Page 15 of Embers in Our Souls
She makes her way over to the stroller and talks to Ella, unbuckling her, then pulling her out. Ella immediately latches on to her hair, pulling at her mother’s long locks.
“No, no, sweet girl. What did Mama say about pulling hair?” Abby says.
“Mama,” Ella says while trying to put said hair in her mouth.
Clay looks over and simply smiles. I didn’t meet either of them before Abby gave birth, but I’ve heard stories about how rocky things were for them. It seems their relationship has been through an ordeal to get to this point. Whatever hardships they’ve endured, I’m glad they’ve made it to this point, because when I see him look at Abby, all that’s reflected is love and adoration in his eyes. And this beautiful baby they’ve created is perfection.
“Alright, Ella, your play area awaits,” he says, pride evident in his tone.
Abby puts their daughter down and she’s immediately entertained with the toys they brought. We’ll see how long it lasts. She’s already crawling and wants to be on the go.
“Hi, everyone,” we hear a voice greet us. I look over to see Kennedy with Lola. I look beyond her, but don’t see River.
“Where’s River?” Clay asks, a little concerned.
“He said he had to grab something, so he’ll be meeting us here.” Kennedy shrugs while she hugs everyone. The minute she gets to me, she whispers, “I hear you’re a big secret-keeper in the group.”
“Am I seriously going to be harassed all day about this?” I ask.
“Yes!” all three of them say at the same time.
I roll my eyes and give them an exasperated look. I’m about to say more when I’m gladly interrupted by Malloy and Baylee.
“The party has arrived,” Malloy says, pulling me in a big bear hug. “You’re a fucker for keeping me in the dark, man,” he says in my ear.
“Dude, I’ve never told a soul, if it makes you feel any better.” I look at him.
“It’s fine man. I sort of had a feeling you were keeping something hidden in there. But I’ll say, you are a damn mystery, Hunter. What else are you hiding?” he asks with a smile.
“I swear, that’s it!” I tell him.
He pulls me into a hug. “Well, you’ve gotta fill us in. Tell us all about this girl.”
“Let’s wait for River. He’ll be here soon,” Kennedy says.
“Where is he?” Baylee asks as she greets everyone.
“I knew it was too quiet. Plus, Ella is being left in peace; that should’ve been my first clue. She’s usually snatched up by now,” Malloy says.
“He said he had to run an errand,” Kennedy tells Malloy, shrugging.
He raises an eyebrow at her. I might not have been around very long, but even I know that’s suspicious as hell when it comes to River. He must be up to something. Hopefully whatever it is takes the heat off my not-so-little secret.
We get a few snacks out and get situated. I brought a football and frisbee so we can play later. Malloy and I get a few chairs set up while Kennedy and Baylee sit with Ella on the ground. Abby uses this time to take a break and eat some food. Once things are set up, I’m standing and talking to the group, when I see River approaching. It isn’t until he’s getting closer that I notice his outfit. I do a double-take.
“What the hell is happening? Am I seeing double?” I ask him.
“Well, yeah. We’re twins,” River says as if I’m clueless.
“No shit, man. But you’re wearing the same outfit, dipshit,” I say the inappropriate words under my breath for Ella not to hear.
As soon as I say the words, everyone turns their attention to River, who has made it closer to our group. The moment Kennedy notices her fiancé’s attire, she buries her face in her hands, mortified. Abby seems used to River’s antics at thispoint, while Malloy’s giddy, probably wishing he had a bucket of popcorn. Baylee mimics an attendee at a tennis match, her eyes volleying back and forth, likely unsure how this will play out.
“That’s not the outfit you left the house in, sweetie,” Kennedy calls River out.
“Yeah, I know,” River answers, his focus on his twin. He’s completely fucking around with Clay and he knows it. The question is why.
Clay has his lips in a straight line, not finding this game amusing at all. I’m simply watching what River’s play is here.
