“Gorgeous, who better to help those kids than a kid who’s lived through that shit?”
Releasing me, she stepped back and gnawed her lower lip before saying, “Let me think about it.”
Fuck. Not the answer I wanted, but better than ano. “Yeah. Yeah. Think about it.”
“Think about what?” Mim skipped our way, shoved a handful of white and purple wildflowers into Moriah’s hand, then tilted her head to look at me and repeated, “Think about what?”
“Dane wants us to move into the mansion with him and Lettie.” Moriah bent and made a show of smelling the flowers. “These are so pretty.”
Mim clamped a hand around my wrist, squeezing. “Live at the mansion? Like, live there. With my motorcycle?”
I looked to Moriah for guidance. She offered nothing but a shrug.
“Well, that’s where we keep your motorcycle, so technically, yes, you’d live at the mansion, with your bike.”
“Oh, can we? Please, please, please?” The little angel bounced on her toes and turned to offer her aunt a ridiculous grin.
“Mim. I told Dane I would think about it.”
“So,” she squeaked, throwing her hands in the air.
“So, let me think about it.” Moriah struggled to keep the humor from her voice.
Mim, my little warrior, wasn’t ready to give up. “He already spends the night every night.”
Moriah rose to full height, fisted hands landing on her hips. “Yes, but…”
Mim mimicked the pose, eyes narrowing. “He makes us breakfast every morning and takes me to school.”
“I know, sweetie, but moving in together is a big step.”
I gripped the hex nut, AKA daddy ring, that now hung around my neck on a thick silver chain, rubbing it between my fingers, silently and shamelessly urging Mim to continue.
“MoMo!” The little shit stomped her foot in the dirt like a spoiled child. “I had to take his underwear out of the dryer and fold it.” Her freckled nose crinkled.
“So?”
On an exasperated sigh, Mim threw her head back. “So, doesn’t that mean we already live together?”
I could no longer contain my laughter.
“Okay. Fine!” Moriah threw up her hands. “Fine. You got me. I don’t have to think about it. It just seemed like the right thing to say.”
Mim squealed. Inside, I may have squealed, too.
Seriously, those girls.
Moriah
“JESUS EFFIN’ EFF. Ican’t believe I’m standing here watching this!” I covered my eyes. Dropped my hand. Huffed. Glared at the starting gate across the dirt track.
“This is insane.” Lettie, too, struggled to enjoy herself on the shoddy wood bleachers, which offered zero shade in the hot August afternoon. “I don’t know if I can look. I should’ve stayed in the car.”
“Seriously,” Tucker piped in, squirming toddler in his arms. “Kids on dirt bikes? What the hell?”
“Dad. Dad! Put me on your shoulders. I can’t see,” Rocky bellowed.
Aida shot a glare at her husband. “You all need to chill. She’s got this. Look at her. She’s the smallest little nugget out there, and all those boys and girls are moving out of her way.”