Текст книги "Running on Empty"

Автор книги: L. B. Simmons

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Текущая страница: 13 (всего у книги 16 страниц)

Do I think it is safe to spend the day with Blake alone in my house? Definitely not. “Sure.”

Wait! What? Argh – Freakin’ subconscious!

Blake’s smile gets wider. “Great! I’m looking forward to it.” He throws the towel over his shoulder. “We done in here?”

“Yeah, I think so. Let’s see if the girls are ready.”

We told the girls we would take them to the park after breakfast, so as soon as we were done eating, they immediately scampered from the table and went to change out of their formal attire into something more park friendly while we cleaned up the kitchen.

We walk into the living room. Nycole and Kyndall are giggling as they push Rylie in Blake’s direction. She’s holding a piece of purple construction paper in her tiny hands.

When she reaches him, she lifts the paper as high as she can to give it to him. He takes it from her and sits down on the fireplace ledge, placing her on his lap while he opens it. As he reads it, I watch the most beautiful smile slowly makes its way across his face. Rylie eyes him with anticipation, with a big grin also stretching across her face when she sees Blake’s reaction. She looks at her sisters and giggles. He lowers the letter and pulls her into an embrace. “Rylie, I’d love to. If it’s okay with your mommy.” He releases her and leans over, handing me the purple piece of paper.

This has Nycole written all over it. Not only because I know that Rylie can’t spell or because Kyndall’s handwriting isn’t this legible, but because of the incriminating look on her face right now...and all the glitter on the paper.

I look at Nycole and raise my eyebrows in suspicion. She shrugs her shoulders proclaiming her innocence. I give her a knowing smile before turning to Blake. “It’s okay with me. But I’ll have to give him the top secret details later. When little ears aren’t around.” Rylie throws her arms around his neck and then jumps off his lap, screaming, “This is gonna be the best birthday party ever!” like a mad woman running down the hall to her room. The girls turn to follow her and I put my hand on Nycole’s shoulder as she passes by me. “Well done, Nycole.” She looks up at my face and confidently says, “You’re welcome.”

I bend down and put my face right in front of hers so she can see I’m completely serious. “Thank you, Nycole.”

She kisses me on the cheek and wraps her arms around my neck. Then, so that I’m the only one who hears, she whispers in my ear, “I love you, mom.” When she lets go of my neck, I look directly into her beautiful brown eyes. “I love you too, baby.” She nods her head and runs out of the room after her sisters.

I turn to Blake who’s been watching our interaction. “She reminds me of you, you know. Smart, sarcastic, ruthless…”

I widen my eyes in shock. “What? I am totally not sarcastic.”

I let out a laugh as I walk over to the fireplace and hold my hand out to help him up. “Well, I’m obviously not wearing this to the park. I’m gonna go change. How about you? Do you need anything?”

He reaches up to grab my hand and pulls himself up. “No, I’m okay wearing this.” He reaches over and pushes a section of hair off of my shoulder and runs his hand down my back. “You look stunning today, Alex.” He places his hand in mine.

“Thank you for a wonderful morning. I enjoyed every bit of it.” He raises my hand to his lips. “But I think my favorite part was holding you in the kitchen. Thank you for that.” He gently puts his lips on my hand and holds them there for a second before letting go. The heat from his mouth ignites my entire body. I exhale deeply, fighting the urge to grab him and kiss his face off. I wish I could just let go and give in to my body’s demands. I want him. And not in a friendly way. But in the back of my mind is the knowledge that I can’t afford to be wrong with my decisions, so I push away my desire and drop my hand from his.

“I’m gonna go change. Think you can handle them for a second?” He watches me closely as I put distance between us. “Yeah, I’ve got them. Go ahead.”

I turn on my heel, walk into my bedroom and shut the door. I take in several deep breaths, trying to clear my head. Opening the armoire, I grab the t-shirt and jean shorts I had on earlier in the morning. I pull my hair back into a ponytail then throw on my socks and tennis shoes. Inhaling deeply before I walk out of the room, I open the door and shout, “Alright girls! Let’s get going!”

I don’t know what’s going on inside my head today. I don’t know if it’s fear, rational thought, or something to do with Derek, but something keeps holding me back from Blake. I’m riding a roller coaster of emotions; sometimes I want off and other times I want to stay on and enjoy the ride. My eyes move across the living room to meet Blake’s. “You okay, Alex?” He walks to me and puts his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry if it feels like I’m pushing. I don’t mean to. I’ll back off.”

I shake my head. “It’s fine, Blake. I promise. Sometimes it’s just a little overwhelming. Not you or anything you’re doing, but the feelings. It scares me. That’s all. I’m sorry if I seem all over the place. But I hope you understand it isn’t you.” I move my hand to my shoulder and briefly place it on top of his before letting go. “Please be patient with me,” I plead.

He strokes my shoulder with his thumb and looks into my eyes. “I’m not going anywhere, Alex.” He runs his hand lightly down my arm and gives my hand a quick squeeze before releasing it when we hear the pitter patter of little feet running down the hall.

“We’re ready, Mama!” Kyndall says, as she runs up to me completely out of breath. I glance at the peace sign backpack she’s holding. “Why do you have your back pack?”

“Well, Tommy and Sandy wanted to come too!” She opens up the bag to show us her favorite stuffed bear and turtle. “See!”

I watch Nycole emerge with her iPod Touch and headphones in her ears. “Okay – Rylie, is there anything you want to bring with you?” She walks over to Blake and grabs his hand. “Just Blake!” she says, leading him toward the front door. He winks at her and gives her a beautiful smile which she happily reciprocates. I watch her skip towards the door, holding Blake’s hand the entire time.

“Alright, let’s go,” I say to absolutely no one since they’re all outside. I turn to lock the door, hoping the fresh air will ease my mind. I walk to the Suburban and climb in. Blake’s already turned around in the passenger’s seat talking to the girls. I turn the key in the ignition and start the drive to the park.

After two new songs from Justin Bieber’s new album, accompanied by horrendous dance moves from Blake, which leads to many contagious giggles, we arrive at the park. The girls jump out and scatter all over the place. Rylie pulls Blake with her to the swings. Poor guy. He’ll be there all day.

I hear her yell “Collar roaster, Blake! Do the collar roaster!” I smile as she refers to the swings. I wonder how old she’ll be until she actually says it right. I chuckle to myself.

Blake is definitely good for a roller coaster ride, my dear. You definitely picked the right person for that.

I walk to the bench that sits on the edge of the park and watch Nycole and Kyndall as they sit under the slide setting up various toys that Kyndall must have had in her back pack. Judging by the amount of toys they have, it’s no wonder she was out of breath.

I observe Blake pushing Rylie on the swing. He’s laughing with her singing some song about a donut and a nickel. He must know it, or is an incredibly fast learner, because by the second time through he’s singing it with her. They both look incredibly content.

I sigh as I allow myself to imagine this is actually my life. A gorgeous man who loves my children as if they are his own. A man who loves me. A strong man who can handle anything. A caring man who will take care of his girls. A family. A happy family.

I try to contain the tears as they start to surface.

I had that with Derek and it was taken away from me. Am I lucky enough to experience it again? I swipe away a tear as it starts to escape my eye.

Derek, I’m scared. I don’t know what to do. I need your help.

Tears start to stream down my face.

Would I be wrong to allow this to happen with Blake? I’m tired of fighting it, Derek. I want so much to feel. To let myself be happy. But I can’t help but worry that if I do, I’m dishonoring everything we had together. You were my first everything. I don’t know if I could do it with anyone else. I wish you were here to tell me what to do. To give me your blessing. I think that’s what I’m waiting for. Which is unfortunate because you aren’t here. Am I crazy for waiting for you to give me the okay?

I look to the sky, half expecting him to appear like an angel floating down to give me all the answers.

Yeah, I’m definitely crazy.

I watch all three girls, now running around the park, chasing Blake. He jerks his body from left to right, barely missing their hands when they try to grab him. He finally lets Kyndall win and scoops her up in his big arms, spinning her round and round. He sets her down and takes off around the swings and the chase begins again. I watch their determination as they try to catch him. And I watch him as he contemplates who he’s going to let win this round. They’re all so full of laughter I can’t help but smile through the tears.

Derek, I want the girls to know a normal life; to know true happiness, like what we had when you were here. I really think that Blake could give us that. Actually, I know he could. But I also know I’m holding back. There’s a threshold I can’t seem to cross. Is he worth the gamble? I know nothing is guaranteed in this lifetime. Trust me, no one knows that better than me. But I want so much to believe he’s worth it. Worth taking the chance.

A small breeze blows over me. I breathe in deeply, trying to force fresh air into my lungs. But then, I take in a deeper breath, except this time it’s not to clear my head. It smells…familiar. Sandalwood. I gasp out loud.

Blake looks over at me with concern on his face and starts walking in my direction. I wave him off. “I’m fine! You’d better hurry. They’re tag teaming you now.” He looks back and dodges Nycole as she leaps forward to catch him. He takes one look back at me and I motion for him to run. “Hurry! They’re gonna get you!” He turns and changes direction running towards the slide.

Another breeze blows over me and the smell of sandalwood lingers in the air.

Derek?

Okay – I’m definitely losing my mind. I shake my head and start to get up when the most beautiful butterfly I’ve ever seen lands right on my knee. It looks like some exotic sort of butterfly; I’ve never seen anything like it. The arches of its wings are marked with bright yellow and black. But it’s the bottom part of the butterfly’s wings that catches my attention. The lowest section of its wings is a beautiful almost electric blue color.

I place my hand beside the butterfly on my leg, being careful not to touch its wings. Instead of flying away, it climbs onto my finger. I lift it up to my face to get a better look. Amazingly it doesn’t move. It just sits there looking back at me. Another breeze blows and I’m momentarily distracted from its beauty. There’s no mistaking it. Sandalwood is all around me. I can smell it on my clothes.

I look all around me. I don’t see anything out of the norm. I look back at the butterfly.

Derek?

All of a sudden, it leaves my finger and begins to flutter around my head. I hear the girls run up out of breath.

“Mama – look at the butterfly. Isn’t it beautiful?” Kyndall watches it land on her shoulder. She stands as still as possible and twists her head to the side to get a better look. “Oh…It’s so pretty!”

Nycole and Rylie make their way over and the butterfly jumps off of Kyndall’s shoulder and begins to fly all around her sisters. It lands on the top of Rylie’s head and she stands like a statue while we all laugh at her, then it flutters to Nycole and lands on her finger when she holds it out in an attempt to lure it close to her. She brings it very close to her face and the butterfly flies off her finger and lands on her cheek. She giggles. “It tickles!”

Then, as Blake finally makes his way over, the butterfly flies over to him and lands on his shoulder. He takes his hand and places it right next to the butterfly. It climbs on without hesitation. “Alex, look at this. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like this before. Not even in Colorado. It’s beautiful.” Blake brings it around for a closer look. As he’s inspecting it, it flies off of his hand and flutters in the air for a second before it lands back on my knee.

Okay. I’m completely losing it if I think that this butterfly is Derek trying to tell me something. I have officially lost my marbles. There is no way that –

The butterfly flies up and lands right on my nose. I look at it cross-eyed, watching it flap its wings slowly in front of my eyes. Taunting me.

Derek? Is that you?

It begins to flap its wings faster, finally leaving my nose. It makes its way back to Blake and flutters above his head for a few seconds before another breeze comes and it flies away. We all sit in silence watching it as it disappears behind the trees.

“That was weird,” Blake says quietly. Turning back towards the girls he claps his hands loudly. “Hide and Seek? I’ll start. One… two… three…” The girls take off running. Blake turns and sits beside me on the bench. “You okay? You look a little upset.” He twists my ponytail around his finger. I nod my head. “Yeah, I’m okay. Nycole just went under the slide…in case you need a hint.”

He studies my face intently and wipes a rogue tear from my cheek. “Okay, well, I’m here if you need me.” He gives me one last look before I point to the slide. “Go get her. She’s getting too big for her britches.” The corners of his mouth tip up and he runs his knuckle across the bottom of my chin, catching the last tear before it falls. “Don’t worry. I’ll knock her down a couple of pegs,” he says placing his palm on my cheek. “You sure you’re okay?”

“I will be once you get her. I still owe her for the surprise invite…even though you were already invited…maybe I should have told you?” I lean my face into his hand and take in a much needed breath. He strokes my cheek one last time before getting up from the bench. “Good to know.” He shoots me a quick wink. As he turns to walk away, he crouches low and covertly sneaks up behind the slide.

Another breeze passes though my hair but there’s no trace of sandalwood. I feel a little saddened. Maybe I’m crazy, but part of me feels that nothing that just happened in the last few minutes was random. In fact, I feel like it was pretty deliberate. My heart fills with joy as I watch the girls playing with Blake.

I’m going to assume that I have your okay? The second the breeze hits, I smell it.

A happiness fills my soul. I smile looking up at the clouds.

Alright, I was just testing you.

Don’t worry…I get it.

And stay tuned, because I’m going for it.

I smile even more when the clouds break and the warm sun shines on my face. I know I’m headed in the right direction now.

I just needed a little guidance.

The next morning, after dropping off the girls, I make my way to the house to start the preparations for Rylie’s surprise party. Pulling into my driveway, I turn off the ignition and let out a deep breath. There’s a nervous excitement running through my veins; I know Blake’s coming over today.

Walking into the house, I throw my purse onto the couch and make my way to the kitchen. I pull the mixing bowls out of the dishwasher and grab the cake mix. I figure I’ll start with the cake because I want to have enough time to work on it. I know I have more time than usual though, since Harlow offered to pick them up and keep them busy for a while after school. The benefits of owning your own business never gets old.

Regardless, I want to get a head start. I wrapped most of the presents last night after the girls went to bed, so all I really have to focus on today is the cake, the balloons and the banner.

I throw the mix in the bowl. A little too quickly I guess because as soon as the contents of the bag hit, a white cloud flies up and coats my face. I cough as the flour enters my lungs. And of course, right at that very moment, my door bell rings.

My heart beats wildly in my chest and my stomach feels like there’s a gymnast inside it performing a gold medal winning floor routine. I wipe my hands on my black yoga pants leaving white trails from my fingers all over them as I walk through the living room. Entering the front hallway, I take a look at my tattered iron on “Save Ferris” t-shirt that I made no telling how many years ago. Well…I guess this will have to do.

Opening the door, I find it difficult to breathe when I lay my eyes on Blake. One would think I’d be use to how gorgeous he is, but for some reason, I seem to have the same reaction every time I see him. He stands before me, once again in my favorite faded jeans, wearing a black button down shirt – untucked and sleeves rolled up in true Blake style – and his clanky motorcycle boots. His hair is flipping everywhere as it tends to do. He takes one look at me and the corner of his mouth lifts. He looks down at his black shirt.

“So I’m thinking black wasn’t such a good idea.” He gives me his sexy chuckle and it takes everything in me not to jump on him right now, wrap my legs and arms around him, and kiss him senseless.

I giggle at the thought. “I think you’re right. But don’t worry. You’re on balloon duty so you should be safe.” I move aside allowing him to step in the entry way before closing the door. “Are those for Rylie? You didn’t have to get her anything. I know it was short notice.”

He holds my eyes for a brief second. Then he breaks our gaze to look down at the smaller box on top. “Not both of them. The smaller one is for you.”

“Really?” I giggle like a little girl. I grab the present and skip into the living room, plopping down on the couch. “What is it?” Blake follows me but remains standing. “Open it and see.”

“Okay,” I say, my smile getting larger. I look down at the Disney Princess wrapping paper and smile so wide my face hurts. I glance back up at him. “You sure this is for me?”

Blake grins sexily. My eyes wander all over his body before looking back down at the gift. I rip the paper open to find a black box. Flipping it open, I can’t help but gasp from surprise.

Inside the box is a new charm to add to my collection, but it isn’t just any charm. This one is an exact replica of the butterfly from yesterday. Exact. Same black, yellow, and blue palette. I pick it up and let it dangle between my fingers as I examine it closely.

“Blake. You remembered the bracelet? It’s beautiful.” I haven’t had a chance to tell him I still have it.

“Yes. Of course I remember it. I only looked for a charm every chance I had growing up. I thought this one would go nicely with your collection.” His eyes break from mine and land on the charm.

“I found it yesterday while shopping for Rylie. I had to get it for you. That butterfly seemed to have some kind of connection yesterday with you and the girls. And with it being so unusual, the chance of me finding an exact match…well, I just had to get it. I think it was meant for you, for some reason.” He looks at me shyly. “It seemed like some kind of sign or something. I know…that sounds weird.”

When Derek was alive, he was notorious for making sure I understood what he was telling me, making me repeat what he said to make sure I was listening or quizzing me after a long discussion. I find myself rolling my eyes in my head.

Yes, Derek…I understand. No further pushing required. I get it.

Thank you.

I put the charm back in the box and gently set it on the coffee table. Smiling at Blake, I walk over to him and wrap my arms around his waist. I put my forehead on his chest and smell him yet again. Something about doing that comforts me. Blake puts his hand on the back of my head and runs his hand through my hair. Placing my chin on his chest, I tilt my head back to look him directly in the eyes. “Thank you, Blake. I have a feeling you’re right. This charm was meant for me. It’s absolutely perfect.” He removes his hand from the back of my head and grazes his fingers across my forehead, moving the hair out of my eyes. “I’m glad you like it.”

Giving him another wide smile, I remove my chin from his shirt. And then I see my mistake. In an effort to suppress my laughter, I immediately cover my mouth with my hand. I watch as Blake looks down at his shirt and then back up at me with wide eyes and a half-grin on his lips.

Oh my God.

I completely forgot about the flour all over my face. The flour that is now all over his shirt. “Oh, Blake. I’m so sorry.” Unfortunately, I can’t hold it in any longer. It starts with a giggle that barely escapes, but when I turn him around and see the two handprints on his back, I can’t help but break out into full on laughter. I start hiccupping as he turns back around and I watch his face light up with laughter. He attempts to dust the front of his shirt, but it does absolutely nothing. Taking in a couple of breaths to regain my composure, I wipe my eyes and attempt to straighten myself back into standing position. Once I’m able to function, I grab his hand and lead him into the kitchen. “Come on. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

I feel a zap all over my body when he intertwines his fingers with mine. I turn back and give him a reassuring smile. I’m completely okay with this.

I grab a towel and turn the faucet on to wet it. I turn around to see Blake leaning back on the kitchen counter, legs crossed in front of him. When I approach him, he uncrosses his legs and stands up straighter allowing me to get close to him. Stepping in between his legs, I take the towel and dab it on his chest, removing the traces of white powder. I can see his muscles tense under his shirt. I let my eyes wander over his chest and slowly look up to meet his beautiful green eyes. I can feel every bit of nervous energy as it courses through my body. He holds my stare.

Keeping my eyes on him, I place the towel down on the counter beside him. I reach my hand up and run it over his chest. The muscles in his jaw tighten.

I slowly bring my other hand up and place both palms on his chest. I can feel his heart racing, encouraging me to keep going. I slowly move my hands down the ripples on his stomach. I break our stare to watch my hands roam over his body. When I reach the bottom of his shirt, I move my hands under it, slowly tracing them up his naked body. Palms still flattened, I turn my hands so that my thumbs fall into the ridge in the center of his stomach. I continue to move them up until I feel the muscles of his chest underneath each of my hands. I move my eyes back to meet his. This time, not breaking his gaze, I let my hands graze downward once again. His muscles quiver slightly as I glide over them. I remove my hands and step closer to him, grabbing fistfuls of his shirt in pure desire.

Blake watches me the entire time. Letting my hands roam where they want. But once I grab his shirt, he moves his hands to my waist and pulls me so that our bodies are now touching. He tightens his hold. I feel his thumbs pressing into my stomach. But I can see in his face that he’s holding back.

“Alex, are you sure?”

I nod my head, eyes still on him. He wraps one arm around under my bottom and places the other on the center of my back. In one quick swoop, he lifts me and I wrap my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. He turns and places me on the counter. We’re eye level with each other. Legs pulling him as close as I can, I run my hands through his hair. God, I love his hair.

He places both arms on the sides of where I’m seated, his hands squeezing me from behind, pulling my body into his. He moves to press his face into my neck. I feel his nose as it grazes behind my ear. I can feel each chill bump rise all over my body. Breathing heavily in my ear, Blake whispers, “Once I start Alex, I don’t know if I’ll be able to stop. I need to know that you’re sure. There can be no doubts moving forward. This is your decision.”

I place both hands on the side of his face bringing his eyes to meet mine. “I’m tired of fighting it, Blake. I can’t do it anymore.”

My eyes find their way to his mouth and I lick my lips in anticipation. Blake slowly moves forward, giving me every chance to back out. My heart’s drumming uncontrollably in my chest. He lets his face linger in front of mine and I feel his warm rapid breaths on my mouth. Licking my lips for a final time, I move forward and feel his soft lips lightly skim mine, still testing the waters. I wrap my arms tightly around his neck and pull him so there’s no doubt in his mind of what I want. Then, I crush my mouth against his. I kiss him with every bit of emotion that I have been holding in since I first saw him on the side of the road. I completely let go and lose myself in this kiss. And he kisses me back, just as eagerly.

Grabbing the back of my neck, he pulls me in to kiss me harder. I part my lips and feel his warm soft tongue enter my mouth, exploring every inch of it. I slide mine into his and savor his delicious taste. Running my tongue around his mouth, I graze his lower teeth. I moan and his hold on me tightens in response. I feel his fingers move into my hair. Swiftly breaking our kiss, he pulls my hair gently so that my head falls back and to the side. I feel his soft lips on my neck and behind my ear. His kisses trail across my neck as he guides my head to the other side.

I want more. I can’t seem to get close enough. I pull him tighter with my legs. He removes his hand from my hair and once again wraps an arm around my waist. Pulling me greedily off the counter, he holds me tightly and carries me out of the kitchen, across the living room towards the bedroom. His mouth is on mine the entire time. I suck his bottom lip as he opens the door and when he lets out a sexy groan, I almost come undone. I force his head back as I nip and lick his neck.

Finally reaching the bed, he gently lowers me down. I release my arms from around him and let my head fall to the pillow below. He pauses, letting his eyes wander up and down my body. He brings his hand to my face and strokes my cheek with his thumb. He flattens his hand and runs it down the side of my neck, moving it slowly to the front of my body. With his palm flat, he lays his hand on the top of my chest and moves his eyes to meet mine. Our rapid breathing is the only sound in the room.

“Alex, you have no idea how long I have waited for this moment.”

I reach up and touch his cheek with my fingers. I place my hand on the back of his neck, and pull him down so that his lips once again meet mine.

And in that moment, with absolutely no hesitation, I give myself completely to Blake Morgan.

After three years of not being intimate with a man, I find that I’m pretty insatiable. I give myself completely to Blake Morgan...three times. Three times! Not too shabby. But as much as I would love to spend all day being so giving, I cannot. We have a party to get ready for!

With goofy grins plastered on our faces, Blake and I take care of everything together. We blow up all of the balloons, laughing at each other when we can’t tie them, making them shoot all over the room. Then, we make out on the couch for a while.

We finish wrapping the remainder of Rylie’s gifts…the whole time I poke fun at him for how well he wraps. Then, we make out on the living room floor.

I finally finish making her cake, slapping Blake’s hand every time he tries to stick his hand in the batter. Then, we make out, leaning against the kitchen counter. Which, by the way, has officially graduated to being my favorite spot in the house.

Now we find ourselves rushing to set up her party in the backyard. We hang the banner on the porch and set up her presents on the table. Her theme this year is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael are everywhere. Even Splinter makes a guest appearance or two. Stepping back to look at our hard work, I clasp my hands together. “Blake! It’s perfect! She’s going to love it!” I pat the four little stuffed turtles on the head. They’re positioned all around her double layer yellow cake with chocolate frosting. The frosting actually earned Blake the most slaps on the hand. “Seriously, we did a great job!”

Blake walks up behind me, putting his arms around my waist. Moving my hair aside, he sets his chin down on my shoulder. “We make a great team, Alex. I’m glad you’ve finally figured that out.” I turn around to smack him on the arm, but his handsome face distracts me. I run my fingers through his hair and stand up on my tiptoes to give him a peck on the lips. “Better late than never.” He grins against my mouth. “True.”

I hear the girls yelling in the front yard and grab Blake’s hand. “Hurry! They’re here!” Making a mad dash into the house, we close the blinds as quickly as humanly possible. Both on the windows and the back door. Both of us jump onto the couch and position ourselves as though we’ve been sitting there all day. Which makes absolutely no sense, because once Rylie rings the doorbell twenty times in a row, I remember that I locked the door earlier. Blake and I grin at each other when we both come to this realization at the same time and get up off the couch.

I open the door and the girls completely bypass me and bum rush Blake. I lean against the wall and watch their interaction. Looking back at me with a content smile on his face, Blake gives me a quick wink as he embraces the girls.

“Hello! A little help here!” I turn around to see Harlow hauling two backpacks, two lunch boxes, and a huge Hello Kitty pillow, about to drop them all. I giggle while watching her struggle for her balance and grab the backpacks and pillows. “I gotcha girl!”

She shoots me a relieved smile and exhales a breath of air blowing the hair out of her face. Shutting the door, I hear the girls squeal loudly. “It smells like cake in here! Yay!” Damn it. Another reason why I meant to make the cake first. I roll my eyes at myself. Dumb.