Page 72 of Changing Lanes

The building project for Harrington Holdings fills the following weeks, at least the days. Our nights are filled with family and plenty of reacquainting ourselves with each other. Working together has been great, easy even. She knows what I’m thinking before I say it. I say it as she thinks it.

We settle into a routine centered around our family. Torrie spends every night with me, even tucking Andi into bed. Taking turns cooking, laundry and now, Torrie picks Andi up when needed. Ava’s not thrilled about it, but when she’s a no-show, someone needs to do it.

Torrie still avoids talking about her father. I’ve tried everything to convince her we need to tell her parents’ about us. It’s not that she’s refusing, I think she’s hoping he’ll retire before she needs to have the conversation. We need to do it before he finds out and all hell breaks loose.

One and Lea have invited us to their twins first birthday party. It’s this Saturday at Bounce Nation in Calabash. Andi’s excited to see everyone. Torrie hasn’t met their entire family, so I’m excited to watch her. She doesn’t understand how they work with so many children, but by God, they do it.

Torrie walks out to the barn where I’m working. Smiling as I watch her, she kisses me. “Would it be okay if I take Andi to town to buy birthday presents for the twins?” Why is she asking me?

“Of course, you can just tell me, you don’t have to ask.” I lean in to kiss her again.

“Well, I wasn’t sure. I just don’t want to overstep.” She shrugs.

“You’re not overstepping.” I grin at her.

“Okay but I still need to ask or at least let you know. Until things are more official.” She looks away.

“Official, how?” I ask as I step closer, leaving no room between us.

Her eyes flicker to mine, then away. “You know when we’re officially a couple.”

“You asking me to marry you?” Her eyes dart to mine. “Cause, I don’t see a ring?”

“If I were asking, I’d have a ring.” She smirks at me.

“Well, just so we’re clear. I’m not easy, you gotta work for this lady.” I drag my hand don my chest.

“I’m a hard worker, Bran.” She says before biting her lip.

“Me too.” I give her a wry grin.

“Oh, yeah. How hard are you?” Torrie surprises me by grabbing my cock through my jeans. “Not bad, country boy, not bad at all.”

I wrap her in my arms, smashing my mouth into hers. Pressing her against my body, her nipples pebble and she gasps. “You need to go before I bend you over this tractor,” I tell her as we break free from one another.

“We’re also getting mani-pedi’s while we out.” She kisses me again.

“My wallet’s on the nightstand, take what you need.” I pull her into my chest as she frowns. “What?” I ask.

“I have money. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t plan on paying,” she huffs.

“I also have money; she’s my daughter, I’ll pay,” I answer before leaning in. Her head strains to look at me.

“I know whose daughter she is I’m just trying to be nice.” Her brows pull low.

“I didn’t even mean that the way it sounded. I’m sorry,” I offer as she looks around us.

“Okay,” is her only response. I have to fix this.

“Baby, I’m sorry. I know I hurt your feelings, I didn’t mean to. It’s old wounds, I don’t want anyone thinking I can’t take of her. But I love that you want to, we’ve never had that before.” Her face softens, and she gazes into my eyes.

“I’ll never offer if I don’t mean it. I’ll never try unless I want to.” She kisses me sweetly, and my heart races.

“Thank you for being her for her and me.” I kiss her again before releasing her to go into town.

While Torrie and Andi are gone, I work the fields. I’m halfway around the back acre when I see the old, beat up Nissan Altima coming toward me. I’m not in the mood for her shit today, Ava’s been on my last nerve. She’s never understood why I’ve loved Torrie all this time, and I just can’t explain it again.

Pulling alongside the fence, she gets out, slamming her door so hard the car shakes. I drop my head, taking a deep breath. I need a shot to deal with her shit. People, be careful who you have a child with, you’re stuck with them for life.