Page 37 of Rival Hearts

“Well you see, little girl, we’re married,” Becky said. “And if you’re married, your wife can’t give you cooties.”

“Really?” Natalie asked, but it didn’t sound like she was buying it.

“Yes really,” Becky said. “That’s why you can get cooties, ‘cause you’re too young to get married.”

Natalie frowned. “I guess so,” she said and everyone had a good chuckle, though her moms just rolled their eyes.

Riley found that she really loved watching everyone interact. She never really got this growing up, and even though she was a little uncomfortable and didn’t always know how to react or what she was supposed to do, she felt accepted amongst the Thompson Family. Jett’s family certainly was something else. Riley kind of wished that she had had that kind of upbringing growing up, but she also knew that she was the way she was because of how she grew up, the bad and the good.

“Since Momma’s here, does that mean we can eat now?” Natalie asked.

“Sure thing, little munchkin,” Becky said, moving to stand up.

Hannah walked over to Riley and Emma and looked like she was about to get the infant back, but Riley shook her head.

“If you want, I can hold her while you go eat,” Riley said. “And you can pick her back up when you’re done.”

Hannah looked at Riley and had a relieved expression on her face.

Riley could only imagine how difficult it was to be a new mom, and how difficult it must be to try to balance a baby and a plate of food.

“Thank you so much,” Hannah said. “I’d really appreciate that.”

Riley smiled and everyone left to go to the kitchen to get food. Well, everyone except Riley and Jett and Emma. While everyone else was walking to the kitchen, Jett walked over to Riley and sat on the floor in front of her.

Jett smiled warmly. “You know,” she said, “that was really sweet of you.”

Riley shrugged. “I just wanted to help,” she said, and then whispered, “Plus I think I’m starting to get really attached to Emma.”

Jett laughed and smiled. “As you should,” she said. “I do have the best niece, after all.”

Riley smiled and looked down at Emma’s peaceful sleeping face again. “You sure do,” she said, and after that, the two of them sat in silence, just watching the baby and occasionally glancing at one another with smiles on their faces.

When Hannah came back having eaten, Riley tried not to show how reluctant she was to give her baby back. She waved at the little thing once more and smiled at Hannah.

“Thank you,” Hannah said.

“Oh, I was happy to do it,” Riley said, and then she and Jett walked to the kitchen together, passing the dining room where everyone else was finishing up their food and talking.

Riley wasn’t used to eating this well, so she grabbed a little bit of everything, as it all looked and smelled so delicious.

When she and Jett went to the dining room they were welcomed by everyone but Brody, Hannah, and Emma, who were in the living room once again. And, once again, Riley felt a little overwhelmed and out of place.

“That hungry?” Becky asked, pointing at Riley’s overflowing plate.

“It all looked so good,” Riley said. “I wanted a little bit of everything.”

Becky laughed. “Well at least you’ve got a good appetite, but I’m sure your food is good too.”

Riley paled a little. “I, um, I actually can’t cook,” she said.

Becky looked a little shocked, but not judgmental. “Really?”

“No one ever taught me,” Riley explained.

“Well, I’m sure Jett would love to teach you sometime,” Becky said. “She’s a great cook.”

Jett looked surprised, like she was wondering why she hadn’t thought of that before. “Oh yeah,” she said, looking kindly at Riley, “I would love to teach you sometime.”

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