Page 84 of Drive Me Crazy

Ridge kneels, engulfing her in his enormous arms. "I always have room for you, my love."

"What about Max?" She murmurs, sleep written all over her.

He picks her up, holding her tight. "Plenty of love for you both, Boo."

"I think it's time to get her home, she's going fast." Boone takes Rumor from Ridge's arms.

"Come kiss me and be sure to show up tomorrow." Mackenzie moves her lips like a fish.

Boone eases over, pressing his mouth to hers. "You'll never get rid of me like that again, woman."

"C'mere sleepy girl, let momma love you." Boone leans closer so Mackenzie can kiss Rumor. "Keep my side of the bed warm. I love you, Boo Baby."

"Love you, Momma." Rumor runs her hand over Max's cheek. "I love you, Baby Max."

Boone presses his lips to Max's head. "Me too, Maximus Boone."

"Love y'all." Ridge takes my hand, holding the door for all of us. "We'll walk out with y'all."

"Thank you." Boone smiles, turning at the last minute to blow a kiss to Mackenzie. "I love you, Kenzie. More than life."

"I love you, Boone. More than life." She tilts her head, glowing with love.

I sigh heavily, laying my hand over my racing heart. "How did I not see that you two were so in love when we were in high school?"

"You were focused elsewhere." Boone inclines his head.

I cross my eyes. "True!"

"Gosh, I hate leaving her." Boone rubs Rumor's back.

"Don't." Ridge brings us to a halt. "We'll take her. You missed everything with her, don't hesitate this time."

I grin lopsidedly. "He's right, Boone."

"Are you two sure? I don't want to impose." He wavers, knowing his heart is torn.

Ridge slips Rumor from his arms, nodding. "We've got her."

"You know he's got her, go." I grin.

"Man..." Boone's eyes glisten. "I couldn't ask for a better best friend. Thank you."

He kisses Rumor and jogs back to Mackenzie's room. Ridge turns to me, his brows pulled low. I know what he's going to say before he can utter a word.

"Don't! We have plenty of time, and it's what friends do."

"It's what you do when you love someone, you're there for them. I'm so sorry, I wasn't there for you." His face is wrought with emotion, sending chills over me.

I nod, sliding my arm around his waist. "Come on, let's go home."

"You have no idea how those words just made me feel." Ridge lays his arm over my shoulder.

Damn, if this doesn't feel right. I cling to his side as he holds Rumor with one arm and me in the other. It's as if he's made to do this, to be here with me.

As if on cue, my stomach knots again, reminding me of why I don't deserve him. Although I believe we deserve a second chance, I also realize we may never get it.

The doors open to the parking lot and a chill creeps over me. I shudder, not from the cold, but with the thought of what it may bring with it. Then again, I already know.