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We can touch him. He said we could.
Shush, Rebel. If I need your input, I’ll ask for it. Spoiler alert – I won’t be asking for her input when it comes to Elder. He’s tempting enough without her opening her big mouth and adding her two cents.
“We should probably get going.”
Crap. How long have I been standing here staring at him? I clear my throat.
“Yep. Let’s go.”
I grab my purse and step onto the porch.
“Are you forgetting something?” Elder asks.
I glance down. I’m wearing shoes. I have my purse. What could I possibly be forgetting?
He chuckles. “The baby?”
My eyes widen. “Fuck. Robin. I’m a horrible guardian. Maybe we shouldn’t do this. Maybe I shouldn’t fight Robin’s dad on custody. I freaking forgot her.”
I whirl around to go back inside but Elder snags my hand before I can go anywhere.
“Stop,” he growls. “You aren’t a horrible guardian. Or a horrible person. Or whatever other bullshit you’re telling yourself now.”
“I forgot her,” I whisper.
He rubs his thumb against my pulse point and I shiver in response to the feel of his calloused thumb against my skin. How would his thumb feel rubbing other parts of my body?Now we’re talking.
I yank my hand away from Elder. When Rebel Harmony and I agree, I know it’s time to step back.
“I’ll get the baby,” I say and flee into the house.
I reach the nursery and collapse in the rocking chair while I wait for my heartbeat to slow down. Robin kicks her legs in her sleep before stretching her arms out. I get to my feet and stand over her crib to stare at her.
She’s worth doing anything for. Even marrying a man I wish I could marry for real but can’t because he deserves way better than me. I pick her up and cradle her in my arms.
“Ready?” Elder says from the doorway. He lifts up Robin’s diaper bag. “Anything else I should bring?”
I shake my head and follow him out to his truck.
“Is this stinky truck?”
“Not anymore.” He opens the door and I sniff. The interior smells of lemons.
“How did you manage to get the smell out of the upholstery?” I ask as he straps Robin into the car seat.
“Don’t ask me. The gossip gals performed magic.”
We drive in silence into town and park behind the courthouse. When we turn the corner and the crowd comes into view, I hesitate.
“I thought we agreed to have a small wedding with a few witnesses.”
Elder leads me up the stairs. “We did.”
“She’s here!” his mom, Daisy, shouts before rushing forward and snatching Robin out of my hands. “I’ve got the baby.”
“I thought we agreed I could hold the baby during the ceremony,” Clementine pouts.
I reach for Robin. “I’m holding the baby.”
