Page 69 of Rumor Has It

Rumor trades her lip for her finger. “He didn’t scare you?”

“He did, but I wasn’t in fear that he’d use his hands, but his words scared me.” I shake my head, knowing I screwed that up. “Let me try this again. You know how people can say something, and it hurts because they meant for it to, like ‘you’re ugly’?” She nods. “Boone and I didn’t hurt each other in that sense. It was as if we were saying ‘I don’t love you’ instead.”

She frowns. “You love him?”

“I do.” My breath hitches with the revelation and release. “I’ve always loved him.”

“Is he … my dad?” Her eyes fill with tears. Not knowing had hurt her, and that one is on me.

“That’s what we came home for, to find out.” A tightness grows in my chest, making my heart struggle to beat. “I’m telling you now because I need you to understand what happened yesterday. None of that was because of you. It was us, hurting and needing it to stop.”

“Do you think he’ll hurt you again?” She hesitates. “I don’t want a dad who hurts you.”

“I have no idea what will happen, Rumor, but I can promise you, I’ll never hurt you again. I’ll do whatever I have to do so that your life is full, and you never doubt that you’re loved.”

Her gaze is downcast. “Will he want me?”

“Oh, baby.” I nudge her chin up, looking into her eyes. “Boone has always wanted you. He loved you when you were no more than a blip in my belly.”

Tears begin to fall freely when she utters the words I feared most. “Then why hasn’t he been here?”

“That would be why he’s hurt with me.” I swallow hard. “I told him to leave. I had to Rumor. I can’t explain it, and I sure don’t understand it, but I pushed him away, and I’ll regret for the rest of my life.”

Her mouth slides to the side. “How will we know if he’s my dad?”

“Well, we’ll get a test done.” My heart lurches. “Most importantly, our hearts will know. Daddies and Mommies aren’t always what a test says, and sometimes the only thing we need to know is how they make our hearts feel.”

She bites her lip, releasing it with a pop. “Okay, I’ll give him a chance, but only if you’re going to.”

“I’d give Boone a better chance than the other option; that one’s a snowball’s chance in hell.” I cover my mouth quickly. “Oops!”

She giggles. “You’ve been saying a lot of bad words and yelling really loud since we got here.”

“Some things bring out the worst in people. This is mine.” I sigh.

“Are you gonna look at him like he’s the bee’s knees?” She blushes, covering her mouth.

“I already do, child.” I smile. “You saw that yesterday.”

She nods, grinning. “I bet he kisses you.”

“Girl, you better slow your roll.” My heart stutters. “All this boy cootie business before breakfast! Besides, we need to run to the store; Boone’s coming to dinner.”

She taps her mouth. “What are we going to wear?”

“Breakfast first, then we’ll work out the details.” I gig her side, making her squirm until she jumps and runs through the house.

“Damn,”—I bury my face into my hands—“what am I going to wear? I haven’t bought clothes since giving birth!” I sprint to my nightstand, grabbing my phone and hitting call.

“Good morning, glory!” Maisyn’s voice chimes.

“Holy snarkies! I need help!” I scurry into my closet, tearing through my clothes.

“Alright, chill. It’s too early for all this excitement.” She giggles. “Well, unless it involves my husband, and then I’m down for it.”

“Dear Lord, just one time I’d like to talk to you about something besides sexy time with your man.” I huff, all flustered from my impending plans.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” She snickers. “So, what’s up?”

“I may have invited Boone over for dinner.”

“And if you’re lucky, you’ll come for his dessert!” She wails, cracking herself up. Although, not a bad idea, it’s not an option.

I roll my eyes. “You’re so funny. Har-har-har.”

“Whatever, you want him.” She thinks she’s a comedian. “How can I help?”

“I need clothes.” I bite my nail.

“I thought we were trying to get them off you, not put them on.” Maisyn cackles, and I can’t help myself. I laugh my ass off with her.