Page 91 of Changing Lanes

“Also, you’ve worked damn hard to get this company. I don’t think he will tell you not to go get it.” She’s right. But I know what I want, and I want Brannon.

“Lea, it’s my decision. I want to be here,” I declare.

“Sometimes in life you have to make changes. Sometimes, changes happen and you have to adjust. Either way, you simply change lanes. It’s up to you to live in the fast or to enjoy the slow,” Lea imparts. Damn, she’s good.

“Someone said one time, ‘Your ability to handle changes is what defines you’. I’ve allowed changes to define me, instead of using them to show what defines me. It’s time for a change.” I smirk because I know in my bones I’ve changed. Here is where I’m supposed to be.

“Well then, welcome to Highway Seventeen. Please, be sure Brannon understands this is your choice, not your option.” She winks at me. “I’d hug you, but I’d have to get up.” Pointing her belly, we both laugh.

I get my hug from Lea before I leave, also hugging from the twins. They are precious; I hope one day I’m blessed enough to have another child. Until then, I have a daughter. Well, stepdaughter, but I hate using step.

I’m waiting in ‘pick up’ at the school for Andi, there’s been no sign of Ava. I want to text Brannon to give him an update, but I don’t want to bother him. Is it weird I’m excited to pick her up? I’ve done it several times already, but today is different. Picking her up, taking her home for me to take care of her, on our own.

I’m excited to show everyone I can do it, although I’m nervous also. My parents’ were never hands-on; my father didn’t want me. I’ve always been scared I would be like them, uncaring. The last few years, my mother has gotten so much better at showing me love. I want Andi to know she may not be mine, but I love her as if she is.

The bell rings, and I watch as children pour from every door, making me giggle at their excitement. Andi walks out holding hands with another little girl, a blonde; they look adorable together. I step out of the car, waving at her.

“Andi. Andi!” She sees me by the second time I call her name. She comes running over with her friend in tow.

“Torrie. Are you picking me up?” she asks as they swing hands.

“I am. Your dad had to go to Charleston for work,” I explain, smiling at her.

Andi introduces us, to my surprise. “This is my friend, Mel. Mel, this is my momma, Torrie.” There goes my heart.

“Mel, are you ready?” A blonde lady looking like Mel walks up. “Hi, Andi. How’s your dad?”

Now, you know she didn’t do that. “He’s working. This is my momma, Torrie, she’s going to marry my dad. Momma Torrie, this is Mel’s momma, Diane.” I do believe Andi covered it all.

I greet her with a huge grin. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Well, hello. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” She shakes my hand but checks me out.

“I’m from New York. Bran and I met in college.” I give her all the gossip at once.

“Must’ve been love.” She smirks.

“Oh, it is. Come on, baby. We need to get home and start dinner.” I smile as I put Andi in the SUV.

“How about a small ice cream cone before we get home?” I propose.

“Yay!” Andi screams. I think that’s a yes.

I send Brannon a quick text letting him know I have Andi. He doesn’t reply by the time we get to the ice cream parlor, but I know he’s busy, so I don’t worry. Andi and I sit down to enjoy our cones; she got strawberry, I picked vanilla.

We talk about her day at school, she’s the happiest little girl. Checking my phone, I still have nothing from Brannon. I try not to worry, putting it back in my purse. As I do, it vibrates. I jerk it back out to see it’s the jewelry store down the street. I hit redial.

“Jewels of the Ocean, this is Rachel. How may I help you?” the sales clerk greets me.

“Hi, this is Torrie Harrington. I just missed your call,” I explain.

“Yes, Ms. Harrington. We have your necklace ready, whenever you’d like to pick it up,” She tells me.

“We’re just down the street, be right there.”

“See you soon. Thank you.” Ending the call, I see Brannon has texted me. Opening it, it’s simple.

“Thanks, babe. Sorry. Busy. Be home late.”