“You have time, and I promise, before my so-called expiration date, I will make sure you and Peanut have a new residence. I brought it up to your parents, so trust and believe I will handle the situation. Now, what else is going on that you haven’t been able to see your grandpa these last couple of weeks?”
I was glad when McKay didn’t fight me on this whole house situation because the more she talked about us ending, the more pain started in my chest that flowed down to my stomach, causing a nauseated feeling.
BK, it’s only been two weeks and you’ve already got it bad. Real bad.
“You. I know he’s going to want to meet you and our arrangement only said something about my parents. I know you agreed to the bonfire this weekend but that was an extra, or replacement, for one of your family functions but I?—”
“Set it up, M&M,” I said, cutting her off. The arrangement talk was almost worse than the expiration date reminder.
“But… are you sure?”
“Yes. I want to meet all the connections to you. That’s another extension of getting to know McKay Marie. I’m sure you’re not the same with each set of people and I want to know all versions of you, M&M. So, yes, set it up so I can meet Grandpa Mackie.” I gave her a smile, reassuring her of my position. My goal was to insert myself into her whole world. I wanted…neededMcKay to understand us being together was my end goal.
“Thank you, BK,” she said softly as the doorbell rang. I was sure it was the foot massager I’d ordered so I could wash her feet.
I kissed her forehead before heading to answer the door, saying a silent prayer that all my attempts to prove myself of being worthy of her love were working in my favor.
Chapter
Sixteen
McKay
“There is my namesake. I thought you forgot about this old man in here.” I pressed my lips together, smirking at Mackie who was on his couch watching the news just as me and Burkeley made it through his door. Once he gave me the okay to schedule an informal meeting with Mackie, I wasted no time with getting us set up a couple days later. I missed my grandpa.
“Absolutely not. Just been busy with all things baby. I could never forget about you, you know that. I’m even working on something special. But I have someone I want you to officially meet, and you have to be nice, we want him to stay around for a while,” I said sarcastically, as an inside joke between Burkeley and me. I was hoping the more I reminded myself that he…us…all of this was temporary, I wouldn’t keep playing like any of this was real, or could be.
It all happened so fast that I wasn’t even sure of how for that matter. I just knew I liked Burkeley and hated that none of this would be.
Mackie scoffed as he waved me off.
“Mickey, we’re only keeping the good ones. So if his ass ain’t no good, he gots to go, no matter what Viola said. Well, let me put my eyes on you first.” Mackie was up and moving toward us, with me smirking as I took my jacket off. Burkeley immediately stepped in and took over the process. My pudge was starting to show more, nothing too major yet, but more than he remembered.
“Oh my, there she is. Viola said this angel is going to change everything for y’all. She even put in a request for the middle name.” That had me laughing as I reached out to hug an awaiting Mackie.
“You tell Viola ain’t no gender been determined yet, so stop dropping secrets so early.” I turned to Burkeley who stood quietly but firm.
“Mackie, this is Burkeley Morgan, the baby’s father. Burkeley, this is my Grandpa Mackie. The one I told you I got the name McKay from. Viola is my late grandmother.”
“It’s nice to meet you, sir.” He extended his hand which Mackie stared at for a moment before he shook it.
“You must be the guy my Viola told me was coming to love my namesake. It’s a pleasure to meet you, son. Well, let’s get comfortable so you can tell me all about you and your plan to make my grandbaby an honest woman.” I groaned, now following Mackie who was headed to his couch. Burkeley grabbed my hand.
“Mackie, don’t be weird just yet. I hadn’t mentioned Viola’s heavenly visits yet. Had to make sure to lock ’em down first,” I said, making Burkeley chuckle and Mackie wave me off.
“Yes sir, that’s my plan. As long as I can win McKay’s heart, that is. I brought you something too. Like Mickey said, she’s currently working on something, but I hope this holds you over until it’s ready.” I wasn’t even aware of Burkeley having anything nor when he’d had time to stop and get it but he produced abrown bag from his pocket. I instantly smelled it, causing me to look over at him as my mouth hung slightly open in shock.
“Now, it’s not a tincture, but it is easy to take. I recommend you start with half a gummy before you take a full one. The dose is a tad bit stronger than the tinctures Mickey was making.” Mackie looked into the bag before he put his eyes on me, now wearing a sly grin as he nodded in approval.
I was still lost on the when and how of this move from Burkeley. We had never discussed the amount of THC I was using before, then I remembered he’d seen the herbal remedies bottle.
“I stopped and got it this morning before I went to work,” he whispered to me, kissing the back of my neck near my ear. That was a new spot and it had me closing my eyes from the effect that simple act caused.
“Well thank you, young man. I told Mickey not to worry about me, but this is much appreciated. It’s been a rough week since I ran out of the last batch she made me.”
“No worries. Like I told your son-in-law Chris, my goal is to relieve Mickey of any stress I can handle for her. If I could with no pushback from Mickey, I would take over everything for her. She’s been worried about making sure she replaces your herbal remedies and I saw a temporary solution, or a permanent one depending on how things go.” When Burkeley glanced over at me, I didn’t know why but my gut had me believing that last part was directed at me personally. However, I knew better than that.
Because what kind of man would actually want to raise another man’s baby, McKay?
