1. Colton

Chapter 1

Colton

"Don't make me assault a police officer, Colton!" Tucker shoves me out of the way as he stomps into the shop. He's been extra testy since Skylar gave birth. I don't understand how any of this is my fault though.

"I didn't even do anything!" I fold my arms over my chest and glare at him.

"Are you saying you didn't tell Riley it would be funny to switch the sugar with the salt?" He arches a brow at me, making me take a step backwards.

Crap, I forgot about that conversation. We were just goofing off, I didn't think she'd actually do it. Normally she doesn't like to screw with Tucker. It's typically me she's messing with. How was I supposed to know she'd do it?

"In my defense, I didn't think she'd do it." I hold my hands up, hoping if he does try to punch me, I'll be able to block it .

"Is that really your argument?" He stares at me like I'm crazy. And maybe I am. My two best friends are mean to me and yet I'm still friends with them.

"Maybe you should be talking to your daughter . Just because I make a mere suggestion, doesn't mean she should listen. Didn't you raise her to be smarter than that? What's going to happen when she's in high school and someone tells her to jump off a bridge? Will she do it? This sounds more like you're failing as a parent and less like I'm at fault."

The longer I talk the more I like this idea. Yes, let's take the attention away from me and my handsome face. I like the idea of placing the blame solely on his shoulders.

"You know what? You're right." He nods his head and I narrow my eyes. Tucker never gives in this easily.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. I'm failing at everything with her. Maybe she should spend a week or two with her Uncle Colton. He's a sheriff and should be a good role model. I'm sure you can get her straightened out faster than I can. I'll call Skylar now and let her know you'll be picking up Riley on the way home tonight." He tugs his phone out of his pocket and begins typing away .

"Hold on there, fella. I didn't agree to watching the squirt for the next week."

"That's true… It should definitely be two weeks. Maybe even an entire month." Tucker lifts the phone to his ear with a grin. "Hey, baby. Colt's going to take Riley for the next month. He's going to raise her right and set her on the straight and narrow… I know, I thought it was a great idea when he suggested it. We have our hands full with Duke and this would make things a little easier… Yeah, he's such a great uncle… that would be great if you could pack a few bags for her. Thanks. I'll see you tonight… Love you too."

He slips his phone back into his pocket and clasps a hand down on my shoulder. My stomach rolls with the thought of watching Riley for an entire month. I love the girl, but I don't want kids. Not yet. Not by myself.

"I'm not watching her, Tuck." I fold my arms over my chest and glare at him.

"Don't you want to see your niece succeed? If she keeps going down this road, she's going to end up being your problem anyway. You'll constantly be locking her in a cell at the station."

"Can't I just lock her in there now for thirty minutes and explain how she needs to behave? "

"I don't know if that would work." He scratches his chin, looking far too calm for my liking.

"Why not?"

"Well, because you're half the problem. If you don't learn your lesson, how will she stop following your lead?"

"You're just screwing with me? What about Skylar?"

"Oh my gosh, Colt. Skylar would never let you take our daughter for a month. Who knows how she'd turn out. I'd never allow that."

"Are you saying I'm a bad influence?"

"Yes. Every time you plant an idea in that girl's head, it turns out bad for the both of you. When are you going to learn that?"

"I don't know! When is she going to learn to not listen to me?"

"She's a child, Colt." Tucker scrubs a hand down his face and lets out a long sigh.

"Wait… Are you saying Skylar's a good example?"

"Yes, my wife and the mother of my children is a good example."

"To be fair, she's not actually Riley's mother," I point out.

"She should've been. She's Riley's mom in every way it matters and you know that. "

"Fine. I'll stop trying to get the rugrat to mess with you, but I'm not taking her for a month. Maybe a night, but nothing more. Eh, maybe a weekend. She could be fun for a few days."

"Do you want Duke for the weekend too?" Tucker perks up at the thought of that.

"Yeah, but tell Skylar to let me borrow her tits for the weekend." I roll my eyes. "How am I supposed to feed him, Tuck? And do you honestly think I can handle a baby and Riley for an entire weekend by myself?"

"Yeah, I do. You're an amazing uncle and those kids love you. You're going to be a fantastic dad one day."

"Eh, I think I need to find myself a woman first." I wave him off. I'd love to start a family, but I can't do that yet. I haven't found anyone worth dating… Well, I have, but I'm not sure it will ever work out.

"Oh, shit. I know that face. Stop thinking about Leslie. Skylar's going to kill you if you sleep with her."

"She's perfect, Tuck. I don't know how I never noticed her before Skylar basically presented her on a silver platter for me."

"Skylar didn't present her on a platter for you." Tucker chuckles deeply. "I'm pretty sure she said you were a dumbass for never noticing Leslie before."

"Exactly! I'm learning my lesson and listening to Skylar. What if Leslie's my future wife?"

"Then, I'll start praying for her now." He grins. "I can't wait for you to have kids."

"Why?"

"Because then I get to be the fun uncle who plants bad ideas in their heads." He rubs his hands together as a devilish grin spreads across his face.

"Yeah, I might have to leave Maple Springs before I have children."