29. Tucker

Coming home every night over the past two weeks to Skylar and Riley is like a gift from God. Every day after school, Riley hangs out in Skylar’s office until she’s ready to go.

Mrs. Goods hasn’t let up in her constant need to get Riley in trouble. Now that it’s common knowledge Skylar and I are dating; I swear it’s gotten worse.

“No, I completely agree, Mr. Green,” Skylar says into the phone as I walk up behind her. She’s standing behind the couch with tense shoulders. “Thank you for your support. I guarantee I’d never favor a child because of my relationship with her father, but I truly feel that Mrs. Goods is trying to get revenge by constantly attacking Riley Donahue… I’ll let you know how it goes. Thank you very much for understanding my position.”

She tosses her phone onto the couch, letting out a long sigh. Gripping the back of the couch, she drops her head. I know everything between Mrs. Goods and Riley sits heavily on her shoulders. She’s an amazing principal, but she also loves Riley and doesn’t want her treated unfairly.

“What happened, baby?” I press a kiss to her neck, making her melt into my arms. I lead her around the couch and tug her down on my lap.

“Mrs. Goods is at it again. Today she tried to get Riley in trouble for spilling paint. She isn’t even the art teacher, Tucker. The art teacher said it was an accident and that Riley was really upset when it happened, but Mrs. Goods wouldn’t hear of it. She’s convinced Riley is the spawn of Satan and needs to be disciplined appropriately.”

“What can I do?”

“Nothing. I’ve handled it. I”m just tired of battling that witch every day. She comes to me at least two times a week, complaining about something. I”m actually a little afraid of what would be happening if someone else was the principal. Riley could have ended up in so much trouble this year.”

“I thank God every day for you, baby.” I kiss her, trying to relieve some of the stress she’s always carrying on her shoulders. “Are you ok?”

“I”m really tired. I don’t know what’s going on with me. I feel like I have no energy anymore.”

“Maybe you’re coming down with something. Lay down and relax, I’ll make us some dinner.”

Moving Skylar off my lap, I cover her with a blanket and press another kiss to her forehead. I move around the kitchen, making creamy sausage raviolis, they’re Skylar’s favorite and Riley really likes them.

“So, I was thinking about something and I want your opinion on it,” I speak loud enough for Skylar to hear me from the living room. “I was thinking you should move in with us. There’s no point of you paying for rent when you spend almost every night here anyway.”

I wait for some sort of argument from her. It’s too fast. She needs her space. What about Riley? But I get nothing.

“Sky? Baby? Are you ok?” I move back into the living room, peeking over the back of the couch. She’s sound asleep. Soft snores are the only hint that she’s even alive.

Shaking my head with a grin, I finish making dinner, then call Riley for dinner.

“Where’s Skylar?”

“She’s asleep on the couch. Can I ask you something, then you can wake her up?”

“What?”

“Would you be ok if I asked Skylar to move in with us?” I probably should’ve asked her before I asked Skylar, but since she was asleep, she doesn’t know I already asked.

“Move in? Like live with us?” Her brows furrow.

“Yes. I’d like her to live with us.”

“Really? I’d love that!”

“Good, let’s ask her at dinner. You can go wake her up.”

I watch Riley bounce around the couch to Skylar. She places a gentle hand on Skylar’s cheek, whispering something to her.

“Skysky, it’s time to get up. Daddy made your favorite dinner.”

“Alright, I”m coming…”

She still looks half asleep when she takes a seat at the table. Riley sits across from her, leaving me at the end, between them.

“Can I ask her now?” Riley bounces up and down in her seat.

“Go ahead.”

“Skylar? Will you live with me? Pretty please!” She clasps her little hands in front of her face, begging Skylar with an adorable pout.

“What?” Skylar’s gaze moves from Riley to me. She searches my features, looking for my opinion on this.

“Will you, baby? We want you to move in. There’s no point of you paying rent when you’re here almost every night.”

“Are you sure we’re ready for that?” Her brows pull together.

“I”m positive,” I whisper, taking her hand in mine. I kiss the inside of her wrist, then place her hand over my heart. “You’ve lived in here for our entire lives, it’s time for you to live with us.”

“Ok. Let’s do it.” She gives me a silly grin, happiness bursting from her.

“How much do you need to pack?”

“Not much. I didn’t bring more than what I could fit in my car when I moved here.”

“Perfect. Colt and I can move you in on Sunday before we go to Gran’s for dinner.”

“I think we should go out for ice cream to celebrate!” Riley’s hopeful eyes find mine.

“I definitely think we need ice cream to celebrate! Then we can come back and cuddle in bed.”