Keegan

THE LAST FEW WEEKS HAVE FLOWN by. We’ve been preparing for Thanksgiving and going out shopping for Black Friday. Rage isn’t happy about me going, but Pops and Alice are taking the kids so that we can all go. As long as I have my man by my side, nothing will happen to me. He’ll make sure I’m protected at all costs.

It’s the day before Thanksgiving and we’re all in the kitchen baking, laughing, and having a great time. Skylar is making sure that everything is going according to some insane schedule that she has. It’s funny to see the usually sweet and calm girl barking out orders and being demanding. Bailey can’t help but tease her about it.

“I didn’t know we were working with my brother today,” Bailey says, passing by Skylar to get more flour.

“Very funny!” Skylar replies. “This is the first holiday I’m baking for with more than one club present. I want everything perfect.”

“It’s not like my dad’s club hasn’t had your food before. They know what you can do,” Maddie reassures her.

“I know. I’m putting more pressure on myself than what I need to. It’s just me and I’m sorry I’m driving you all crazy,” she tells us all, making sure we know that she’s sincere.

“It’s not a big deal,” Sami says. “We all still love you and we’ll deal with your crazy because you deal with all of us when we go a little bit crazy.”

Sami says just what’s needed to break any remaining tension between us. I think I’m the only one that was feeling it because I’m the newest member of this crazy group of loveable women. I can’t wait to see what happens when we go shopping. From what I hear, there’s going to be trouble. They filled me in on the dressing room incident with Wood almost getting his ass handed to him because he saw Darcy and the rest of the girls in lingerie. This man seems to get the raw end of the deal constantly.

We continue working until Skylar decides that enough desserts are made. We’ve also made any of the food that we can before she starts the main courses tomorrow. Knowing that I’m not needed any longer in the kitchen, I make my way out back. The kids are out there playing and it’s the kind of peacefulness that I need right now.

I find a seat close to the play area, but far enough away to let them have their privacy and continue playing their games. Jameson is playing with Zoey. He’s trying to teach her something from the looks of it. Already she’s looking at him with adoration in her eyes. I can see her idolizing him and I can guarantee that soon that will turn into a crush on him.

There’s so many kids out here and I can’t wait to add to the mix. Honestly, I think the only child not out here is Melody’s baby. Lacie’s not quite one and Melody still keeps her pretty close. I’m still nervous and scared as hell to be having twins, but I know that we’ll be more than fine. If we have any questions, there’s people here to help us out and make sure that we’re good. Hell, Skylar has three sets of twins, so she’s probably going to be my go to person when I have a question. I’m sure she’ll get sick of me before too long with the questions I’m going to ask her.

“What are you doin’ out here?” Rage asks, sitting beside me.

“I just needed a minute. And what better place to sit than where all the kids are. Are you really happy that we’re having twins?” I ask, almost not wanting to hear his answer.

“Firefly, we could be havin’ twins, triplets, one baby, it really doesn’t matter to me. As long as they’re healthy I’m good.”

I pull my man close and kiss him sweetly. There’s not much we can do with all of the kids running around. And, there’s two prospects out here keeping an eye on them. I think they’ll have a run for their money though the way Jameson and Anthony are keeping an eye on everything. I’ve heard the stories about them, but this is really the first time I’m seeing it firsthand.

“If you’re happy, then I’m happy,” I tell him.

I’d be happy either way, but knowing that he’s happy with our surprise makes it that much better. Kasey is over the moon at the prospect of having two little babies added to our family. With all of the excitement around me, I can’t help but join in. It’s becoming more than my nerves or being scared. At least we know why I’ve been so tired lately. Skylar and Maddie both said they felt the same way when they were pregnant. For now, though, I’m content to sit with my man and watch our extended family love one another and watch the kids enjoy themselves without a care in the world.

It's been a hectic few days. Today, we’re back in the kitchen making Thanksgiving dinner. Skylar isn’t being as bossy as she was yesterday. Instead, we’re all laughing, having fun, and enjoying spending the time together. The men are moving tables around in the common room, so we can get as many of us at one table as possible. It shouldn’t be too hard considering the kids wanted their own little table to eat. They didn’t want to be with the ‘boring’ adults.

“How are you feeling today?” Sami asks me.

“I’m tired, but a little better than before. I don’t get sick quite as often.”

“It’s a good thing with all this food and the amazing smells going on right now,” Melody tells me.

“I know. Thankfully, it’s almost done and we can eat soon,” I say, staring at all of the food.

The girls laugh at me, knowing that I’m probably going to get a huge plate and then eat a few bites. It’s what I’ve been doing lately, but I get food in my stomach so that’s all that matters. Well, unless your Rage. He thinks I need to be eating more than what I am right now. When he makes a plate for me, it’s like he’s feeding three of the men at one time. It’s comical really the way he wants me to eat.

“The turkey should be done in a few hours. So, now we wait until it’s time to turn everything else on. It’s all ready to go, we just can’t do anything with it yet,” Skylar informs us all. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m going to get some rest.”

“Is that what they’re calling it now?” Bailey asks, making us all laugh.

“Very funny!”

We all make our way out of the kitchen. I see Rage and Kasey sitting in the main room. I’m not sure what they’re doing, but I make my way over to them. The closer I get to them, they stop talking and both look up at me. This makes me kind of suspicious there’s nothing I can do about it though. I wouldn’t have the first idea what they’d be talking about that I can’t hear.

“So, what are you doin’ now firefly?” Rage asks, pulling me in for a kiss.

“I actually think I’m going to go lay down for a little bit. I’m tired and I need to be rested for our plans later tonight.”

“Okay. Well, Kasey and I have a few things to do, so we’ll see you later on. I love you firefly,” he tells me, sitting me in his lap.

For a minute I can’t say anything. This is the first time that he’s told me he loves me in front of anyone else and I’m shocked speechless. Don’t get me wrong, I do love this man with everything in me. Looking at Rage, I can see how unsure he is right now. I need to tell him how I feel, but the words are stuck in my throat as tears form in my eyes.

“Um….Just forget,” he begins to say.

“Stop!” I tell him. “I love you Rage. I love you and Kasey more than you know. The two of you have become my entire world. Well, until these two are born. I’m sorry that it took me a minute to respond, you just surprised me by saying it in front of people. Don’t ever doubt my love for you and your daughter though.”

Without giving him a chance to respond, I lean in and kiss him. I pour every ounce of love I feel for him into the kiss. There will never be room for doubt where my love for him and Kasey is concerned. Finally, he pulls away and I can see the smile on his face, the love shining from his eyes. Kasey is sitting next to us still and I pull her into our little circle. I place a kiss on her cheek and she tells me she loves me.

I’m just waking up and the smells permeating the room are absolutely amazing. My mouth is watering, and I can’t wait to sample all the good food. I take care of my business and make my way out to join everyone else. The main room is flooded with all the men, old ladies, and kids. Grim made sure that other than Summer, the club girls are not here today. He is making sure that the ones that have no family are getting a Thanksgiving dinner though.

“You’re up!” Kasey hollers, alerting everyone to the fact I just entered the main room.

I see the old ladies making their way to the kitchen and I follow them there after waving my hello to Kasey. Skylar is just pulling the turkey out of the oven and the rest of us are taking the rest of the food out to the tables. The only thing I didn’t expect to see is Riley coming to help us out. I’m still mad at her, but I guess if there’s any day that I’m going to start working on forgiving her, today would be that day. So, I offer a small smile and make my way out to the main room with a dish in each hand.

We really outdid ourselves with all the food. There’s turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, rolls, and of course the amazing desserts. Skylar and Whitney each made three different pies and I want to be a greedy bitch and have a slice of each. However, there’s too many other people that might have an issue with that.

Turning to make my way back into the kitchen, I almost slam head first into Riley. Thankfully, she’s quicker on her feet than me and she manages to move out of the way before we can collide. I can see Rage watching the interaction between us from the corner of my eye. I know that he’d be over here in a heartbeat if he felt I was upset in any way by her presence. But, she’s a guest here even if she is being kept away from phones and all other contact to the outside world. So far, I haven’t heard about her making a single complaint about that. In fact, she seems to be almost thriving without the worry and stress on her shoulders. Turning, I smile at my man and continue to head back in the kitchen.

Just as we’re bringing out the last of the dishes, and Joker has finished carving the turkey, everyone is taking their seats. A few of the men are rounding up the last of the kids with the help of Jameson and Anthony. Even though these two little boys aren’t yet teenagers, I can already see that they are going to follow in the steps of their fathers and the rest of the men of the club. It’s amazing to see the next generation of these men. Especially as the rest of the little boys get older. Jameson and Anthony are going to have them doing the same things that they do now.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Rage asks, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around me.

“I was just thinking how amazing it is to see Jameson and Anthony protect the kids and make sure that as the boys get older that they’re supposed to do the same thing. Our kids won’t have any better role models than your brothers,” I tell him, placing my hand over his.

“It is amazin’ to watch them. Jameson has been doin’ it for as long as I’ve been back here. Anthony followed in his footsteps as soon as Glock brought them back here.”

We watch for a few minutes more before we take our seats at the table. Skylar stands up and says that this year we’re going to go around the table and tell everyone what we’re thankful for. I sit and listen as each person tells us what means the most to them. When it gets to my turn, I sit there and remain quiet for a minute.

“I’m thankful that I’ve finally been reunited with my family. I’ve missed you more than you’ll ever know Whitney and I’m glad that we’re back together again. I’m glad to now have an extended family and the love of my life by my side. Rage and Kasey have become my entire universe and I can’t thank you enough for loving me and giving us two new additions to our little family. Finally, I’m thankful that even though we started out based on a lie, I have Riley back in my life. We may not be as close as we were before, but I’m hoping with time we’ll get there,” I say, being pulled against Rage’s side while he kisses my temple.

“I’m thankful that Keegan was brought into my life. She’s my entire world and I can’t wait to see our love grow even more as we spend the rest of our lives lovin’ one another. I have Kasey back and don’t have to worry about anythin’ regardin’ her. She’s got a great role model with all the old ladies here, but especially my firefly. And, I’m glad that I found all of you and now have a bigger family than I could’ve ever dreamed possible.”

Everyone continues to go around the table until we get to Riley. She looks directly at me and I can already see tears glistening in her eyes. I know that this is hitting her hard with me not really speaking to her. It was just a complete shock to learn that she was actually going to through with handing me over to my father and Sam. I’m glad that she didn’t and I’m really trying to realize that she didn’t have to change her mind and have my back. I’m sure we don’t even know what truly happened to her as a result of her betrayal.

“I’m thankful that you all have taken me in. It doesn’t matter to me that I can’t go anywhere or talk on the phone. You’ve eliminated any threat against me and made sure that I am being honest when I say I love Keegan like a sister and I want to protect her and not harm her or let those animals get their hands on her. One day I hope that we’ll be able to get some of what we used to have back.”

Riley was the last person to go and I know that I have tears in my eyes. I’m not going to let them fall though. Her words hit home, and I know that eventually I’ll be giving her another chance. It just won’t be today. I can’t risk anything with the twins I’m carrying and Kasey being around me. Not to mention the rest of the kids that are around here. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to them because of me. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.

We all devour the food in front of us. The prospects are eating at a table closer to the kids in case they need help or want seconds. All the kids are laughing, having fun, and eating the food placed in front of them. You can see, and hear, the innocence of them. It’s something that I’d give every day to hear from the kids around us. They may act big and tough, but they’re still innocent in most things. The important things. I didn’t get to have that as a child and it warms my heart to see all of the love and protection of the children belonging to the club.

“I don’t know about the rest of you,” Skylar starts. “I’m going to go lay down for a little bit before we go shopping. Darcy will be here soon, and I can’t wait to see what happens this time!”

The men all groan at remembering some of the things that have happened with Darcy around. Especially involving Wood. I haven’t seen them in person, but the girls have told me the stories. Now, I’m glad that Rage didn’t beat his ass when I was in Benton Falls. It seems that he’s on the verge of that from Crash and Trojan. Knowing that Darcy is coming here, I know that the two men will be accompanying her. Let the games begin, I think to myself. I can’t wait to see these shenanigans first hand.

“I’m going to follow your lead,” I tell her and Rage.

He follows me up to our room with Kasey hot on his heels. She’s going to want to spend time with us before Pops and Alice take the kids for the night. They’re all having a sleepover in the game room. Pops said that Alice already had a bunch of movies ready to bring along with popcorn and other drinks and snacks. I don’t know where these kids are going to put this food in their tiny bellies, but I’m sure they’ll find the room. They always seem to.

“Keegan, are you okay?” Kasey asks me, climbing up on the bed next to me.

“Yeah, why?” I ask, pulling her into my side.

“You sleep a lot now. Are the babies hurting you?”

“They’re not hurting me baby. They just take a lot out of me. So, for a while, I’m going to be tired. But, I’ll still have time to spend with you.”

Kasey looks at me for a few minutes before settling down next to me. She snuggles into me and I love this time. Rage sits on the bed next to us and rubs his daughter’s back. Once he realizes that she’s asleep, when her chatter about anything and everything ceases, he brushes my hair away from my face and gazes down into my eyes.

“You sleep, and I’ll wake you up when it’s time to get ready,” he tells me. “I’m gonna go make sure a few guys from Dander Falls get here. Darcy’s drivin’ them crazy.”

“Okay babe,” I tell him, laying my hand on his cheek. “I love you.”

“Love you too,” he tells me, giving me a kiss before heading out of the door.

I watch my man leave the room and get settled in. Kasey is curled up into my side fast asleep and as I move, she snuggles in deeper to me. Even in sleep she has a hand resting on my stomach. It’s adorable the way that she always wants to be touching where the babies are resting. I’ve never really been around kids because of the situation I found myself in with Sam and my dad. Living with Kasey and experiencing life with her on a daily basis is the most amazing experience of my life. Rage in the mix is just the icing on the cake.

Waking up, I hear a ton of commotion coming from the common room. Something major must be happening to cause me to hear it all the way in the room. Looking down, I see Kasey is still passed out. I slowly get out from under her arm so I can quickly get her things ready to spend time with Alice and Pops.

Before I get too far, the door to Rage’s room bursts open. Thinking that it’s him, I look out the door to see what’s going on. Instead of seeing him, I see the girls standing in the doorway. They’re all laughing, giggling, and giving Darcy a hard time. Must be the commotion was because of her and the guys. I can’t wait to see what happens when we go out shopping with them.

“Are you almost ready to go Keegan?” Darcy asks, laughing.

“Yeah. I just need to finish getting Kasey’s things ready to go. Where are the guys?” I ask.

“They’re trying to get the fucking cavemen under control. They think they’re going to control what I do when we’re out,” Darcy answers.

I can’t help the smirk on my face as I imagine what they were doing to make Darcy pissed off. Well, not so much because they always seem to do something to get under her skin. Now, I know that Darcy is going to go out of her way to make them get all worked up. This is going to be a fun night. Let the games begin!

Quickly I finish packing the bags, jump in the shower to get ready, and make my way out to common room after checking on Kasey. The rest of the girls are waiting for me drinking coffee, eating something, and hanging out in the kitchen. I grab a bowl of cereal and some toast so that I can put something in my stomach. Having more turkey and all that other food is going to make me want to take a nap again.

Sitting down next to Darcy, I listen to her telling everyone what’s been going on with the guys. They apparently decided that she wasn’t going to be trying on any clothes tonight, she can’t be anywhere near Wood, and they’re going to be on her like crazy to make sure she stays out of trouble. I know that I wouldn’t be able to handle their overbearing sense when it comes to Darcy. She wants to have fun and be the life of the party when it comes to the girls. Crash and Trojan want her to be sedate and calm, not herself.

“So, are we bringing Riley with us?” Bailey asks.

All of a sudden, everyone looks to me. I’m not sure what they want me to say. If she wants to come, she can. If she chooses not to, she can sit here with the prospects or something. Riley isn’t an enemy, she’s just not as close to me as she was before. No matter what happens, she’ll be in my heart because when no one else was there for me Riley was. Now, I need to make sure that she’s being true and not secretly working for him.

“I don’t know why everyone is looking at me to figure it out. It’s her decision and she’s the only one that can make it. Am I going to complain and bitch if she goes? No. I’m just going to be leery about spending time with her until I know for sure that she’s not working with Sam and my dad,” I tell the girls.

“Then I guess I’ll go see what she wants to do,” Bailey tells us, leaving the kitchen.

The rest of us finish what we’re doing so that we can leave. Before too long I see Bailey enter the kitchen again followed by Riley. She looks amazing and ready to take on the world. But then, she always has. It’s only because I know her so well that I see the pain she has hidden behind her eyes. I want to know what’s happened to her to cause so much pain, but I’m not ready to do that yet. It’s going to take a lot of time. And proof that she’s being one hundred percent honest about not helping the men after me.

We managed to get out of the clubhouse without too much chaos ensuing. There was one point that I thought Darcy was about to castrate one of her Neanderthals, but she quickly escaped into Woods waiting vehicle and locked them out. I’ve never seen two grown men turn that particular shade of red, more a purple really, then when Crash and Trojan realized she wasn’t going to give in to them. Rage and the rest of the guys were shaking their heads in frustration because we might not have been helping the situation at all. Then we were all laughing so hard that they had to practically lift us into the cars and trucks we were taking.

Somehow, Riley ended up riding with Rage, Gage, and I. I’m not going to bitch and whine about it. Maybe it’s a sign that we’re supposed to start moving on and getting back to where we were before. So, I’ll give it a shot and see what happens tonight.

“Thanks for letting me ride with you guys,” Riley tells us.

“It’s not a problem,” Rage responds, pulling out behind Joker and Cage. “Riley, this is Gage. Gage, meet firefly’s friend Riley.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” they both respond.

Looking in my mirror, I can see the sidelong glances that Riley keeps giving Gage. This is interesting because I’ve never seen her be shy around a single soul in her life. Even when she’s had someone beating the shit out of her, she’d protect me and keep it going on her so I wouldn’t be touched. In many ways, Riley always had my back. I need to let go of this and let us both move on. I need to be there for her to help her heal the pain she’s feeling and hiding behind her eyes.

Riley used to be so vibrant and full of life. Now, she’s almost a shell of her former self from what I’ve seen. There’s a pain and darkness hidden behind her eyes that was never there before. Something happened to this girl after I left, and I hope that she still trusts in me enough to get it out. No matter what happens between us, I will always have her back. Riley has had my back on more than one occasion and I’ll never be able to pay her back for it. If I’m the only one that she has to lean on, then I’ll be that for her.

“Riley, I’m going to try to move past what I’ve found out since you showed up. It still might not happen immediately, but I see the changes in you and I want to be there to help you,” I tell her.

“I know it’s going to take time Keegan. And one day I’ll let you know what’s going on. Just not today. Tonight, is about shopping and having fun.”

I turn back around in my seat and settle in for the trip. The guys are still taking precautions since no more letters or flowers have arrived. We honestly have no clue what their next move is going to be. Rage didn’t want to let me come tonight, but there was no way I was missing out on this shit. Not after what I’ve heard happens when Darcy is out with everyone.

Rage

So far, we’ve been to about three stores. Crash and Trojan are moping around because Darcy has put them in their place multiple times, in front of everyone. Now apparently, we’re going into some lingerie store and I’m not looking forward to seeing what is going to happen in here. Especially when I see all of the stuff that I’d love to see firefly wearing.

Before any of us can blink, the women are going through the store like mini tornadoes. They’re going from rack to rack finding what they think are the cutest little outfits to tease their men in. As soon as they’re done choosing the items they want to try on, I hear a few of the old ladies commenting that there aren’t enough dressing rooms with all the other customers in the store. So, they decide to double up and go in the rooms together. Catching Keegan’s eye, I see a wide smile break out across her face. Darcy is standing next to her and I see them heading towards the same dressing room. Fuck my life!

I’m moving closer to the dressing rooms as I see Wood pacing back and forth in front of the doors. He’s making sure that no one can get to our women. I appreciate the gesture, but I want my eyes on Keegan. If she needs me, I want to be right there to help her. It’s my woman, my babies, and my job to protect and love her. Wood is a brother from another club, and I trust him with my life. Keegan is another story though.

Before I can get to the dressing rooms, I see their door open. Wood turns around and everything seems to happen in slow motion. The girls try to come through the door at the same time, only my girl gets tripped up somehow. Wood makes a move to catch her at the same time Darcy does. I’m not quite sure what happened after that but before anyone can make a move, the three are sprawled out on the floor. Wood is on the bottom of the pile, Darcy is on top of him face to face with him, and Keegan ended up on her back on top of Darcy.

I immediately rush over to them and check my girl over. She’s laughing so hard that I see tears running down her cheeks. Helping her up, I’m still checking her over and she is my entire focus. I don’t notice when Crash and Trojan make their way over to us. Well, until they start yelling at Darcy to get her ass off of Wood.

“Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?” Crash bellows. “Every fuckin’ time you two are around one another, you end up all over each other.”

“Go the fuck away Neanderthal!” Darcy yells, pulling herself off Wood.

“Firecracker, you know you’re goin’ to be ours. Why keep fightin’ it?” Trojan asks.

“I never said I was going to be yours,” she says before Wood grunts. “Oh! I’m so sorry!”

Looking over, I see Wood holding his dick. I guess in her rush to get off him, she put her hand there and pushed herself up. I’m cringing at the pain he must be in right now. Crash and Trojan start laughing their asses off because I’m sure they think that’s what he deserves after having his hands on their woman. Again.

“Firefly, are you sure you’re okay?” I ask, seeing that she’s calmed down a little bit.

“I’m perfect. The babies are fine. Wood made sure to turn me somehow so I landed on my back. It’s not like I landed on the floor.” Keegan starts laughing again. “This is even better than what everyone has told me about these three.”

I can’t help but laugh. Keegan is having a good time and she’s getting to witness the hot mess that is Crash, Trojan, Darcy, and Wood. She’s been waiting to see this shit first-hand. I love that she looks like a kid in a candy store right now. This is how my girl should look every day of her life. If I have my way, she will.

“Alright, are you gettin’ this hot as fuck outfit?” I ask, taking in the corset she’s wearing with thigh highs and matching G-string.

“I’m thinking about it. It’s just going to sit in a drawer somewhere until I have the babies, but I love it.”

I tell her to get the outfit and whatever else she took in the room with her. She can give me a private showing later on at the clubhouse. While she goes in to get dressed, I go and grab a few more of the corsets. If she likes them, I’m going to get them for her.

We’ve been shopping for hours and I’m ready to go back to the clubhouse. I know Keegan is too. She’s starting to move slower and leaning on me more and more. Looking over at Grim, I motion to my girl and that’s all I need to do. He knows that it’s time to go and starts rounding everyone up. Noticing that we’re passing by a jeweler, I pass Keegan off to Bailey and the rest of the girls to go get her something to eat and drink for the ride home.

Walking in the store, an overly made-up woman approaches me. I’m not paying any attention to her though. My only goal is picking out the perfect ring for firefly. This woman just doesn’t get the hint though. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a man and make my way over to him. Getting closer, I see that it’s Craig. He’s a guy I met when I was younger, and we talk for a few minutes before he asks me what I’m looking for.

Within a few minutes, Craig has shown me the perfect ring. It’s not too big and it fit’s Keegan’s personality completely. The ring is platinum with sapphires and diamonds surrounding the band. In the center is a diamond that’s held up by little skulls. I’ve never seen a ring with skulls on it, but I know my girl loves skulls. She’s already shown me a few things that she wants to put in the house when it’s done.

“Where did you disappear to baby?” she asks me when I find them in the food court.

“I saw someone I know from way back. We talked for a few minutes. I would’ve taken you with me, but our babies needed to eat.”

“Oh. Next time then.”

And just like that my girl proves why I fall more and more in love with her every single day. I think the only thing I could do to hurt or piss her off is cheating on her or treating her like shit. Neither thing would ever happen, but she’s just so relaxed and goes with the flow.

“Did all the bags make it to the truck?” she asks, finishing her pretzel.

“Yeah. The guys have been makin’ regular trips out with them all. I don’t know how Gage and Riley are goin’ to fit in the backseat with everythin’ we bought.”

“They can ride on the roof if they have to,” she says. “Everything was for you, Kasey, and the babies.”

“I’m not complainin’ at all firefly.”

Pretty soon we’re all loading up in the vehicles and making our way back to the clubhouse. Pops and Alice never once contacted us, so I hope everything is okay with them and the kids. Pops can handle them, but I’m still getting to know Alice. To me, she’s still and unknown and I’m worried about my daughter with everything going on.

“I want to take a nap when we get back,” Keegan announces to the rest of us. “I’m beat and sore.”

“If you were gettin’ sore, why didn’t you tell me baby?” I ask.

“Because it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“I know that. But, it’s not somethin’ you have to deal with either.”

The rest of the ride is silent. Well, except for the muted conversation coming from the backseat between Riley and Gage. If you ask me, I think Riley will end up moving to Dander Falls. Gage and her seem to be hitting it off. He needs some good in his life. Riley just might be the person to give that to him.