Page 97 of One Percent of You

Chapter Thirty-Five

Elijah

I watched Lucy as she trudged down the steps at Ma’s house. We were leaving her house. Ma gave Hadley a hug when I brought her back in, and thankfully, Ma asked no questions. She was probably creeping with Eli somewhere by the window, but I knew she meant well so I’d let it slide.

I studied Lucy’s slumped shoulders as she opened the car door. Hadley was having trouble getting Eli away from Hank on the porch. “I thought you were cheering up. Why are you suddenly a sour tail again?” I ruffled Lucy’s head, and she swatted it away as she climbed into her car seat so I could buckle her in. I was really getting the hang of the five-point harness. It helped that Lucy could buckle herself in—getting out was still a problem.

“Are you really going to have kids?” I froze and glanced up at Lucy’s face. Her lips were set in a stubborn pout with her arms crossed over her chest.

“You don’t want me to have any?”

She shook her head. “You’ll forget about us if you have some.”

I smiled and flicked her nose. “Silly. No matter how many kids I have, you will always matter.”

“How?” She huffed it like it was impossible.

“If I do have kids, who do you think will be their mommy? Yours, goofy.”

“Then I’d have another Bubby or Sissy?” she asked.

“Yeah. Lucy, as far as I’m concerned you and Eli are already my family. One day I plan to make what I feel in here,” I tapped on my chest, “official.”

“How?” Her nose wrinkled.

“I can’t say ’cause you’d go and tell your mom, and it’s something I want to surprise her with when I know she’s ready.”

“I want to know!”

“Will you be okay with that? Me being a part of your family one day?”

She was quiet as she thought about it. “I don’t want you to like me less.”

“No one could ever take your place, Lucy. No matter what anyone says or thinks, you come first.” I messed her hair up again. “You’re the reason I want to give you another brother or sister. I don’t even like kids except for you and Eli. I swear.” She cupped her mouth and grinned.

“What are you guys smiling about over there?” Hadley asked as she opened the other door to put Eli in his car seat.

I laughed when Lucy said, “It’s a surprise!”

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