Page 82 of Changing Lanes

“Torrie, I can fly up there. I’m sure we can stay undercover to make sure you get what you’ve worked for.” I return the squeeze.

“Are you sure? I mean, it’s more than I could ever hope for, but if you don’t mind, it’s perfect.” She’s shocked I’m okay with this arrangement.

“I told you, I’m here. Forever.” Our food arrives as does the lighter mood. The topic of her father could kill anything.

After dinner, I decide we can get my truck from the office tomorrow. We stop for milk to go with Andi’s breakfast, I go in while Torrie stays in the car. I slide in, shaking my head.

“Did you see the young girl walk out before I did?” She nods. “She bought a pregnancy test. She’s a baby. The cashier tried to be an asshole to her about I.D. or some shit. Since when do you need one to buy a pregnancy test?”

“Maybe she also bought the ‘Morning after pill’?” she offers.

“Maybe. Still, where in the hell is the dad? Why is she doing everything by herself?” I rant.

“Some women have to do things by themselves, Brannon. Not everyone has you.” Her response is flat as she stares out the window.

“It makes me crazy, sorry.” I reach for her hand but she pulls away. “What?”

Shaking her head, she tries to play it off. “Nothing, I’m sorry.”

Turning onto the farm’s road, I stop where we can’t be seen from the house. I twist in my seat. “Torrie, I know you’ve been hurt, but I’ll never regret having Andi or being here for Ava. I’m sorry if it bothers you.”

I’m not sure what spins faster, her in the seat or her damn head. “Why would you feel the need to say such a thing? I have never and will never fault you for being here with Andi, or Ava. What kind of person do you think I am?” What in the fucking hell?

Bounding from the SUV, she jerks her heels off, as she runs through the fields toward the barn. I call her name before starting the SUV and continuing up the drive. I’m not sure what just happened, but I park and chase after her.