Page 49 of Rumor Has It

“How are you?” She reaches for my hand across the table, as if the lifeline she’s always held for me hasn’t been enough all these years.

I grip her fingers, releasing a heavy sigh. “It’s gonna be alright. We’re going to be fine.”

“Yes, you are, and we’re all here for you.” She squeeze me.

“I know, I do.”

“But…” She nudges me. “Oh come on. There’s always a ‘but’.”

My chest rises and falls as I take a much needed breath. “I’m seeing ghosts everywhere I look. It’s as if I never left here.”

“And you hate it.”

“Yup!” I mirror her wrinkled nose. “I did a double take earlier because I thought he drove past me.”

She stands, walking over to my side and throwing her arm around me. “One day at a time, Mackenzie. You’re doing the right thing, and it’ll all work out in the end. Look at me, I got my happily ever after.”

“Well, until Mr. Darcy knocks on my door, I’ll be in the garage with grease under my nails and a ballcap on.”

She takes my hand, pulling me from my muck and mud. “Let’s go stare at Lachlan’s ass and giggle like we did in high school.”

“Can I drink a wine cooler and act badass?”

“No way!” She makes a gagging noise. “I know someone who owns a distillery; we’re on the good stuff now.”

-Scene break-

“It’s so cute, Momma!” she yells, running from room to room as I drag our suitcases in.

“I thought so too.” I drop the bags and follow the sound of her squeals as she hits every room in the place. “Have you found your room?”

My bubbly girl pops out from behind a door. “This one!”

“How did I know you would pick that one?” I lean against the door, watching her twirl in the middle of the room.

“I don’t know … I suppose it’s because you’re smart!”

“Oh, shi-oooot.” There’s a thump at the front of the house that makes us both jump.

Wide-eyed, she moves her hand from her mouth. “You almost said a bad word.”

“Almost only counts in horseshoes and love.” I hurry out to the porch to find the movers unloading our furniture. “Well, I guess we’ll have beds for tonight.”

I feel a tug on my hand. “Should I get my things from the car?”

“Go ahead. I’m going to tell them where everything goes while we wait on Grandpa and Grampy.” I pat her back when something catches my eye.

“Boooo! Booooo!” I whip my head around at the same time Ridge darts out from around the moving truck. My smile is as big as my baby’s, and I’m so thrilled he’s here for our girl.

“Uncle Ridge!” she screams, running into his arms.

He picks her up, swinging her around like a rag doll. “It’s Boo! How are you, Boo Baby?”

“You need to stop calling her that, especially now,” I grumble as they laugh and pretend not to hear me. Ridge has never left a doubt who he thinks her dad is, he also thinks her nickname is funny. I’m not laughing.

“C’mon, sugar. Give daddy some lovin’.” He sets her down, holding his arms out for me. “You know you want some of this.” He puckers his lips, waiting on me to kiss him.

“Ewe! No, stop that.” I hold my mouth, pretending to vomit. “I’m gonna be sick.”