his head tilted slightly.

“Yes, an incredibly passionate lover!” Wanda caressed his cheek before planting a big kiss on his lips.

At that moment, Colin’s light bulb flickered to life. They had decided on Christmas to expand their brood, and after a lightning-fast mental math session, Colin was convinced that Wanda was in her prime baby-making window. Typically, she was way keener on those days, but now that they were actively trying for a second child, her enthusiasm had reached new heights.

He adored his wife. And while Colin was excited about the prospect of another offspring, he also thoroughly enjoyed being seduced by her. “Oh darling, you’re positively enchanting,” he quipped, hoisting Wanda up in his arms. Gently setting her down on the table, he pirouetted in their cozy kitchen. “Care for a cup of coffee?”

Colin’s hand hadn’t even made it to the coffee pot when Wanda swiftly spun him around and seized the collar of his bathrobe. “I don’t fancy coffee, Colin Day,” she whispered fiercely. “I want you to fuck me and cum inside me.”

Taken aback, Colin fumbled and dropped the cup. “You... ”

“Yes, Colin Day, I’m going to drop Belle off at Mrs. Stevenson’s, and when I return, I anticipate finding you in your birthday suit,” she released his collar and took a step back. “Naked and ready, Colin Day, and then I’ll fuck your brain out!” Colin watched as his wife strolled into the living room and scooped up Belle. She glanced back one last time, mouthing “naked and ready,” before vanishing into the nursery with their daughter.

“COLIN!” Chris plopped down on the chair next to him. His hair was still disheveled, and he wore a blue bathrobe that gave him the appearance of a forty-year-old family man in a midlife crisis. “You and I - tonight. Valentine’s Day, the day of love, and everything is red and with hearts.” He sat up with a big grin on his face. “And you know, red is also the color of blood, tell me, have you ever had a beating heart in your hand? THIS is what you and I are gonna do today. I got two beauuuuutiful girls on the line, and we’re going to have a massacre that dwarfs all the others. But first, I’m gonna fuck the waitress from Lake Heights. Damn, she is so unreal hot, I swear. She can suck my dick, I’ll fuck her into Nirvana, and THEN comes our massacre.” Suddenly he bursted out laughing. “She gives me head, we’ll fuck in her bed, then comes the red, and two end up dead. I’m a poet. Romantic, huh?”

Colin glanced sideways at Chris and asked with a hint of amusement, “A massacre, really?”

Chris nodded and poured an absurd amount of cornflakes into the bowl in front of him. “Oh, absolutely, Colin. A massacre to end all massacres. A massacre that will be bloodier than anything that has EVER happened before. We’ll have a competition to see whose girl can scream the loudest,” he said, talking with his mouth full and eyes wide. “And I kid you not, I watched Hostel last night. Have you ever tried blood-working with a chainsaw?”

“Uhm, well, yes, that did happen,” Colin admitted. “It was a few years back with Wanda. She was really upset, and I was downstairs when she stormed in.” He chuckled at the memory. “She was working on some wood when Chuck said something to her. She came into the compartment like a fury and swung the chainsaw. But it was just a silly misunderstanding. Wanda turned on the chainsaw and playfully placed it on the girl’s stomach. ‘Hold this for a sec, sweetie,’ she said, and then... Well, let’s not dwell on it.”

“Did you make loooooove?” Chris asked, fluttering his eyelashes dramatically.

Colin chuckled. “There was definitely love in the air, but the act itself was more like... the distant cousin of making love.” He laughed softly and shook his head, recalling the moment.

“Yeah, that’s my favorite relative,” Chris smirked. “I think... I never really made love. Not even with Ashley. That was... no, never. Just raw fucking.” He frowned, scratched his head, and shrugged, before he continued munching on his cereals, while Colin tried to understand the words he just heard. As Chris finished the last of his cornflakes and took the bowl to the dishwasher, he stretched and said, “I’m really going to miss living with you.”

It had only been a few weeks since old Mr. Henderson passed away. Whether it was due to his ripe old age of 93 or perhaps a tiny bit of help from Anna’s ‘special’ cookie, no one could say for sure. In any case, Chris had purchased the house, given it a makeover, and furnished it with new pieces. Tomorrow marked the official moving day, although calling a suitcase full of clothes a ‘move’ seemed a bit of a stretch.

Chris had managed to sell his old house, but the saga with Ashley in court was like a never-ending soap opera. She was holding on for dear life to the property, and Chris had to resort to filing an eviction petition to finally kick her out of his house and his life. Despite Ashley’s persistent attempts to win him back, Chris was reveling in his newfound freedom. Colin could see that it wasn’t just about the wild escapades with random women – he knew that his friend was nursing a serious heartache from Ashley’s betrayal. After bottling up the pain for what felt like an eternity, Chris had reached the point of no return.

“I’m gonna miss you too,” Colin said, rising from his seat.

Chris laughed. “Three minutes walk. We can still squeeze in some weed and a drink together at night.”

2021

“We missed the bed,” Wanda chuckled, giving Colin’s back a friendly pat. His head found a cozy spot on her shoulder, and her chilly fingers sent shivers down his already sweaty spine.

Gasping for air, he raised his head and surveyed the scene. To his left, the bed loomed large. “You’re absolutely right, Mrs. Day,” Colin replied, planting a series of delicate kisses along her collarbone. “But let’s be honest when faced with your nakedness, my brain goes on vacation.”

“Still?”

“Always.” He gazed into his wife’s adoring brown eyes. Colin tenderly caressed her cheek with his thumb and planted a loving kiss on her lips. “I love you, Wanda Day. More than I did yesterday, but definitely less than I will tomorrow.”

The smile that graced Wanda’s face made Colin’s heart skip a beat. “Colin Day,” she began, gently cradling his face in both hands. “I love you. I love you so much it hurts. And I’d do anything for you.”

“Anything?” Colin asked with a mischievous smirk as he rolled off Wanda and onto his back beside her. He then pulled her close to his chest and pressed a tender kiss on her forehead. “Would you go as far as... killing someone?”

Wanda let out a boisterous laugh that could wake the dead. The way she glanced at him made Colin’s knees knock together like a pair of maracas. He knew the answer. He had seen Wanda kill more than once. Colin found himself oddly smitten with the sight of her after a... job, covered in blood, and how they’d then made love in the dungeons. Her expression when she fully embraced the moment, eyes shut, mouth slightly ajar, was a real show-stopper. And Colin couldn’t get enough of the way she’d breathe his name with a melodious moan. Just like she had moments ago. “I’d take out anything and everything, baby,” she purred as she sat up.

“Fuck!” Colin gazed at her breasts, his hands caressing her thigh. While Wanda occasionally expressed concerns about her body, citing weight gain and the effects of three pregnancies, Colin’s reaction to her naked form remained unchanged over the years. He still regarded her as the most attractive being in the entire universe, despite the passage of time.

“We already had sex,” Wanda observed with a chuckle, tracing her fingers over his chest.

“Thaaaaaaat may be accurate.” Colin sighed. “But I believe... I wouldn’t object to a repeat performance. Just give me a few minutes to recharge my... batteries.”

With a laugh, Wanda rose and gestured toward the bathroom. “A speedy shower to... cool down?” She giggled, pulling Colin to his feet. She sashayed ahead of him into the bathroom, and he playfully gave her a gentle pat on the backside. Wanda turned, and in an instant, he enveloped her in his arms and planted a kiss on her neck. “In the old days, you were quicker to bounce back.”

Colin feigned indignation. “Excuse me? I was younger back then, and the quality of the sex wasn’t anywhere near what it is now,” he declared, pressing her against the wall as his lips meandered down her neck. “Or are you going to file a formal complaint?”

“No, I’ve just had a double feature, so I’m not filing any grievances.”

“Then... let’s take a quick shower and increase the number of your orgasms,” Colin whispered in her ear. “What do you think of four?”

With her arms enveloping Colin’s neck in a tight embrace, Wanda gazed at her husband. “Can you believe it? A tiny miscalculation with the narcotics, my epic blunder, and voilà, we have all this.” She gave his neck a tender caress. “Here’s to hoping Belle stumbles upon a love as strong as ours.”

“What’s your basis for that wild hope?”

“Belle’s in love,” Wanda chuckled. “She’s headlining with Harry, and they’re set to tie the knot,” she revealed. “That’s the scoop she dropped on me earlier.”

Colin was flabbergasted. “NO WAY! WHAT? I’ll kill him.”

“He’s a singer, honey, in some boy band.”

The revelation eased Colin’s nerves a tad, but he couldn’t shake off a lingering sense of dread. With Belle freshly fifteen, he was all too aware that the day would soon come when she’d be introducing boys to the house. And THAT prospect, well, it downright petrified him. “Thank the heavens,” he mumbled to himself as he made a beeline for the bathtub, hoping the bracing chill of the shower did wonders for clearing his head.

Wanda nestled under his arm and snuggled against his chest. “Oh, don’t be such a grump. You’d make one dashing grandpa. And I’d still think you’re a catch.”

Colin scoffed and turned the shower on. “Hilarious, I just hope our kids have a career before they walk down the aisle.”

“COLIN DAY! I was nineteen when I married you. And a year later, we were parents. We built our careers after saying ‘I do’ and becoming mom and dad. So, don’t sweat it,” Wanda scolded, raking her wet hair back and fixing her gaze on her husband. “And I’d do it all over again.”

“I would, too,” Colin breathed, reminiscing about the early days with his wife. The countless hours they had spent tangled up in the sheets. The emotions that still had the power to overwhelm him from time to time. Wanda drove him to the brink of madness, and he was certain it would be that way for eternity. It wasn’t just about the physical intimacy, although to him, it was unparalleled. It was Wanda herself. Her love, her boundless spirit that made his head spin every single day.

Wanda moved in closer and planted a kiss on his chest. “Relax, Colin. Belle is a sensible girl. She’ll build her career. She’s not going to mess around or get wasted at parties,” she reassured, and Colin kissed the top of her head. “She’s just like you, Colin. And when she falls in love, it’ll be for the long haul. I’m certain of it.”

“Like her parents,” Colin murmured into Wanda’s hair.

“Yes, baby, just like us,” Wanda said, lathering her hair. “Now, quick, quick, shower, and then I thiiiiiiink you owe me something,” she added with a mischievous smile.

It was that magical time of the day when the stars aligned, the kids were occupied, and Colin found himself sprawled on the colossal copper-colored couch, basking in the glow of the TV. With LeighAnn in dreamland, Henry off with a classmate, and Belle buried in homework at Caroline’s place, Colin had a rare evening to himself. This was a momentous occasion, a solo expedition into the uncharted territory of the living room. Usually, he’d be glued to a movie with one of his offspring or partaking in some herbal relaxation with Chris, but right now, it was just him and the couch, striking a pose that could rival any yoga master. And Colin still had three hours before he and Chris would embark on the mission to transform chamber nine with a fabulous new coat of blood-red paint.

He surfed through the channels with the finesse of a seasoned pro, until he found himself captivated by a documentary on Dennis Nilsen, a fascination he’d never confess to. Just as the macabre tale was reaching its spine-tingling peak, a throat was cleared to his right. Colin’s gaze lifted, only to behold Chris and Thommy standing in the kitchen doorway, sporting expressions that would make a seasoned poker player envious. Chris had his mouth contorted into a peculiar shape as if he were trying to hold back a sneeze the size of a watermelon, while Thommy clutched a piece of paper with a look that screamed ‘impending heart attack’ louder than any horror movie soundtrack.

In a dramatic display of unfiltered emotion, Colin sprang into action. “I’ll kill you, Thommy Palmer,” he deadpanned with a nonchalant air as if issuing a dinner invitation.

“No, no, hey, easy, Colin.” Chris leaped over the couch with the agility of a startled gazelle, gently guiding his best friend back against the cushions. “Just listen to him first, okay?”

“I... Colin, I...” Thommy stammered, his words dancing nervously on the edge of coherence. “So... I... I... have....”

“If she’s pregnant, I’ll cut off your dick and make you watch Timothy grill and eat it, Thommy, I swear,” Colin murmured, his entire being tensing like a coiled spring, ready to unleash a fury that could make Medusa’s stare seem like a friendly gaze.

“No, she... I... she is not... not... pregnant.” Thommy’s hand trembled like a leaf in a storm as he passed the note to Colin. He held onto it as if it were a live grenade, his movements so minimal that the paper seemed to be doing a jittery dance until Colin finally snatched it away.

“What’s that?” Colin’s eyes flitted over the letter. With each passing word, a storm brewed within him, fueling an anger that could rival a volcano on the verge of eruption. Chris, ever the astute observer, attempted to restrain Colin, but the tempest within was already at its peak. “YOU FUCKING LITTLE ASSWIPE!” Colin bellowed, defying gravity as he leaped to his feet, much to Chris’ valiant but ultimately futile efforts to keep him seated.

Thommy, sensing his upcoming death, took cautious steps backward, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. “I... I... I... I have nothing to do with it... I... no,” he stammered, his words tiptoeing through the minefield of Colin’s fury. With his eyes wide open, he did not let his counterpart out of his sight, knowing full well that his last hour had struck.

“WE HAD A DEAL!” Colin seethed with fury, his anger reaching critical levels. Chris strained to contain his friend, channeling all his strength into holding Colin back. “A FUCKING DEAL! THREE RULES, THOMMY PALMER. THREE FUCKING RULES!”

“I... I know that,” the boy responded, retreating until his back met the unyielding wall. His left hand fumbled for an escape route as if entertaining a fleeting hope of slipping through the kitchen. “And I... I... I stuck to it.”

“THEN WHY DOESN’T SHE WANT TO GO TO HARVARD ANYMORE?” Colin’s voice boomed with frustration as he grappled with Chris. “THAT WAS THE DEAL!! FIFTEEN FUCKING YEARS AND THEN YOU’RE THERE AND HER LIFE’S DREAM IS FORGOTTEN?” His words echoed with the weight of shattered expectations, a symphony of disappointment and disbelief.

“It wasn’t me!” Thommy’s words cut through the tension, carrying a clarity and a hint of anger that almost matched Colin’s. “I have... have... always supported her. And encouraged her. And.... And.... I gave her... I said that... I’m going to go WITH her. We were looking for... for apartments close to the... the university.”

“OH YES?” Colin’s gaze remained fixed on Thommy while he still fought against Chris. “AND WHY IS SHE ENROLLING AT ANOTHER FUCKING UNIVERSITY IN DECEMBER? ONE THAT IS CLOSER TO YOU?”

“I don’t... know that... I don’t!”

“IT’S YOUR FAULT,” Colin pushed Chris aside. He circled the couch and began chasing Thommy across the living room. “IT’S YOUR FUCKING FAULT! I’LL KILL YOU! I’LL SMASH YOU! YOU’LL REGRET BEING BORN, YOU FUCKING LITTLE BASTARD!”

Thommy sprinted around the couch, his protestations blending with the whoosh of air as he narrowly evaded Colin’s outstretched arms. Chris, realizing the futility of intervening, seized the bowl of popcorn and settled back on the couch, ready to witness the chaotic ballet that was about to unfold. Thommy, fueled by the vigor of youth and the fear of impending doom, zipped around the furniture like a caffeinated ferret, with Colin in hot pursuit, his determination matched only by the flailing of his arms and the occasional furniture hurdle.

“Please,” Thommy gasped, as he pulled off some impressive couch gymnastics to evade Colin’s relentless pursuit. With the agility of a ninja, he hurdled Chris’ legs and somersaulted over the backrest, but Colin was hot on his heels, refusing to let the chase end.

“I gotta tell you something, kid,” Colin bellowed. “Someone’s gonna die tonight on my table.” Thommy dashed into the kitchen, zipping around the expansive table, locking eyes with Colin on the opposite end. With a swift glance to the right, Thommy made a break for the hallway, only to loop back into the living room. “And it’s going to be FUCKING PAINFUL, THOMMY!”

In a display of sheer determination, the young man, fueled by the desire to outlast, managed to maintain a slight edge over Colin. Meanwhile, Chris observed the frantic chase - with the two men circling the couch multiple times - before he decided to switch channels and immerse himself in an intriguing documentary about dolphins. With no way to intervene, Chris could only hope for the best as Thommy faced the situation alone.

Colin, keenly aware of the age gap, recognized Thommy’s superior physical condition, but his fury seemed to fuel an unexpected surge of determination. “You can’t evade me indefinitely, kid, we both know it,” he stated with an unsettling calm that sent shivers down the spines of Thommy and Chris.

“It is... not my fault,” Thommy shouted defiantly over his shoulder, refusing to look back. As he completed another lap through the kitchen and the hallway, he was determined to maintain his lead at all costs, unwilling to let it slip away.

“I should have killed you back in October,” Colin cursed, accidentally slamming his knee against the couch. Thommy’s lead extended. The boy halted, raising his hands defensively, only to lower them in a swift and resigned gesture. Undeterred, Colin continued his pursuit, matching Thommy’s determination. “THEN NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED, YOU LITTLE SCUMBAG! Tonight, I’ll make sure you have a memorable exit, one that’ll make you question your FUCKING LIFE CHOICES, THOMMY PALMER!”

“What the hell is going on here?” Belle’s voice cut through the chaos as she appeared in the doorway, her bag hitting the floor with a thud. Thommy skidded to a halt, his eyes locking with hers in a moment of sheer bewilderment.

Colin shot Belle an accusatory glare and brandished the note like a battle standard. “YOU’RE NOT GOING TO HARVARD?” he yelled.

Belle closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her thoughts, and then took a deep breath. “No. But it’s not what you think, Dad.”

“NO?” Colin marched forward, his frustration practically oozing. “Your entire existence has revolved around Harvard. We even had to endure a ‘vacation’ in Boston because you were so eager to visit the campus. You’ve been wishing for Harvard merchandise for Christmas for years. And now, all of a sudden, that’s out the window? Now you want to head to JUNEAU?” he exclaimed, tossing the note onto the table in a fit of rage. “You’ve been accepted into an IVY LEAGUE COLLEGE. And now you’re ready to throw that away because of a boy?”

“DAD!” Belle’s glare bore the weight of her frustration and defiance.

“WHAT?” Colin’s arms were firmly crossed, and his foot tapped an impatient rhythm on the floor. Henry arrived home and observed the scene, and Chris gestured for him to make a swift exit to his room. After a brief glance at his father, Henry silently ascended the stairs. “LOOK ME IN THE EYES, BELLE, AND TELL ME IT’S NOT BECAUSE OF THOMMY,” Colin demanded.

The situation was reaching a boiling point. “Well...” Belle started to say, but before she could finish, Colin’s fury erupted once more.

He whirled back toward Thommy, his voice a thunderous roar. “I’LL KILL YOU, THOMMY PALMER!” he shouted, poised to lunge at the young man.

In a comical twist of fate, Thommy attempted to evade the impending onslaught, but his maneuver was far from graceful. He stumbled over the edge of the couch and tumbled backward. Just as Colin’s hands reached out, poised for retribution, his daughter’s interruption halted the chaotic scene.

“IT’S MORE BECAUSE OF YOU!” Belle’s words pierced the charged atmosphere, her eyes tightly shut. A moment of stunned silence hung in the air before she reopened her eyes and directed her gaze at her father. “It’s more because of you, Dad!”

Colin’s mouth fell open in astonishment, mirroring Thommy’s incredulous expression. Meanwhile, Chris nonchalantly continued to shovel popcorn into his mouth, his gaze shifting between Belle and Colin. He forgot about the dolphins on screen and focused on the conversation to his right.

“Because of me?” Colin inquired.

Belle approached her father with measured steps, taking hold of his hands before settling down with him on the couch. “Dad, I love you,” she started. “And I... I see how much you tear yourself to pieces to keep everything going. And for that, I love you even more. But you need help.”

“I’m here,” Chris interjected, earning a wry sidelong glance from Belle.

“I love you too, Uncle Chris, but let’s be real, you’re about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine when it comes to raising the future president of the United States,” Belle quipped, her gaze flitting back to her father. “LeighAnn needs a maternal figure in her life. And it is neither Uncle Chris nor you, Dad. You have so much to do with the real estate agency and the hotel, and then here at home the chores and the three of us. That’s too much. You... you’re gonna break Dad.” She gave his hands a gentle squeeze, watching Colin’s struggle to keep it together.

“I can do it,” he whispered, his voice doing the tango between determination and vulnerability. Colin noticed that hiding stress from the kids might not have been his superpower after all.

Belle shook her head. “No, you can’t. Do you think I don’t notice the whole suffering saga?” Her voice wavered, and tears welled in her eyes. “I’ve caught you red-handed, sniffling on the couch more than once.”

“I can do that,” Colin repeated. “I won’t let you sacrifice your life’s dream because of me. You’ve always wanted to be a judge and do the right thing. Plus, let’s face it, there’s no fancier law school than Harvard. I’ll make it work, just you watch, I’ll make it work.”

“Dad!” Belle took another deep breath. “I... Listen,” she said, giving his hands a reassuring squeeze. “What went down at Christmas... with Thommy and... Franky.... I... I’ve been mulling this over for what feels like an eternity. Do I really want to be a judge and lay down the law on folks like Franky AFTER they’ve already caused pain and trauma to innocent children?” Her gaze darted over to her boyfriend, who was staring at her with eyes wider than dinner plates and his mouth hanging open, and she saw the horror of the past flash in his eyes. “Or do I want to dive into the foster care scene, and stop kids from getting hurt in the first place?” Belle continued. “And the verdict is in. I can take classes at the university in Juneau, get my Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, and then start as a social worker, all while keeping the home fires burning, and giving you a hand. LeighAnn will strut her stuff at Harvard one day. And then you won’t have to-”

She was cut off as Colin burst into a fit of tears and pulled her into a tight embrace. “You’re just like your mother,” he sobbed, holding his daughter close.

Belle smiled softly and stroked his back. “I love you, Dad. And I want to stay close to you, too.” Colin couldn’t speak anymore. The tears just kept flowing. “We can handle it, Dad. All of us together.” After a few minutes, she stood up and glanced at her father and then at Thommy. “And two more things. First, Thommy Palmer, come to ME if there’s an issue BEFORE you go to my DAD,” she turned back to her father. “And secondly, Dad, I LOVE this man, so please stop trying to kill him all the time. And now, gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I still have a ton to learn about the foster care system before my boyfriend and I head out for dinner and pretend that NONE of this here EVER happened.”

With those words, she left all three men standing and vanished upstairs. They all watched her in stunned silence, until the reverberating sound of her door slamming broke the spell. Chris stole a glance at Thommy, whose mouth was still hanging open, but a mischievous smile was starting to peek through. “I know you might not want to hear this, Colin,” Thommy declared absentmindedly, his gaze fixed on the staircase. “But I’m going to marry your daughter.”

Chris held his breath, his eyes darting to Colin, who surprisingly remained seated on the couch, fixated on Thommy. In a split second, Chris found himself mentally measuring the distance between them, pondering if he could intervene before Colin reached Thommy, or if he should opt for a strategic popcorn bowl toss to momentarily impede Colin’s advance, so he had enough time to throw himself onto his buddy.

But just as Chris raised his hand with the bowl, ready to throw it at his best friend, Colin cleared his throat. “Thought so,” he just said, rising from his seat and strolling over to the fireplace. The other two men remained speechless, their jaws practically hitting the floor. “I married Wanda because I loved her,” Colin continued, nonchalantly revealing a secret drawer by the fireplace and retrieving something from it, all while keeping his back turned to the others. “I mean, I really, really, REALLY loved Wanda.” He turned around dramatically. He then sauntered over to Thommy, who was frozen in place, looking like a deer caught in headlights. Coming to a halt right in front of him, Colin slipped something into Thommy’s hand. “It’s honestly a mystery to me why you haven’t asked her yet.” With that, Colin closed Thommy’s hand around a small object and left the two men standing there, as he made his way upstairs to his bedroom, leaving behind a bewildered audience and a whole lot of unanswered questions.

Gingerly, Thommy unfurled his fingers and then his jaw. Chris repeated his name thrice but met with silence. He rose from his seat and sidled up to Thommy. As his gaze landed on the boy’s hand, he let out a low, melodious whistle. “Well, well, well, if that isn’t Wanda’s engagement ring,” he blurted out, utterly flabbergasted. The realization dawned on him. “Kid, you’ve just earned the blood baron’s stamp of approval to marry his daughter.” Chris burst into hearty laughter, then broke into applause. “I can’t wrap my head around this! Anyway, I gotta go, I’m gonna bang the waitress now.”

Colin was sprawled on the bed, his eyes locked on his favorite photo of Wanda from their fifth wedding anniversary. Beside him, she beamed at the camera. Just hours before this picture was taken, they had indulged in a bloodbath that had ended with passionate sex.

With a dramatic sigh, he turned to stare at the ceiling, as if it held the elusive answers to his dilemma. Unsure if he was doing the right thing, he also wondered if Wanda would have approved of her daughter marrying a serial killer. Amid his pondering, a memory suddenly flashed in his mind’s eye:

As Colin strolled through the quirky streets of Juneau, he found himself in a bit of a pickle. He had spun a tale to Wanda about forgetting something in his old apartment, but let’s be real, it was as true as a three-dollar bill. Little did he know, this would mark the debut and finale of his career in the art of deception with his beloved wife.

He hadn’t left so much as a stray sock in that apartment. No! His real mission? To embark on the perilous quest of acquiring a shiny little ring that would undoubtedly change the course of his existence.

Colin had kept his budding romance and imminent proposal close to the vest. While he had a good relationship with his parents and his brother Liam, he struggled with how to break the news of his whirlwind love and desire to marry to them, especially considering it had all unfolded in the few weeks since his arrival in Alaska.

Setting aside thoughts of his family, Colin stepped into a small jewelry store. His eyes scanned the display cases until they settled on a beautiful ring with a small, red diamond. At that moment, he knew he had found the perfect symbol of their love and shared interests.

In the evening, a nervous energy enveloped Colin as he cooked spaghetti, the ring nestled in a small box in his pocket. He stole glances at Wanda, who was perched on the couch, chuckling at a documentary about serial killers. His heart raced, but his love for her was unwavering, despite the brevity of their time together. He simply couldn’t fathom another day without her.

An hour later, the two of them lay intertwined on the couch, Wanda’s head resting on Colin’s chest as he tenderly ran his fingers through her hair. As he listened to her steady breaths, he realized she had drifted off to sleep. In that moment, an unfamiliar pang gripped his heart – jealousy. The mere thought of Wanda sharing this intimate moment with another man in the future shattered him.

Colin gently shook Wanda, and as she raised her head to meet his gaze, he found himself momentarily lost in her warm brown eyes. “Wanda Kasinski, I want to marry you,” he uttered, his mind adrift, even though he had envisioned a more traditional, romantic proposal involving kneeling and the whole shebang.

To his surprise, Wanda, whose take on romance was akin to Colin’s, broke into a wide smile. “That’s great, Colin Day,” she responded. “Last week, I wanted to kill you. But now, I want to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you.”

“I love you, Wanda.” Colin planted a gentle kiss on her lips before retrieving the small box from his pocket and presenting it to her. “Marry me, Wanda Kasinski. Marry me as soon as you can. I can’t bear the thought of a single day without you in my life.”

Wanda chuckled, her eyes sparkling with joy, as Colin delicately slid the ring onto her finger. “This is unbelievably crazy,” she giggled. “It’s bloodred,” she added after another glance at the diamond.

“Yes,” he murmured, leaning in to kiss her, his heart brimming with love and anticipation.

Colin pushed aside the recollection and refocused on his daughter’s relationship with Thommy. The young man had evidently transformed being with her, displaying a newfound confidence. Colin commended him for approaching him directly with the ‘issue’ earlier that day. However, he was also aware of Thommy’s apprehension around him. On more than one occasion, Thommy had been in the basement while Colin indulged in his hobby.

Glancing at the clock, Colin sat upright and perched on the edge of the bed. He pondered the potential longevity of their relationship, akin to his enduring marriage to Wanda. Yet, he also harbored a pragmatic outlook. If things were to unravel, he possessed the means to secure a divorce lawyer and navigate the legalities. Furthermore, there was his extensive knife collection in the basement. While he held a genuine appreciation for Thommy, he harbored an unyielding resolve that if Thommy were to ever harm his daughter, he would not hesitate to take decisive action.

***

Three hours later, Chris and Colin trudged to the hotel in utter silence. They lit up a joint, and Chris sensed that his buddy was wrestling with something, but he didn’t feel like prying. Plus, it was just too darn frigid to engage in conversation. The biting February air made each breath a painful endeavor, and the forest lay shrouded in a thick blanket of snow.

It wasn’t until they found themselves in chamber nine in the basement, elbow-deep in two girls, that Chris broke the silence. “You gave him Wanda’s ring,” he remarked.

“Yep.”

“He’ll ask her,” Chris commented, extracting a piece from the girl. He examined it from various angles, but couldn’t quite figure out what it was, so he simply tossed it over his shoulder. Neither he nor the girl had any use for it.

“Yep.”

Chris furrowed his brow and fixed his gaze on Colin. But as his friend was busy breaking some ribs, Chris focused back on his girl. She was an outstanding beauty, with dark brown hair, and eyes the color of a crystal clear lake. But what was more interesting for him at the moment, was the color of her inside. Although he loved stabbing, Chris was fascinated by the color of her flesh.

The girls were drugged, so they couldn’t feel too much pain, but not enough to knock them out. After all, both Chris and Colin wanted to hear them scream. As Chris frantically rearranged the girl’s organs in a quest to find the best route to her heart, he couldn’t contain himself any longer and blurted out, “HE’S GONNA MARRY HER!” His bloody hands gestured helplessly to the side

“HE LOVES HER!” Colin hissed back, catching them both off guard. As the girl whose insides he was reorganizing let out a sudden groan, he glanced down at her. “He loves my daughter,” Colin reassured her calmly. “And that’s just fine. He’s shown time and time again that he’s crazy about her.”

“Alright, Colin, spill it. Are you on some new happy pills?” Chris inquired, exasperated, setting the knife aside. “Or have you found a new supplier whose weed packs an extra punch? Are you into drugs? Cocaine or something?” He groaned in disbelief.

Colin chuckled softly. “No new dealer, no drugs.” He gazed down at his hand cradling the girl’s beating heart. “But I know Thommy loves her, Chris. What he did today... Consider it. I laid down three goddamn rules, and he abided by every single one, even though Belle is already eighteen. And the moment he found out that Belle wasn’t playing by the rules, he came straight to me.”

“Yes, but...”

“I married Wanda after three fucking weeks.” Colin’s entire body pulsed with emotion. “I loved her. I was so... ridiculously in love. And I see that same love in Thommy. The way he... the way he looked at Belle when she spoke about wanting to help foster children. He was...”

“Enchanted?” Chris interjected dryly. He couldn’t believe what was unfolding and pondered what was amiss with his friend.

“Yes. And I think he’ll always love her.” Colin suddenly squeezed the heart tightly like an anti-stress ball. “Just like I’ll always love Wanda.” Without batting an eyelid, he pressed the heart at irregular intervals. The girl lost consciousness, but he slapped her face with his free hand to bring her back before eventually loosening his grip. “I have held your heart in my hands,” he said to her, winking playfully. “And believe me, I’d kill thousands like you just to spend another day with my wife!”

Chris frowned, still confused by Colin’s behavior. He watched as Colin suddenly smushed the heart with his bare hand, the blood spurted in all directions, and then he left the room. Chris looked down at his girl, unimpressed by the panic in her eyes. “He always does that, Esmeralda, every FUCKING time it’s starting to be fun and then he just kills her and the fun is over!”

“My... my name is Ekaterina,” the girl said with a broken voice.

“I don’t care, sweetie,” Chris groaned and rolled his eyes. “I don’t even remember the name of the waitress I boned three hours ago. Or the names of the girls from the weekend.” He thought for a moment, then he glanced back at the girl. “Nope. Can’t remember any of them. Anyway, was nice with you, Elena,” he stated, quickly killing her with a well-aimed stab to the heart and a loud sigh of frustration.

Chris contemplated summoning Thommy to tidy Chamber Nine, only to recall that the young man had gone out for dinner with Belle. Shaking his head, Chris reflected on the earlier events in the living room. He was astounded that Colin had indeed entrusted Wanda’s ring to Thommy and appeared to condone Belle’s intention to marry a serial killer, despite her tender age of eighteen. It was evident to Chris that something was amiss in Colin’s thoughts, prompting him to make it his mission to locate his closest friend and guide him back to reason.

He stumbled upon Colin in the showers and promptly hopped into the neighboring cascade of water. However, before he could utter a word, Colin beat him to the punch. “I have a strict policy against naked conversations. Whatever it is, it can definitely wait until your dick is covered.”

Chris clenched his teeth and managed to condense his typically extensive shower into a brief affair. In the locker room, he hastily donned his boxers and wasted no time in exclaiming, “Colin, what in the GODDAMN FUCK is wrong with you?”

Colin, swathed in a towel, fell silent for a moment. “I...” he started, only to be engulfed by a slightly more extended silence as yet another memory crashed over him:

2018

“Sit down, Colin,” Wanda said, patting the couch beside her.

Colin had just returned home and furrowed his brow. The absence of his children’s laughter and his wife’s solemn expression gave him a sinking feeling in his gut. As he eased himself onto the plush cushions beside her, his heart plummeted into his pants, and he swallowed hard. His mind raced, and memories of Chuck flooded in, overwhelming him. Had the moment of reckoning arrived? Had the authorities uncovered their escapades? “What... What’s the deal?” he asked.

Wanda nervously licked her lips. “Do you remember the night we were drinking wine and then there was this incredibly whiny couple in the basement?”

Colin smirked, feeling a tidal wave of excitement rush through his body. “Oh, I could never forget that,” he said, leaning in and pushing Wanda onto the couch. “You were just so irresistibly alluring.” He planted kisses down her neck. “And Marcus’ complaint about the noisy sex? It deserves to be framed and hung on a wall for all to see!”

“Yes, the sex, Colin,” Wanda said with a soft moan, tousling his hair. “We... had a lot of sex that night.”

Colin had reached her ear. “Six times,” he breathed.

Wanda whispered in his ear, “Yes, and the first time, down in the basement, there we... forgot something, didn’t we?”

“Yes, we didn’t have a condom,” he replied, as he meandered his way back down her neck. “But we did it anyway. You’re just too sexy and I just can’t help it, baby. And I must say, I rather fancy it... without.”

Wanda took a deep breath. “Well, Mr. Day, I have some delightful news then. It seems we can skip the condoms for about... seven months.”

Colin’s blood had already redirected its attention to a region not renowned for its quick wit, and it took him a staggering 34.8 seconds to grasp the significance. “You... you’re pregnant?” he asked, lifting his head. “Pregnant... with... you are... pregnant?”

“Yes, Mr. Day. We are unexpectedly expecting.”

Colin sat up, his gaze fixed on the void as his mind grappled with the revelation. They were in the clear. Belle was thirteen, on the cusp of puberty, and Henry was eleven. Initially taken aback, Colin’s shock gave way to a rush of fond memories from their childhood, and his heart quickened with the realization of a new addition to the family. “We’re having a baby!” he exclaimed, suddenly bursting into laughter as he leaped to his feet and whisked Wanda up. Embracing her, he twirled around, laughter ringing out until their joyous commotion drew Belle downstairs.

“Why are you so... happy?” she asked.

Colin gazed at his wife, who nodded slowly. “Well, you see, we’re about to welcome another tiny human into our chaotic, wonderful family.”

For a fleeting moment, Belle was at a loss for words. “Wait, what? Mom, you... are you seriously pregnant?” She looked back and forth between her parents. “Oh, come on. You can’t be serious. Babies are just tiny, loud, and smelly creatures.”

“You used to be a baby, too,” Wanda interjected with a sly grin.

“I get it, but seriously, how am I supposed to absorb knowledge with a mini-human in the vicinity? I have dreams of Harvard, you know! You’re single-handedly sabotaging my path to success! How dare you ruin my future and my dream!” Belle hollered before dramatically storming up the stairs.

Colin silently counted to ten before the door decided to throw a dramatic exit with a resounding bang. He shot a knowing glance at his wife and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Well, that was... predictable. NOTHING can come between Belle and Harvard,” he chuckled and walked with Wanda still in his arms towards the basement stairs.

“What are you up to?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Now, Mrs. Day,” he replied with a mischievous grin, “we’re going to fuck all night. Without a condom, just raw fucking. And tomorrow we’ll take the kids to Chris and Ashley and fuck through the day. We might have ruined the future of our daughter, but there’s going to be seven months of me cumming inside you. Countless times.”

“COOOOOOLIN!” Chris screamed, snapping his buddy out of memory.

“Yes, I... sorry.” Colin shook his head and gazed at Chris. “Everything’s okay with me, just missing Wanda. And... I’ve got a treasure trove of lovely memories with her. Thommy adores Belle. Truly, madly, deeply. Now, say what you will about serial killers, but we’re genuine and upfront. I know Thommy will make my daughter happy.” Colin fell silent for a moment, regarding the towel in his hands as if it were a rare artifact. “Life could end in a flash, Chris,” he continued softly. “It’s short, way too short. I want Belle to savor it. If she wants to tie the knot with him, she should go for it. If she wants to go to Juneau instead of Harvard, go for it. If she... If she wants to adopt a goddamn llama, well, let her have her fun.”

Chris locked eyes with Colin. “What the...?”

“You’re listening to me now, Christopher Thielmann,” Colin declared, rising to his feet. “You’re a goddamn whore. You’re fucking around, but I KNOW that deep down inside you are not happy. And you can stick you’re dick in as many women as you want, and fuck them into Nirvana, heaven, or any other goddamn religious kingdom for happy souls, but you need love, not just orgasms and fun, but love.” He glanced angrily at his buddy and poked Chris’ chest. “All this love that you weren’t able to give over all these years stuck with that bitch is locked up inside your heart. And if you don’t let it out, it will eat you alive. I don’t want you to end up lonely, grumpy, and bitter. Get out there, Chris, and track down your Wanda. Find the love of your life and embrace happiness. Not every woman is such a sneaky, cunning slut as Ashley. Fall in love. It’s bad enough for one of us to kick the bucket solo.”

“Hey, HEY!” Chris exclaimed with a chuckle, but Colin noticed the effect his words had on his buddy. “Maybe one day I’ll have a missus sucking my cock on my deathbed, but I’ll be by your side at yours, holding your hand.” He pulled Colin into a hug. “I love you, buddy, and that’s never gonna change. Through the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous. Colin, I’ll always be there for you. Through thick and thin.”

“Through skin and bones,” Colin murmured into Chris’ shoulder.

“Through organs and brains,” Chris whispered.

When Colin found himself on the terrace, about to hit the hay, and gazing at the stars, he couldn’t help but wonder if he was actually experiencing a rare moment of happiness. Perhaps it was the alcohol talking, or maybe the joint, or just the usual post-killing euphoria. Then again, it could’ve been the relief of seeing his kids thriving and his buddy Chris sticking with him through everything.

In that fleeting moment, Colin felt a surge of certainty that no matter what lay ahead, he would weather the storm. He found solace in the knowledge that Wanda’s spirit lived on in their children, a truth Belle had underscored today. She had inherited her mother’s compassionate heart, and even if Belle’s path didn’t lead to Harvard, Colin couldn’t have been prouder. He had full faith that she would carve out her own remarkable journey in this world. Perhaps Belle was onto something, and one day LeighAnn would grace the halls of Harvard, leaving an indelible mark on the world. Regardless of what the future held, Colin was resolute – he had already braved the depths of despair, and the only way left to go was up.

And right at that moment, as if fate had a mischievous sense of timing, a whole bunch of stuff decided to go down all at once:

Chris felt the familiar pangs of loneliness creep in as he lay alone in bed and pondered about Colin’s words and the meaning of ‘true love’, Anna became pregnant (but not by her husband), Kenneth discovered something in his son’s room, Benson’s body was found by a burglar, and McBride’s wife told him that she wanted a divorce due to his relentless private investigations. Paxton cracked the case of Thommy’s birth parents and couldn’t be more shocked, Ashley penned a letter destined to stir up some serious drama down the line, Timothy struck culinary gold with a new stew ingredient, and in another corner of the universe, Marcus FINALLY bid adieu to his V-card. Henry dove into the world of online romance and met his future girlfriend in a chatroom, Jonah stumbled upon something mysterious in the shed, Ruth welcomed her daughter into the world, Artyom made a huge mistake, Karl slept for the first time with a woman who was alive, Jesse found a kindred spirit in Rio de Janeiro, and Belle answered Thommy’s important question.

And precisely 25 minutes and 17 seconds later, as Colin was already deep asleep, a fateful decision was made as someone sat at their computer, leisurely clicking through a folder of photos. As they reached the final photo, they found themselves frozen, their finger gliding across the screen as they gazed at the image. There was Wanda, sprawled on the forest floor, a knife plunged into her heart, her empty eyes locked on the camera.

Yes, this person had captured the photo before tenderly closing Wanda’s eyes for all eternity, for their hatred was not directed at Wanda, but squarely at the one and only Colin Day. The simmering hatred had been quietly gathering strength for an extended period, smoldering just beneath the surface. And now, with a sense of purpose, the person pressed the small, blue button nestled in the bottom right corner of the screen that read, “Upload.”

So, Colin seems happy, still mourning his wife,

but determined to continue in life.

Has made up his mind ’bout the boy and his daughter

and enjoyed a bloodbath, yes, he loves to slaughter.

He has granted permission, although unspoken,

still believes in love, though his heart’s broken.

So, did Belle say yes? Or did she say no?

I mean, for real, she loves Thommy so.

And what is with Chris? Will he find the one?

Or after Ashley, do you think he’s done?

Will he find love? Did Colin get through

the walls of his heart? Do you have a clue?

Just a few weeks, I’ll say this now loud:

UNTIL YOU PEOPLE FINALLY FIND OUT

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED BACK ON THE WAY

AND WHO THE ONE IS WHO KILLED WANDA DAY!

The entire DAY!-Series

Who killed Wanda Day (Book 1)

Christmas With The Days (Book 1.5)

Valentine’s DAY! (Book 1.75)

Who Really Killed Wanda Day - Wedding Bells (Book 2)

A Few DAY!s In Italy (Book 2.7)

Alaska DAY! (Book 2.89)

Who really killed Wanda Day - A new DAY! (Book 3)