Page 91 of Fumble Into the End Zone

“We’ll talk about it but your work is solid.”

A few of the sub-contractors pointed at me and a few whispered about my identity. With my name being associated with the house, I made a mental note to change the locks and get a new security system. Thirty minutes had passed before I pulled into my driveway. The sight of Mia’s truck always settled me because she hadn’t left. Stepping inside, I smiled at the upgrades. The few days we were apart, Mia had added fall pillows, centerpieces to the living room and dining room table, and fresh flowers.

At first, the decor changes were minor, but they’re becoming more aggressive. My heart rejoiced at the sight. To me, it signaled Mia could see herself with us long term. On occasion, she visited her house. Within two hours, I was calling to make sure she’s coming back. The bulk of her clothes are in our closet, as they should be.

“Baby,” I yelled.

When I heard nothing, I trembled as my body panicked. I entered the primary bedroom and found clothes stretched across the bed, but no Mia. My chest caved as I held my breath. In search of anyone, I moved toward Harley’s room and I heard Mia’s voice and the TV.

“Butterfly, Daddy has to decide,” Mia said.

“Do you think he will say yes?” Harley asked.

I steadied my body against the wall to reintroduce air into my lungs.

“He is going to say no. Daddy never let me stay at anybody’s house,” Harley said.

“We can ask?” Mia assured.

Tapping the door, all eyes turned to me. Harley gave me a halfhearted smile, and I squinted in her direction.

“Daddy don’t get a hug or nothing?” I asked.

Harley jumped off the bed and ran in my direction. I lifted her in the air, and she hugged my neck. On the bed were her luggage and outfits Mia had pieced together.

“Baby, you didn’t hear me yell your name. You had me scared,” I said.

Mia gave me an inquisitive expression before she re-adjusted her body. “Why would you be afraid? Harley and I have no plans of going anywhere without you,” she countered.

At this moment, it’s as if Mia was calling my bluff and questioning me at the same time. This response to my question unsettled me as we glared at each other.

“But to answer your question. We were in the bathroom. It’s hard to hear over the vent,” Mia said.

I made a mental note to inquire about her response to my question.

“Marcus, Harley and I have a request, but I need to speak to you first,” Mia said.

Eavesdropping, I already had insider info on what she wanted. It’s unfair, but my answer was no. I put Harley on her feet and followed Mia to our bedroom. We shut the door behind us.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

Mia pointed to the bed, wanting me to sit. I complied, resting my foot on the bed frame. Mia stepped in between my legs, planting a soft lingering kiss on my lips. I gripped her waist, not allowing her to break our interaction. She giggled after her second attempt to disrupt our makeout session.

“Baby, how are you?” Mia asked, with her lip inches away from mine.

The gloss from her nude tinted lips had transferred to mine.

“I’m better now, but what are you and our daughter up to?” I asked as I rubbed my lips together.

“Your daughter doesn’t want to go with us. And it hurts my feelings, but she wants to stay with my parents. On the jet, they made her a list of promises, including dance classes, shopping and, of course, a damn pony. They roped me into bringing her to their farm this weekend. Baby, her heart is set on it. She asked me, but I deferred to you because you are her parent,” Mia said.

I dropped my hands from Mia’s waist and danced the thought around in my head. As before, I landed on the word no. Mia’s parents were nice, but the idea wasn’t sitting well with me.

“First, she is our daughter. I’m not saying your parents would hurt her but...”

“You don’t trust them,” Mia interrupted, finishing my sentence.

I tilted my head up toward the ceiling. The gentleness of her hand caressing my face brought my attention back into focus.

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