Page 85 of The Pact

We’re interrupted by Ausra’s giggle. “You guys really fight like brothers.”

We both take it as a compliment and Shep goes downstairs to grab us the food while I grab a few pillows and settle down outside with Ausra by my side.

19.

Tests And Promises

Ausra

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I RETURN HOME FOUR days later than anticipated. I feel a little selfish that I stayed with Ashton, leaving Mc without a sitter for Skye the two nights she had to work.

My niece’s crying is the first thing I hear as I unlock the apartment door. Skye is sitting in her high chair and by the look of it, she isn’t too excited about whatever McKayla is trying to feed her.

“Ahhh!” She screams hitting the chair little stable with both hands. There are tears in her eyes and her cheeks are bright red and smeared with something green. Whatever Mc planned for Skye’s lunch is mostly covering my sister’s tank top and the front of Skye’s little t-shirt.

“Damn,” I say, grabbing a wet wipe and approaching Skye to clean her face off. “Whatever you’re giving her is a definite no for future menus.”

McKayla shakes her head, setting the jar of baby food down on the table. “No shit. She obviously isn’t a fan of broccoli. But no need to wear it. Right Skye?”

I swear to God, Skye gives her mother a glare. “Shiiiiii!” She screams.

Mc and I look at each other as I wipe the baby’s face. “Maybe we should start being careful about the language we use in front of her? I’d die of embarrassment if her first word was ‘shit.’”

I laugh, agreeing that Skye seems to make more and more complex sounds every day. “I guess we’ve really enjoyed our freedom, huh?”

“Yup! They should really put us as a case study in a fuck—flipping psychology text book. We were so repressed growing up that as soon as we got out from under our father’s thumb, I started cussing like a sailor and you ... you play sex games. With four guys! Without obviously mentioning the elephant in the room. Unplanned pregnancy and I’m not even sure who’s the father!”

Well fuck, when she puts it that way ...

“Talking about that, Mc, did you manage to talk to Holden and Johnny?”

My sister sighs. “Yeah. I talked to both of them.”

“And?”

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