Page 117 of Rumor Has It

“You’d rather Reed Thorton be her father, than me be her dad. That’s just fucking great, Kenzie. Why don’t you ask him why we were fighting?” I glare over her shoulder at him.

“I’d say that’s fair.” Riley chimes in, his hands in fists.

Reed’s head spins. “So, are you two going to jump me now?”

“No! No one is fighting anymore!” Mackenzie turns, averting her eyes. “Boone, I need you to leave.”

I begin to laugh, wandering away from her. I peer over my shoulder at Rumor. Her face is wet, just like her mom’s. I rub my chest, letting the ache that has become a pain break free.

“Please don’t go, Daddy.” I turn as Rumor sprints to me, and I catch her mid-stride. My arms are around her, cradling her as you would a baby.

I rub her back, walking toward the house. “No, Boo Baby. Don’t you cry. I’ll be back. I’ve already told you, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Please don’t leave us, please.” She latches on to me, practically crawling into my shirt, and all I can hear are her words.

I sway with her until she’s calmed down. I lay her on her bed with Mackenzie close behind. I sweep her hair off her face and dry her cheeks with my hand.

“I need you to listen to me, okay?” She nods in answer to my question. “I will always be right here. Nothing will ever make me leave you. Do you understand?”

She nods, snubbing. “What if Reed won’t let you?”

“This isn’t permanent, baby. We’re going to visit, and we’ll be home within a week or two.” Mackenzie stands beside me, laying her hand on my shoulder.

“But-but Reed said it might be longer. I want to see Boone too.” Her tears break free and run down her cheek and onto the bed.

Mackenzie kneels beside me, taking my hand. “Boone will never leave you, do you understand? He loves you.”

“She’s right, I love you and I’ll fly out to join you when I can. If I can.” I side-eye Mackenzie, her touch burning into my soul.

Rumor sits up, hugging me. “I love you.”

“I love you, always.” I pat her back before getting to my feet and walking out her door.

Mackenzie’s on my heels as I storm out the front and off the porch. “Boone! Would you stop a second?”

“What?” I hold my arms out, waiting for her to gut me. “What do you two want from me?” I glare at Reed.

“We’re only going for a visit. We’ll be back. I promise.” Mackenzie’s hand is outstretched, meeting me halfway.

I shove my hands in my pockets. “I’m nothing without the two of you. So, do me a favor? Come back to me only if you’re ready to put us first. Us,Mackenzie.”

“What are you talking about? I love you, Boone.” She lays her hand over my heart, pain etched on her face. I might hate this, but she’s doing what she’s supposed to do.

I wrap my hand around her wrist. “I can’t stand by and watch you destroy us again. I won’t.”

“Then go the fuck on.” Reed leers at me from behind the protection of Mackenzie.

I jerk my head at him. “I don’t understand why you’d want him to be her father, he’s never been good to you or her.”

“IF he’s her father, he’ll always be here whether we like it or not.” Her brows pull together, frustration twisting her features.

“Don’t use our word for him.” I begin to shake all over. “I’m leaving for you, isn’t that what you told me once? Well, I’m doing it this time. Go, leave.”

“Mercy, I had no idea how much I’ve hurt you. I knew it was bad, but this is next level.” She runs her finger under her eye, knocking away the tears.

“You hurt my soul. This is breaking my heart. See the difference? No? Let me show you.” I turn my back on her for the first time ever in our lives.

There comes a time when we must face what we’ve done as much as we can, and it’s up to the good Lord above to decide if a person is meant to be in your life, or a lesson in it.

All I can hope for is that we’re one of those couples who are meant to be together, but have to walk through hell with things trying to tear us apart and come out even stronger.

I love her, so I’ll lay our love in her hands and wait. Once again, I’ll be her always.