“I’m so happy for you.”
“Do you think it will always be like this?”
“What?”
“Happy and good.”
“I think we have to hold onto all the good with everything we’ve got because there’s a balance to the world. There’s good and there’s bad.”
“What if I’m not good at it?”
“At being a mom?”
I nod and chew on my bottom lip. “You’re doing great, and you’ve got all of us to step in if it ever feels like too much.”
My man rolls up driving his truck. He steps out, and Gracie runs straight for him. He scoops her up in his arms and hands her a new doll. “He’s going to have her spoiled.”
“Honey, let him.”
I nod. I know Lunatic didn’t ask for this responsibility. It’s hard for some people to love a child that isn’t their own. He doesn’t seem to mind. I want to believe he won’t ever walk out on us, but it’s hard still to accept that this is really my life.
“You deserve every bit of good, and he loves you. Both of you. Look at him.” I know she’s right.
My man walks toward us. My daughter on his hip is wearing a big grin.
Gwynee and Sissy go inside.
He puts Gracie down and presses a kiss to my forehead to greet me. “Everything is ready. If you want to get packed up, I’ll take the two of you home.”
It’s been a few months. Gracie and I have settled into a routine. She’s starting school next week. I quit my job at the flowershop so I could be home with her. That job really wasn’t for me anyway. But now I need to find a new one. I can’t depend on Lunatic or the club forever. They’ve already given me so much.
He’s already given me too much.
Lunatic comes in for a kiss.
“Do you girls need anything before I go into work?” he glances over at Gracie as she plays with one of her dolls. He doesn’t live with us, but he’s here nearly every night. I want to ask him to move in, but worry it’s too fast.
I’d hate for Gracie to be more attached to him than she already is and for things not to work out between us.
“Where’d you go just now?” He cups my face.
“Was just thinking.”
“About?”
“Us. The future. Where this is headed. Whether or not I should ask you to move in.”
“Babygirl, look around. I already live here. My clothes are in your closet. I sleep with my cock buried inside you nearly every night.” He kisses my lips soft and sweet.
I glance around the room. He’s not wrong. His keys hang on the hook by the front door. There’s building plans scattered on my coffee table for one of his upcoming jobs. One of his tee shirts is hanging off the back of one of the barstools. His favorite brand of beer is in my fridge.
“Love you. See you tonight.” He leaves me to say goodbye to my girl.
“Wait. What did you say?” I follow him to the door.
“I said I’ll see you tonight.”
“Before that.”
