Page 83 of Drive Me Crazy

"You haven't said a lot of things." I blanch from Ridge's harsh tone.

"Ahh, lovers quarrel. Those are the best." Boone quips, trying to relieve the growing tension in the room. But when I glance at Mackenzie, the look on her face says it all. She knows everything.

"No one is arguing," Ridge hands Max back to his momma. "besides, you have to be a couple to have a quarrel."

"And everyone knows we've never been that right?"

Boone leans in, kissing his son. "They're getting better at this."

"I like it." Mackenzie waggles her brows.

"Well, get used to it." I grind my jaw. "Ridge loves it."

Ridge's head spins slowly, and our gazes lock. "Ridge loves you, and nothing else matters."

I'm stunned. My chest constricts and heaves as my heart pounds, making my entire body shudder. It's everything I've ever wanted to hear, and all I've needed to know.

Ridge slides his hand into mine, sweeping my hair behind my ear with his free hand. "Did I break you?"

"Little bit, maybe." I bite my lip in hopes to hide the sound of my breath hitching. I've loved Ridge from my earliest memory of him, and I've waited for what feels like a lifetime to hear him utter them to me.

"It's about time." Mackenzie snickers. "I can't imagine what you've been through, waiting on his ass all these years."

"Ohh, Momma said..." Boone covers Rumor's mouth.

"Let's not say what Momma shouldn't have said in front of you and your brother." He shakes his head. "Even if she was right."

Ridge drops his head. "Guess I did drag my feet."

"Oh, ya know. Just the basic idiotic life choices and the too stubborn to admit to past mistakes and misgivings." I smile coyishly when Ridge grunts. "And that was just me!"

Mackenzie reaches for me and I take her hand. "Better late than never."

"So true." I touch my face, batting away the falling tears.

"If life were meant to be easy, there'd never be a need for makeup..." Boone's brows wiggle.

Rumor wrinkles her nose. "Unc doesn't wear makeup."

"No, but he'd get into this pretty quickly." Mackenzie winks, and my face heats. Now Ridge is shifting his feet.

"Alrighty folks! On that cue, I think it's time for us to go." He leans in, kissing Mackenzie on the forehead. "You're gettin' good at this momma thing, he's perfect."

Mackenzie pulls him down for a hug. "I love you, brother from another mother."

"I love you, Mack."

Boone walks around the bed and wraps his arms around me. "Thank you for getting them here in time."

"Yes, thank you Harper." Mack curls her fingers at me as they exchange us for the other. "I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner."

"Well, you were a tad bit busy. I'm honored to have been a part of it this time."

Boone slaps Ridge on the back. "Man, I owe you so much for everything you continue to do for my family."

"You pay me by loving her ornery ass, that's some tough love." Ridge chuckles when Mackenzie flips him off.

"Hey! I want in on this action." Rumor slides between her dad and uncle.