My phone vibrates, telling me it's time to go. After one last glance, I turn toward my truck. "I hate leaving her, but I need to get Rumor."
I unlock my ride and jump in. The morning is shaping up nicely with the heat from the sun beaming through my windows. I'm dead on my feet, I know I need to change things up but not with asshat around.
I hurry over to Mack's house, pulling around the drive to the end. As soon as I step from my truck, I’m met with the biggest smile.
"Uncle Ridge!" Rumor leaps from the porch, running until she crashes into me. Her arms locked around my waist; she stands on my feet so I can walk us back to the house.
"Mornin,' Boo." I pause long enough to kiss her on top of the head. "Where's your parental figures?"
"Ughh, kissin' in the kitchen." She groans.
I can't help but to tease her. "Oh, yuck! Are they swappin' spit already?"
"Yes." She whines.
"It's too early for that, gross." I chide.
She nods, moving from my feet to the steps. "I know. They go at it all the time."
"They do what all the time?" My stomach lurches as I wait for her answer and pray it isn't about sex.
She holds her hand to her mouth, making kissing sounds. "Smooching! Yuck!"
"Yeah, ewe!" I wrap my belly, declaring everything about kissing, disgusting.
Mack pushes the screen door open, eyeing us. "Mind telling me what y'all are goin' on about out here?"
"Not if you don't mind telling me what you two are doin' to my girl while she's tryin' to eat breakfast." I purse my lips, trying not to laugh when Rumor rest her fists on her hips.
"Yeah, Mom. Tell Unc how you two are trying to make another baby!" Rumor says, shocking us both.
My mouth drops and Mack's eyes go wide. "Rumor McKenna! Where have you heard talk like that?" Mack now glares at me.
"I didn't say nothin'! This was you, Hot Lips Momma!" I throw my hands in the air, pleading my defense.
Mack points inside the house. "Go, now! Tell your dad about your mouth. You, young man are in trouble too."
"What the hell did I do? I'm totally innocent here." I hold my hands up as if I've been arrested.
She moves her fingers from her eyes to mine. "I am watching you, Willis. I swear to you on a stack of pancakes, I will make you look at my cooter for this one too."
"I'm gonna... I-I..." I cover my mouth, pretending to vomit.
She glares at me. "Get in the house!"
"Okay." I drag my ass up the steps, pausing beside her long enough to kiss her cheek before walking through the door.
"She's getting her backpack and she's had breakfast. No candy!" Boone hands me Rumor's jacket.
I lay my hand on my chest, gaping at him. "Well, I never!"
"Yes, you did, we still have pictures from the last time." Mack narrows her eyes at me.
I widen my eyes. "Boone get your woman. She threatened me with childbirth again!"
"Yeah, babe. I'm too comfortable with your best guy friend looking at my goodies." He leans in, kissing her earning them a round of disapproving screams.
Rumor rolls her eyes as she enters the room and as soon as I see her face, I chime in too. "Ewe! People!"
"C'mon Boo Baby, Unc is gettin' you outta here." She takes my hand, blowing them kisses.
"Wait a minute, I want a proper goodbye." Mack steps toward a little hand to halt her.
She shakes her finger. "Uh-un lady, I am not getting' pregnant."
We're stunned before erupting into laughter. "Imma pray for y'all."
"Have a wonderful day, Baby." Boone kisses the top of her head. "Thanks, man. You two be good."
"Hit me up and give me the details. Be careful." I lean in, kissing Mack. "Love you."
"I love you too." Boone cocks his head, coming at me with puckered lips.
I grab Rumor's hand, jerking her toward the door. "Let's roll, your dad's trying to get me pregnant now!"
"Bye, y'all!" Rumor waves as we head out the door.
I hold the door open while she climbs into the back of the cab and into her car seat. Rumor will forever be my baby; I'm going to be a mess when she gets too old for her Uncle to fix everything.
She's gently pulled away since Boone's been back and I can't lie, it breaks my heart a little. I raised her with all the love I would have for one of my own, I just wasn't prepared to give her up.
"Alright, I have to swing by the apartment for some clothes and then we'll hit up the store for some candy you can share with your friends today." I hold out my hand for her to slap it.
As I pull out of the driveway, my phone rings. I yank it out, checking it at the stoplight. It's Em.
"Hey, Em."
"I'm so sorry but I forgot I have an appointment today and need to leave. There's no one here yet for our guest, they don't show up for another hour. What should I do?" Emerson's voice quivers.
I glance at Rumor, knowing I've already decided to go. "Hey, Boo. Unc needs to take care of someone, you okay with that?"
"Yup, let's do this!" She gives me a thumbs up.
"We're on the way."
"I didn't realize you have Rumor, are you sure?" Emerson lowers her voice.
I flip on my turn signal and make the turn. "Yeah, but I have to come in the back, the windows aren't tinted, and I refuse to take the chance."
"I'll be waiting. Thanks, Bub."
I lay awake, watching the trees blow in the early morning breeze. I need to move, but I'm spoiled to this bed and its soothing ways. I roll over, grabbing my phone.
Once it's loaded, I open the calendar. I stare at it as a smile spreads across my face. "I’m okay. I’m going to be alright." I've survived in this world for longer than I ever thought I would without him finding me.
After adding it to my phone, I hesitate before putting it back on the nightstand. "Oh, Sweet Baby Jesus. I need a bath." I pull myself up and stumble into the shower.
I take my time; the water feels so good running over my sore muscles. I truly need to soak later tonight; his tub is enormous. "I need to ask Em if she has any bath bombs so I can stay in there until I prune over twice."
I stay longer than I should under the hot steam. When I open the door, a chill runs over me. I yank a towel out and wrap it around me, hurrying into the closet for clothes.
"What'll it be today, Harper?" I turn to Ridge's side, going through them again. "I'll be wearing this sweatshirt, paired with leggings. Yes, girl. They make your ass look good and the shirt smells like him. Stop it, Harper!"
I get dressed as fast as I can; the house is a little cold this morning and I need the warmth on my skin. I stop at his chest, pulling a pair of his socks out and yank them on.
On my way out of the bedroom, I get my phone and make my way down to the kitchen. The house is quiet this morning, Emerson is usually up and working by now.
"Hmm, she hasn't even turned the lights off." I continue to the kitchen, cutting lights off as I do. Again, I search each cabinet for a glass, I'm startled by a sound from the family room. I tip toe closer, trying to get a better look.