13. Tucker

“How was dinner?” The smile in Ma’s voice is clear, even without her in view.

She’s always loved Skylar like a daughter. She was just as broken-hearted as I was when she left. I have a feeling she’s going to try to meddle and get us back together. I won”t be upset if she does.

“It was good, heavy subjects were dealt with.”

“Was I right?” She smirks, coming around the corner, drying her hands on a towel.

“Aren”t you always?” I deadpan. “But just to clarify, what do you think you’re right about this time?”

She flicks the towel my way, hitting my bicep. I frown at her and rub at my arm, making her roll her eyes.

“You don’t have to be such a smartass all the time, ya know? Where do you think Riley gets it from?”

“Her mother.” I glare.

“Well… you got me there. Malory was a huge smartass too… Seriously, Tuck… Does she regret leaving?”

Rubbing a hand over the back of my neck, I sort through the things Skylar said to me tonight. My mind quickly turns to the feeling of her in my arms, the smell of her shampoo surrounding me.

“C’mon, Tuck! Focus!” Mom nudges me with her elbow, a shit eating grin on her face. “I forgot how often you used to get lost in your own head when Skylar was around. A decade hasn’t done a thing to lessen your feelings.”

I roll my eyes but can”t hide the smile. She’s right, I still love Sky as much today as I did ten years ago. I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving her.

“I don’t know if she regrets leaving. She needed to go, had to process her pain in her own way. But she said something that has me thinking…”

“Well, don’t keep me waiting, what’d she say?”

“She made a comment about needing to come back and see how I was after everything that happened. She needed to know I was ok, wanted to know if there was hope for her. She’s still hurting over losing the baby… and I can”t blame her for that. It’s like there’s been this permanent ache in my chest since we found out she miscarried. Riley dulls the pain a little, but it’s never going away. I’ll always wonder what our baby would have been like, what he or she would’ve grown up to be. It’s so fucking hard some days.”

“And you dealt with it all by yourself… I”m sorry, Bud.”

“But I had you… Sky had no one. I have a feeling she didn’t tell a single person once Maple Springs was in her rearview mirror. There’s no way she’d be that vulnerable with someone.”

“So, what now?”

“I have no clue… she has a boyfriend. Garrett,” I hiss his name. I hate everything about him and I don’t even know him.

“Aww, you hate him.” She places a hand over her chest and chuckles at me.

“Never thought I could hate someone I’ve never met, yet here I am.” I spread my arms wide.

“You hate him because you love her and want what’s best for her.”

“I”m what’s best for her, Ma.”

“Maybe… but maybe not. Ten years is a long time, Tuck. You don’t know anything about Sky anymore. What if she doesn’t want kids now? What if she’s completely different than the girl who left you behind? What if she hates dogs now?”

“I don’t even have a dog.” I scrunch my face up, confused on why her opinions on dogs matter to me.

“Ohmygoshhhh, Tuck,” she groans, turning her gaze to the ceiling. “It’s an example… What if Riley doesn’t like her? You have more to think about than your own heart. That little girl has never had a mother. Before you introduce her to Sky and let her fall in love with that woman, you better be damn sure she’s not gonna up and leave all over again. I promise Riley’s broken heart will make yours seem like a papercut.”

Plopping down on the couch, I rest my elbows on my knees and plant my face in my palms. She’s right, I need to make sure I place Riley above myself now. Mom drops onto the cushion next to me, rubbing gentle circles on my back.

“I”m sorry. I wish things were easier. I want things to work out between the two of you, you know I love Sky.”

“I know. I appreciate you reminding me of reality though… It’s just… her being back is what I’ve prayed for since the moment she left.”

“God works in mysterious ways, Tuck. He’s got a plan for you, let him work his magic.”

“Think I could get an advance copy of this plan?”

“Nah, that’s for Him to know and you to trust blindly. It’s not always easy though.”

“Got that right.”

“Daddy… I had a bad nightdream.” My sweet angel’s voice comes from the hall, I peek up, finding her twisting her toes in the carpet.

“C’mon, sweet girl.”

Running my way, she jumps into my arms, hugging me close. I return her embrace with just as much strength. This girl is my life, she’s what matters most. I need to remember that.

“Can I sleep with you, daddy?”

“Of course, princess. Anything for my girl.”

I press a kiss to her forehead, thanking God for the opportunity to be this little girl’s daddy.