Michael's POV

Even though my trust for Rayne was lower than usual, I tried my best not to ask any questions for the week I'd be home. She and I pretty much did what we needed for the kids and didn't speak to each other often. I didn't like it that way, I tried to settle it every night before we went to sleep, but Rayne honestly wasn't even trying anymore. I know it's a weird thing to be attracted to, but her stubbornness is one of the qualities, I love about her. She values her opinion and thoughts. It's possibly because I'm always accepting change and rarely fight for myself when it comes to certain things.

I happen to walk in on her reading to Michael quietly, his eyes focused on the page almost like he was understanding each word she read aloud. I watched quietly, not to disturb this mother-son moment they had created. For the first time in a long time I had seen her look happy, her smile was so genuine, and the warmth in her eyes reminded me of the first time I made her laugh.

"Then the little duckling walked up to the big cat an asked, 'are you my mother?' And the big cat said, 'my kittens have two pointy ears and little whiskers on their nose, they are furry and cute with little paws and little toes.. you can't be my kitten, now off you shall go...'" She continued.

I quietly walked inside and sat next to her, while she finished the page. Finally, she ended the story and the duck managed to reach his mother, causing Jr to clap giggling.

"Do you think Momma duck forgave her duckling for leaving?" I ask Rayne.

Rayne sighs, "of course.. she probably just doesn't trust him. Come on Mike let's put on your PJ's.." she concluded, walking away from me.

"But I'm sure if her duckling showed an interest in gaining back that trust... I'm sure..."

She scoffs, "Michael enough with the ducks. You don't trust me. What else can I do..?" She shrugs heading into Jr's room.

I honestly don't know what she could do to make me believe she wouldn't hurt me. I've been burned by so many people it hurts worse to see someone I love do it. I was leaving in the morning and I didn't want to leave California without making up with my wife. I did the one thing I dreaded doing... Go to my sister for advice.

***

Janet was always the one the brothers would talk to, well, except Jermaine. No matter how old we were, we always seemed to come to her for our women problems.

"So what's going on Mike." She asks, sitting a glass of water on her table.

"Rayne and I.. did she already tell you?" I ask, Rayne talked to my sister more than I did so it wouldn't surprise me if Janet already knew.

Janet tilts her head, "possibly, is this about the guy she kissed?" She asks.

"God, she talks to you more than she talks to me.." I shake my head. She chuckles, sipping her water. "Well.. today I told her I didn't trust her.. and you know how I am with arguments... I can't let them last overnight, so I've been trying to get her to understand where I'm coming from-"

"Stop." Janet says, placing her hand up. "That's your problem Mike.. you don't give people the chance to cool off. If she's upset, let her be upset.. she'll cool off eventually and she'll be willing to talk about it openly."

"I can't even tell if she's upset with me for finding out or with herself for actually doing it.." I scoff.

"Oh she's definitely upset about it. She feels terrible.." Janet interrupted "She called me in tears. When she stayed at her dad's, she was so upset at herself."

"Well I don't understand.." I sigh.

"You're not going to understand. She knows you don't trust her.. and it's killing her. But she's still in a spiral, she doesn't know how to make it right.. just give her her space. Go on your trip, call to check on the kids every night, and go to sleep. I promise you things will work out."

I groan irritably, Janet made sense. I just didn't want to just leave it alone, it's not who I am.

"Michael, I know you want to fix this.. you want everything to be better immediately. But things won't get fixed in a day, she's not going anywhere. That woman loves you to death.. you've just gotta give her time." Janet says softly, her hand squeezing mine.

I simply acknowledge her with a nod and stand to leave. "Thanks Dunk.." I hug her lightly.

"Of course! You know I'm always willing to be the voice of reason." She giggles. "Have a safe trip to New York, I love you."

"Love you more.."

Once I got back home, the house was completely dark, Rayne slept on the couch the tv lighting her figure laid across the sofa, a glass of wine sitting on the table in front of her

"Ray.." I say softly, grabbing the remote out of her hand to shut the television off.

She pulls away from me softly, "I'm sleeping out here. Go to bed Michael." She mutters.

"Are you sure.." I ask, I know Janet told me to give her space, but I'm not gonna stop caring for my wife no matter what we go through.

"I'm sure... just go to bed." She sighs, settling her head into the couch pillow.

It was around 5am I woke up to leave for New York, I kissed my kids softly not to wake them and drag my suitcase downstairs to hear sniffling. I didn't know how to react to Rayne crying. I kissed her forehead quietly and she just stared at me, her eyes filled with tears, she's just as speechless as I am. "I love you, Michael." She manages to push out.

"...I love you too." I sigh heading out the door. Somehow that cemented to me she was truly sorry about what happened, she just didn't know how to express it and I didn't know how to accept it.

Hey guys, I know this chapter is pretty short. But I haven't updated in a while since before the last chapter due to the holidays

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for the votes on the MJFA's and that nominations are still open! I appreciate every vote and comment!