Page 113 of Changing Lanes

I mouth, ‘damn’. Then I say it, “Damn. Yeah, I need some of that.” Finally tearing my eyes away from his tenting shorts to whisper, “Do you remember us being this insatiable before?”

“Yes.” He closes the door. He’s snarky.

“Torrie?” Andi wakes from the sound of the closing door with a sweet, sleepy voice.

“Hey, baby.” She scrambles to her knees, throwing her arms around my neck. She nuzzles my neck. “I wanted to tell you yesterday but Gamma said to wait until today. Please don’t leave again, I promise I’ll be good.”

What? “No, no baby. You think I left because you were bad?” She nods, her face still buried in my neck. Her grip tight on me. “Andi, baby, look at me.” I pull her face from my body, clearing away her stray hairs. “I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt your feelings or make you think I left because of you.” Shaking my head, I reconsider the truth. “Well, that’s not true either, Andi. I did leave because of you. I’m afraid I’m going to hurt you or forget to do something that will get you hurt. I’m scared. I want to be a good mom when your mom isn’t around, and I’m not,” I try to explain.

“Will you still be my momma, Torrie?” Her little head tilts to the side, and she smiles just like her daddy.

“As long as your momma Ava doesn’t mind. Let’s make a deal. If I ever do something wrong or if you do something wrong, we’ll tell each other. Deal?” I hold my pinky out to her.

“What’s that? That’s not a handshake,” she laughs.

“It’s a pinky shake, only girls can do it,” I whisper.

“Deal.” She takes my pinky with hers. “By the way,” she reaches into her nightie, pulling out her necklace. “I love my sea turtle necklace, thank you.” I hold my hand to my heart.

She jumps up, running down stairs. I find Brannon looking at me with tear-filled eyes, he walks over. “You’re amazing, never forget that.” He leans in and kisses me.

We get our day started by dropping Andi at school then we swing by the office. Brannon opens the door for me as the squealing begins.

“Yay.” Thayer comes running over, throwing her arms around my neck.

“Torrie!” Lea screams from the door as she and One come in.

“I didn’t think I’d see you today.” She hugs me as close as her stomach will allow.

“Try keeping either of them home today.” Hardy sits on the couch.

“I’m glad they’re here, helps welcome her.” Brannon smiles at me and my friends.

“I thought we helped to arrange her welcome last night, did you screw it up?” One asks Brannon, making Hardy chuckle.

“Everything went as planned. Thank you.” Brannon punches One’s arm.

“So, what’s next, folks?” One settles behind a desk.

“Baby showers.” I smile.

“I’m going to build my mom a small house opposite the barn. She wants us to have the house, so I need to design her one.” Brannon grabs some designs One has already to look at.

“So, let’s go have lunch and make some plans,” Thayer exclaims.

“Brannon?” I ask him, not for permission, simple courtesy. For God sakes, we just got married I don’t want to leave him.

“Are you coming back to me or is there a plane waiting somewhere?” He frowns, I narrow my eyes at him.

“You’re not funny.” Shaking my head, I become lightheaded, losing my balance.

“Hey, baby. Are you alright?” Brannon has me in his arms.

“I don’t have a clue what just happened. I’m sorry.” Hardy hands me a cup of water. “Maybe it’s all the excitement.”

After a few minutes, I convince Brannon to let me go with the girls. “I promise. I’ll go straight in and sit down.”

He nods, still frowning. “Okay, but if you feel ill at all, call me.”