Page 48 of Spending Forever With You

“No, she was a baby first. That doesn’t count. She wasn’t into none of our girly maintenance then. Now, she loves when I paint her nails the same color as mine.”

“So now she’s invited to the function? You ain’t right.”

We reached the exit where it was time for us to go our separate ways. Luke pulled me into him, holding me tight around my waist with one hand.

“You’re headed to drop Cami off then coming home, right?” I chuckled, not wanting to lie, so I chose my words very carefully.

“Yes, quick stop for her ICEE and snacks from the gas station, then home.” He stared at me for a moment before he leaned in for another kiss. This time I welcomed him, letting my mouth linger on his a few seconds longer.

“Okay, drive safe. Bye, Cam Cam. I love y’all.”

“Bye, Uncle Deacon! Love you too.” Luke let go of me to do that handshake again then we were gone.

Once I got Cami in the car, the real questions started.

“Auntie Holli, do you and Uncle Deacon love each other now?”

I blinked hard a few times before I responded.

“Why do you ask?”

“Because I overheard Granny and Mama talking about how all you need is to feel loved by Uncle Deacon to love him again. And it seems like he loves you to me.”

“Oop… and Miss Thing, what did we tell you about listening to grown people’s conversations?”

“Not to repeat it, but Auntie, I want you happy like Mama is with Daddy. I think Uncle Deacon can make you happy. You smile real big these days.”

I didn’t know what to say to that, so I didn’t reply, just turned up the volume on the radio. I hated how a conversation with my nine-year-old niece stayed on my mind all the way to my condo though.

I wished it was that simple. Knowing Luke loved me enough to push past my broken heart.

Would it be enough though?

No. The damage had already been done between us.

I sniffled as I walked off the elevator and paused when I noticed Luke sitting on the floor outside my door.

I thought about stepping back so much that my right foot did until he looked up with a cocky grin. He got up, making his way over to me.

“Luke, what are you doing here? How did you know I would be—” Of course he cut me off.

“This isn’t home, Hershey. What are you doing here? You really running from me again? Damn baby, that’s fucked up.” I shook my head but I was lying. I was sprinting away from him this time.

“Luke I—” Luke grabbing my hand had me pausing my words as he gently pulled me off the middle of the elevator, causing it to close behind me.

Damn that was my exit plan. Now what, Hollis?

“Six months, Holls. That’s all I need and you can’t give me that?” I walked past him, heading for my door with him close behind.

“No, Luke. You said weeks once probate was done. I did my part.” I turned to face him, pushing him back to create some much-needed space. He shook his head as a humorless laugh escaped his lips.

“You said until we secured the house. It’s not done. We’re not done.” I didn’t even get a chance to say yes or no before Luke blocked my key from going into the hole then snatched my keys out of my hand.

“Will you move please? It’s been a long ass day and I need a shower and my bed,” I said, placing my hand on my hip, shifting all my weight to that side, rolling my neck in the process.

“Naw, this ain’t your current residence. So unless you came to pick up some clothes, we’re going home where you can do all that.”

“Luke—