35. Tucker

Skylar walks down the little pathway from her apartment carrying a box. She places it in her car and smiles at the man with her. Garrett.

“C’mon, baby. Look my way,” I whisper. It takes everything in me to stay planted in my spot and not rush to her, but I want her to spot me first.

She glances around, feeling someone’s gaze on her. She says something else to Garrett before she scans the area again.

“Tuck, I don’t think she’s in love with him. I think you misunderstood her message. There’s no way.”

She turns her body and for the first time, I see a slight shape to her normally flat stomach.

“Colt… look at her-”

“Stomach,” he finishes my sentence.

“There’s no way… is there?”

We watch as she places a hand over her abdomen, rubbing it gently, just like an expecting mother would.

“Is she running because she’s pregnant?” I whisper.

“Well, I’d say now is your time to ask.”

No sooner are the words out of his mouth does Skylar finally look in our direction. Her gaze narrows and she shakes her head like she doesn’t believe she’s actually seeing us.

I waste no time, rushing across the street as soon as the cars are out of the way. I stop in front of her, staring down into her bright blue eyes.

“Skylar…” I whisper, settling my hands on her stomach. Surprise fills her features but she doesn’t push me away.

“What are you doing here, Tucker?”

“I wasn’t going to let you run away this time. I”m not giving up on us without a fight.”

“What are you talking about? I left you a message.” She tilts her head to the side, staring up at me.

“Yeah, you said you were leaving me and didn’t love me anymore.”

“What? No, I didn’t! I said I was coming here to get my shit because Garrett’s moving and the storage unit is part of the rent. I only have until Sunday to pack up my stuff. I told you that in the message.” She searches my eyes, her brows furrowing in confusion.

“Your message was all broken up, it sounded like you were ending things between us… I called Colt and we rushed here. We’ve been waiting here all night for you to show up.”

“Tucker…” she whispers, cupping my face in her hands. “I”m not going anywhere… I love you.”

“I love you too. Why didn’t you tell me you needed to get your things? I would’ve come with you.”

“You didn’t answer your phone.” She shrugs a shoulder.

“You could’ve stopped by the shop. We both know you drove by it to get to the highway.”

“I wasn’t thinking… I was a little preoccupied…” She moves her hands from my face to on top of my hands, still on her stomach.

“Are you?” Hope blooms in my chest. I’ve never wanted anything more in my entire life.

She nods her head, tears filling her eyes. She lets out a choked laugh.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I whisper, stepping even closer to her.

“I found out yesterday morning, right before I came here. I guess that’s why I’ve been so tired lately.”

“How far along are we?”

She searches my gaze, knowing what I”m asking. I need to know everything is going to be ok. I need to know if we’re out of the danger zone yet.

“I”m a little over fourteen weeks.”

“That’s amazing, baby.” I whisper, dropping a kiss to her lips.

“Tuck? It’s a boy.”

I pull back, staring down at the itty bitty baby bump. I instantly reach for it again, rubbing my hands over every inch of her stomach. Dropping to my knees, I press kiss after kiss on my son. When I’m finally finished, I stand and pull her into a deep kiss.

“What was that for?” She asks breathlessly.

“For making me the happiest man in the world and giving me the most amazing gift.”

“What if something goes wrong?” She whispers.

“It won’t. Everything is going to be fine; I can feel it.”

“As much as I”m loving watching this reunion, I”m feeling quite left out.” Colton pouts from his spot, resting against the car. His arms are folded over his chest, his ankles crossed like he’s enjoying himself. “Where’s the love for Uncle Colt?”

Skylar rolls her eyes, but she moves away from me and straight into his arms. He holds her like she’s the most precious thing in the world, which is good for him. If he held her any other way, I’d punch him in the throat. Riley, Skylar, and now my son, are the most precious things in my world and I will treat them as such for the rest of their lives.

“I”m so happy for both of you. You deserve this and so much more, Skysky,” Colt whispers in her ear.

“Thanks, Colt.”

“Let’s get you packed up and get our asses on the road. You can put some stuff in the squad car, but not much will fit.”

“You brought the squad car? What about Bessy? She’s the love of your life,” Skylar teases him.

“Eh, if I needed to kidnap you to get you home, I’d get questioned less in a squad car… Plus, there’d be bars separating us.” He grins, earning himself a sucker punch in the stomach. “What the fuck, Skysky!”

“I mean, you should’ve seen that coming.” She shrugs a shoulder. “What do you think would’ve happened if you tossed me in the back of a cop car?” She arches a brow, daring him to argue.

“Damn, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this side of you. It’s like you’re a completely different person.” Garrett stares at her, making my blood boil. “I feel like I don’t even know you.”

“If you don’t know this side of her, then you don’t. This is Skylar Barren. This is who she’s always been and who she’ll always be. She’s mine,” I growl, wrapping an arm around her waist and tugging her closer.

“I get it. I”m not trying to take her; she wouldn’t want me back anyway.” Garrett holds up his hands in defense. “I’m just… shocked. She’s always been quiet and reserved.”

“The fuck? Skysky? What happened to you up here?” Colt moves closer, slapping a hand on her forehead like he’s checking her temperature.

“I was a shell of myself, I was missing the other half of my heart,” she whispers, staring up at me.

“Well, I for one want to get your shit packed so we can get out of this awful city.” Tucker glances around with a grimace.

“Hey! I love this place!” Skylar protests.

“More than Maple Springs?” He raises a brow, a grin spreading across his face.

“Well… no. But how can you love anywhere more than Maple Springs?”

“You can”t, which is why we never left.” Colt motions between him and me. “You on the other hand… I don’t know where we went wrong with you.” He rolls his eyes.

“Shut up and pack my shit!” Skylar shoves his shoulder, making him stumble back.

The two of them move back into the apartment to grab more things, leaving me alone with Garrett.

“I’m guessing she punched you?” I point at his swelling cheek.

“Yeah… I wanted to know who the father was… She didn’t want to tell me.” He stares off into the distance, completely lost in his own head.

“Did you think it was you?” I raise my brows, interested in what he thinks, because I know without a doubt my girl wouldn’t lie to me about this.

“I knew it wasn’t. I was always careful, I never wanted kids… but seeing her pregnant…” He shakes his head. “It made me hope, even for a few seconds, that the baby was mine and I could have her back.”

“I let you have her once; I won”t be making that mistake again. I was young and stupid the last time. I didn’t realize just how much I loved her.”

“She’s easy to love. I think deep down I knew I never deserved her. That’s why I cheated on her.”

“You’re a dumbass. You didn’t cheat on her because you didn’t think you deserved her, you cheated because you’re a fucking idiot and didn’t know how good you had it.” I clamp a hand down on his shoulder, squeezing hard enough to make him wince. “Don’t contact her after we leave. She has an entire life in Maple Springs you know nothing about.”