Page 76 of The Scout

“Sorry. I’m telling you, man, I should have gotten a dog years ago. Anyway, I’m boarding in about two hours. Shoot me your address. I’ve got to go. Later.”

The phone screen went dark before returning to my home page. I sent him Hannah’s address and hustled up the stairs, where Hannah stood in a cute summer dress. “I love when you wear skirts.”

She reached up to her ear and put in a silver hoop earring before doing the same to the other side. Holding up a necklace, she said, “Can you fasten this for me, please?”

“Sure.” Walking over, she lifted her hair, giving me access to her neck, and I inhaled her sweet scent. “You smell so good.”

“It’s my new strawberries-and-cream bodywash. You like it?”

“Yes, it’s making me very hungry.”

Turning in my arms, her nose crinkled. “You ... um ...”

“Stink?” I laughed. “Just worked out.”

Her eyes roamed up and down my body. “You look good, though. I thought I heard you talking to someone?”

“I was. Cal called. He’ll be here this afternoon.”

“Did you know he was coming?”

“No. Apparently he has something to give me. He’s coming here before going to Tennessee to see his cousins.” I shrugged. “What time is Mia going to be here?” The two were going to breakfast and then to do a little shopping. Thankfully Hannah humored me when I gave her my credit card and told her to buy whatever she wanted. I knew she wouldn’t go overboard—not that I’d care if she did; in fact, I’d welcome it.

“She should be here soon.”

“Do you mind if Cal comes here instead of my place for now? I wanted to get some work done, and your Wi-Fi is better.”

“What’s mine is yours.”

My mind went to a very different place than her modem. Reaching forward, I used my index finger to trace the swell of her breasts peeking out of her dress. Tiny goose bumps peppered her skin. “I like that statement.”

She laughed and swatted my hand away. “Go shower. I’ll see you when I get back.”

“Have it your way.” I jutted out my bottom lip in a dramatic pout.

Hannah shook her head. “I’m not falling for that. I’ve seen that move more than once raising Jimmy. It didn’t work for him, and it won’t work for you.” Per usual, when she mentioned something I missed Jimmy doing as a baby, I frowned, and she felt bad. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I like hearing about things he did.” That was the truth. Did it bum me out sometimes? Yes. Did I want her to stop talking about him? Absolutely not. My outstretched hand covered her stomach. “Maybe one day I’ll put another baby in here.”

The thought of having another child with her had crossed my mind more than once. We never really talked about it. Suddenly an image of a mini Hannah popped into my head. A sweet little girl with big brown eyes, blondish pigtails, and a smile that could light up a room, just like her mom. She’d wrap her little hand around my index finger and squeeze with all her might. I’d teach her how to play baseball, Hannah would teach her all about drawing and art, and she’d idolize her big brother. As far as me, I’d give her anything she wanted.

Hannah stared at me. I kissed her forehead. “You better go to Mia before she gets antsy.”

“Okay.” Her brows furrowed. “But you want to have a baby?”

“If you do. It’s nothing we need to decide now. Although we could always practice so we’re ready.”

A pretty pink hue filled her cheeks. “I’m not sure if I do or not, but I do like practicing. Maybe we can start when I get back from shopping. I’ll only be a few hours.”

“Cal and Thor will be here when you get back.”

Her brows tugged together. “Who the heck is Thor?”

Mia’s voice traveled up the steps. “Hannah, I’m here. Don’t rush if you’re getting a protein boost. I’ll be on the porch!”

Hannah shook her head. “I wonder about her sometimes.”

I laughed. “Go on, have fun. I’ll see you when you get back.”

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