25. Tucker

I hate working on the weekends. It feels unnatural to me. I should be home, hanging out with Riley and Colt. Or hunting and fishing with them. I shouldn’t be laying on a creeper under a dusty old truck.

I”m only doing it because of how many hours I missed this week having to deal with Mrs. Goods’ bullshit. A smile spreads across my face when I think of how Skylar’s been standing up for my daughter since day one. She’s gone above and beyond for one of her students. She’s going to be a great principal; I couldn’t be prouder of her.

Two car doors slam shut, making me pause. I hope this isn’t Mr. Fritz, I told him this would take until the end of the day. Footsteps crunch against the gravel, moving closer and closer. I can tell when they step into the garage, and let out a sigh.

“What can I do for you?” I go back to working on the engine above me.

“You could give me a kiss.” A sassy voice calls. I can imagine a hand on her hip and an eyebrow raised. A slow smirk spreads across my face as I slide out from under the truck.

“Hey, girls. I didn’t think you two would be back yet.” Climbing to my feet, I catch Riley as she catapults herself into my arms. “I missed you, Riles.”

“I missed you too.” She strips out of her jacket and shoes, making Skylar’s brows furrow. Riley marches over to the locker in the back of the shop.

“What’s she doing?” Skylar eyes me.

“Just wait.” My smirk widens even further.

Riley returns a few moments later, gathering her blonde hair into a high ponytail. She’s dressed in her greasy coveralls and a pair of boots.

“Oh my gosh,” Skylar whispers. “She’s so freaking adorable!”

“She’s my little mini-me.”

“Alright, Daddy, what are we working with?” Riley drops onto her creeper and pushes her heels into the ground to slide under the engine.

“We’re doing a tune-up.”

“Mr. Fritz?” Riley slides back out and climbs to her feet, grinning at me.

“Bingo!” I boop her nose.

“Did you change the oil yet?”

“Nope. How about you gather the stuff while I talk to Skylar?”

“Yay! I love doing that.”

Riley scurries away, happier than any kid I’ve ever seen.

“She’s a great kid.” Skylar’s gaze stays locked on my little girl.

“She is. How was your pampering day?”

“Well, according to Riley, you love me and want me to be her mommy. Oh! And you want to have more babies with me.” She rolls her eyes. I step closer, making Skylar’s breath hitch.

“She’d be right. I have a very smart daughter.” My voice is low, deeper than normal. My attention is stuck on Skylar nibbling on her bottom lip.

“Tuck…”

“No, baby. I told you, I never stopped wanting all of that with you.”

“But I”m not the same as I was back then.”

“I get that, but I don’t think it will change how I feel. You’re still my Skylar.” I grip her hips, tugging her body flush against mine. Pressing my lips against hers, I enjoy the soft moan coming from the only woman I’ve ever loved. I thread my fingers through her hair, deepening our kiss.

When soft footsteps move closer, I let out a groan and pull away. Riley’s happy with us dating, but she doesn’t need to witness us making out.

Resting my forehead against Skylar’s, I take a few breaths to calm myself.

“You’re still my Tucker,” Skylar whispers, threading her fingers through mine.

“I’m ready, Daddy!” Riley hops to my side, fidgeting with excitement. This girl loves working on cars more than she should.

“How about I go home and make dinner for all of us? I can take Riley with me or leave her here.” Skylar takes a step away from me, but doesn’t let go of my hand.

“You can leave her. I doubt you’d be able to pull her away from the shop anyway. This girl loves getting her hands dirty. But don’t make dinner at your place. Pack a bag and stay the rest of the weekend with us.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” She glances at Riley before bringing her gaze back to me.

I can”t hide my smile. She already loves my daughter more than I ever expected. She’s worried about how Riley will handle all of this, but she doesn’t know my girl the way I do.

“Hey, Riles?”

“Yeah?”

“What do you think about Skylar having a sleepover tonight?”

“Oh! I love sleepovers! We can have a movie night and make popcorn! If we make Daddy really happy, he might even let us make cookies! Please, Skylar, please have a sleepover!” Riley clasps her hands in front of her chest, staring up at Skylar with pleading eyes.

“How can I say no to that?” Skylar chuckles. “Ok, let me go home and get my things. I’ll meet you at your house.”

“Yay!” Riley does a little happy dance.

“That’s cheating, by the way. You can”t use her to get your way.” Skylar pats my chest. “What does she like to eat?”

“Anything. She’s not picky at all.”

“Alright. Text me when you’re leaving here and I’ll bring dinner over.”

“Nah, cook at my house.” I unzip my coveralls, letting them pool at my waist. I reach into the pockets of my jeans and pull out my keys. Handing over the house key, I find Skylar staring at me. “What’s wrong?”

“I forgot how sexy you look in coveralls. I”m pretty sure I had an entire photo album of you in them when we were in high school. Back then you always tied it around your waist, I don’t think you ever wore them like you’re supposed to.”

“I had to start. I was ruining more clothes than I could afford.” I chuckle.

“C’mon, Daddy! We’re burning daylight here!”

“I guess I’ll let you get back to turning the girly girl I spent the day with, back into a tomboy.” A smile tugs on her lips as she stares at my daughter.

“She’s the best of both worlds. Just like another girl I fell in love with… When was the last time you did an oil change?”

“Jeez, I don’t even know. I don’t think I’ve done one since I left Maple Springs.”

“Then, I say screw dinner. Get that sweet ass under the truck and show us what you’re made of.”