Page 63 of Tucker
Darenods, and we all head back to the car.
“Itdoesn’t feel right,” Justus says after an hour of silence. “Just leaving himfive hours away.”
“Sometimesa man has to stand on his own. Has to assure himself he can still do it. He’llcome back when he’s ready,” I tell him.
“Toobad the girls aren’t going to accept that as an answer,” Landon replies.
Dareguides us onto another highway. “They’ll have to.”
It’sa little after noon when I make it back to Leah’s and she’s asleep on hercouch. She must’ve tried to wait up for me. I need to go to my place to takecare of the animals, so I decide not to wake her. She stirs a little when Ispread a blanket over her, but doesn’t wake. I leave a note on the tabletelling her where I am and inviting her to join me.
Ifthere’s one thing the military taught me it was stamina, so I’m no stranger topulling an all nighter. I must be getting old because by the time I get home,feed the animals and let the goats out to graze, I’m exhausted. My boots getkicked off at the door, I flop onto the couch, and my eyes slam shut.
“Hey.”Leah’s soft voice in my ear wakes me. “I wasn’t going to get you up, but Zoewants to bring Colin and Ethan out to see the place.”
Ireach up and pull her down into my arms. “When did you get here?”
“Afew minutes ago. Zoe said Jeremy isn’t coming back.”
“Notright away,” I reply, kissing her forehead. “He needs some time, but we’regoing to check in on him whether he likes it or not.”
“Good,”she mumbles. My hands wander down to cup her ass. “Mmm, you wake up awfulhandsy.” Her lips find mine and she dips her tongue into my mouth. I shift usso she’s straddling me and kiss her the way I know she loves, deep and slow.
“Dowe have time for a quickie before they show up?” I ask, ready to drag herupstairs.
Thebang of car doors slamming answers my question.
“Damnit,” she breathes, and we laugh.
“Later.”I smack her ass and she squeals, hopping off of me.
Ishow Ethan and Colin around and explain everything to them. Colin has actuallyworked on a farm and was a part of 4-H so he’s pretty familiar with most of it.They’re both thrilled to have a place to themselves for a while.
Theyspend the night with us, and in the morning, I load up the wooden bench and bedframe I just finished. I’ve called the stores that sell for me and had themstop taking orders for a couple of months. The guy I hired to help out can fillthe orders we already have, and I plan to be back here by the time that’s done.
“Areyou sure you’re okay with this?” Leah asks, leaning against my truck. “I don’tlike you putting your life on hold for mine.”
She’sso damned sweet. “I’m taking a two month vacation to be with my woman. It’s toolate for you to back out now,” I tease.
“Whatare we going to do after the two months?”
“We’llfigure something out.” I honestly have no idea. I’m hoping the school she worksfor will be able to find a replacement before then and she’ll move in with me.“Come on.” I open her door and watch as she climbs inside. “There’s someone Iwant you to meet.”
AsI’d hoped, Mona is working when we pull up to Keith’s furniture to unload mywork. Her face lights up and she cackles when I walk in with my arm aroundLeah. “I’m glad to see you took my advice,” she says, grinning.
Turningto Leah, she says, “This must be the baby.”
Leah’sbrow furrows and she looks up at me. “Baby?”
“Thefirst time I saw you together, he tried to tell me he was babysitting for afriend. Like I’m too old to see through that,” she laughs.
Leah’slips twist and she shakes her head at me. “Well, he still calls mekidsometimes.” She reaches to shake Mona’s hand. “I’m Leah.”
“Mona,”she replies with a laugh. “He looked so miserable last time I saw him. Allsmiles now, though. I’m happy to meet you. Keep that man in line. Ain’t toomany out there like him.”
Leahsmiles at her. “I’m well aware. I won’t let him out of my sight.”
Wechat for a few minutes after I get everything unloaded. On the way back to thetruck, Leah shoves me.
