Page 73 of Changing Lanes

“What?” I ask, removing my hat to wipe the sweat from my face.

“I’m gonna ask you one more time, cause I’m tired of looking like a fool around town.” She balls her fists at her sides.

“So, ask.” I step from the mower.

“Are you or are you not, fucking her?” Her face turns red from her yelling.

“Is it your business?” I question her as I slide my hat back on.

“What? Yes. She’s around my daughter.” She’s seething as her blood boils.

“Ava, I’ve talked to you about Torrie for years, I love her. I loved her when I left her to come home and take care of you and Andi. It’s been years since we last slept together. She’s amazing to Andi. She’s good to me. Yes, I’m dating her. I love her.” Staring her in the eyes, I send up a silent prayer she’ll let it sink in.

“She will never stay. Her father will make sure of that,” Ava yells at me.

“Ava, you were my best friend for so long, I lost count at one point. I know your life has never been easy, but I’ll be damned if you push Torrie away for your own selfish benefits. For one fucking time, think of someone else.” I pin her with my glare.

Growling in defeat, she turns, stomping to her car. Slamming the door, she cranks it up, leaving a trail of dust a mile long. Lord, I’m over her and her ways. She makes it impossible to help her. At one time, I would’ve walked to the end of the earth to save her.

Saturday afternoon, we attend One and Lea’s twins first birthday party at Bounce Nation. It’s our first official outing as a couple or as Andi says, ‘a family’. I love how that sounds. Torrie dresses Andi in turquoise capris with a shirt with balloons on it, she’s party ready.

“Hey, y’all. Good to see you.” Lea waves from the other side of the room.

“How are you?” Torrie asks as we walk closer.

“Good. Pregnant. Malone may have to give birth to this one.” She pats her growing stomach.

“I’d like to see that. Hi, One. Thank you for inviting us.” I shake One’s hand as he joins us.

“Good of you to come. Andi, everyone’s over at the big house if you want to join them.” One points to the action for Andi. She smiles and sprints over.

One and Lea’s older children play with their siblings. Lea calls One, Malone. As does he call her Hadlea while everyone else calls her Lea. It’s confusing, but they keep it straight. They have a brood, eight children and one on the way. You would never know they are a blended family.

“Okay, so tell me again,” Torrie whispers to me.

“One and Lea are married. They have three adult sons, one daughter-in-law, youngest two are engaged. Their twins are one, and they’re expecting another. You want names?” I tickle her side.

“Stop it. Yes, please. It’s hard to keep up.” She giggles.

“From the oldest.” I point to the family as I rattle off their names. “Aksel, his wife Emmerson. Hawk, his fiancé Willow. Lath, his fiancé Ryver. The twins are Harlyn and Wren. I’m not sure how they’ll find a name for the newest one.” Torrie elbows me as she gasps.

“Probably after it’s favorite uncle. Chord Hamilton, nice to meet you.” One’s half-brother introduces himself to Torrie.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Torrie smiles as she takes his hand.

“Hey, now. Back the fuck off, dude.” I fake punch Chord.

“How the hell did you get so lucky?” He winks at Torrie, asshole.

“I have no idea. How did you?” Nodding as Sutton walks through the door.

“Just friends, dude.” Chord looks dejected.

“Hey, how are you?” Lachlan Daly speaks as he walks through the door.

Torrie looks behind him before asking. “Where’s Maisyn?”

He grumbles. “Working. Driving me bat shit crazy.”