30. Rebel

I pulledinto the driveway and noticed the new vehicle. I didn"t feel like visiting with anyone. I hadn't talked to Evie in a week; the spoiled actress I was guarding thought she could command me to have sex with her, and I missed my family.

The moment I opened the door, I heard Evie singing to Hannah. I dropped my things and walked into our room. I stood there gazing at her before she looked up and smiled.

"Dada," Hannah yelled. I walked over and scooped both of them into my arms.

"I won't take her on long trips, but she will go with me to visit my friends and family here on the mountain," Evie said.

"Yes, anything. I'm sorry I hurt you; I will try not to do it again," I said, bending my head to kiss her.

"I know you would never hurt me on purpose. I love you. I don't want us to be apart. Did you see my new vehicle?"

"Yes, it's beautiful. Where is your RV?"

"I sold it to Kylie's neighbor. Kylie is back to work; she seems like her old self. I'm so happy for her. We are getting married in three weeks, in the backyard. I already got my dress while I was in Tampa. I also got Hannah a dress and a few other things. I can't wait to marry you."

I put Hannah down and pulled Evie where she belonged, in my arms. "Are you going to be able to ignore all my issues?"

"We will work on it together. I love you, and as long as you try to work through it, that's all I want," she said, chuckling.

"I don't deserve you."

"I know, but let's look on the bright side. Each time I'm heartbroken, I write hit songs. I wrote two more songs, and some friends from Nashville are coming to our wedding. Dinner is almost done."

"Grandma showed me how to make a meal in the crockpot," she said as she ran her hands under my shirt. Her nails tracked a path across my back, making me hard instantly. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed me. "I missed this," she whispered against my lips.

"Has Hannah had a nap?" I whispered in her ear.

"Yes," she sighed.

"We will all go to bed early tonight," I said, and she chuckled.

"Yes, we'll hit the hay early. Dinner should be done; Ghost and Allison will be home later. They were going to see the baby"s sonogram."

"How exciting for them," I said, kissing her neck. She giggled and turned around.

"Let's eat dinner," Evie said as I picked up my sweet Hannah.

"I love my sweet Hannah," I said, kissing Hannah.

"Daddy."

"Hey, you said, Daddy. I love you so much, baby," I said as I held her in my arms, thanking God for my blessings.

We ate dinner, sitting at the table. "This is delicious. When I was in college, I would make meals in the crockpot. I forgot how good they are."

"I'm going back to work here as the music teacher at the school," Evie announced.

"You are? That's great."

"It's only three days a week, but I love doing it. Plus, I love Christmas musicals."

"Are you already planning your Christmas musical?"

"I have been. Isn't that crazy? I have to say I am excited about going back to work. I've been wondering about Hannah while I'm working," Evie said.

"Hannah will be fine; someone will always be with her. You don't have to worry about her. I'm happy you're going to work; I know how much you loved teaching music to children."

"Thank you. I'm already planning things. It doesn't start for a few weeks. The regular music teacher is ready to have her baby and intends to take at least a year off. I thought that would be perfect because we would be ready to have more children by then. And then I could be a substitute when she needs time off."

My eyes locked on Evie's. "I love you so much."

"I love you so much, too. I think Daisy is in love with Raider."

"Why do you think that? I'd hate to see either of them get hurt. They've already had so much pain in their lives."