Page 118 of Rumor Has It

Chapter 26

Mackenzie

I’ve packed our bags, cleaned the house, and wore a path between my living room and kitchen. I need to see Boone before we leave, but he hasn’t answered any of my texts or calls.

“No, I don’t blame him at all. This is on me, again.” I grip the sink, holding myself up from the weight I’m carrying. He thinks I’ve broken his heart, when it’s not the only one.

Rumor isn’t so happy with me either, and that hurts. My dad told Reed he’d kill him if he hurts us. I think Boone’s refusal to be okay with this visit spoke volumes to everyone around us.

“Am I doing the right thing, God?” My chest feels as though is rupturing. “Please, I know I don’t deserve a thing from either of you, but I need to know.”

I jump when there’s a knock at the door. I grab a dish towel, drying my face as I make my way to the door. Opening it, I stumble when we lock eyes.

“Boone?” I blink rapidly, banishing my unshed tears.

He glances away, and as if there’s a magnetic force between us, he gazes into my eyes, mirroring mine. “I can’t stay away. I never could, even when I’d try.”

“It’s okay, I’m glad you’re here.” I wrap my arms around myself.

“I couldn’t let y’all leave without saying goodbye.” My heart thunders, shaking me to my core.

“Goodbye?” I stutter through the word.

He half shrugs. “I have something for you. I hope you’ll understand where it’s coming from and you’ll accept it.”

“Give me a break. You know I’ll take whatever you offer me?” I swing the door wide, praying he’ll come in.

He pulls an envelope from his pocket, holding it out for me. “It’s keys to my place in California. I also put some extra cash in there, and information for our office and home, numbers and codes.”

“Alright.” I glance at his hand, taking the paper and sliding it from his grip.

“You probably think it’s silly or overprotective of me, but I need to know you’re both taken care of if something or anything happens and you want to leave.” He chews the inside of his lip.

I stare at it as my stomach pitches and rolls. “Is there something I should know, Boone?”

“I think you need to come to your own decisions on certain things. It’s not for me to tell you what to do or how to handle it.” He takes a wary step toward me. “You’re right, Kenzie. I promised to love you both, no matter what happens, and I will.”

I open my mouth to tell him everything that’s in my heart, but the most important part of us comes crashing through the house.

“Did I hear Boone?” I can’t stop the smile growing on my face.

I turn to look at her, moving out of her line of sight. Her entire being lights from within, and she hurdles toward him. His arms are open, waiting for her to fill.

She crashes into the same person that has always given me respite from a world that’s cruel and often unforgiving. I clutch at my heart, broken and yet, healing from this one embrace.

He loves her. Boone loves her like he loves me, with his whole heart and soul. He wields a sword against every demon that’s came after me, keeping them at bay with his goodness and light.

Rumor digs into his chest, craving the same comfort I want to beg for, but know I’m undeserving of. He gives her everything she needs and wants, so completely.

“I’ve missed you so much.” She snubs into his neck.

He rubs her back, warming her from his touch. No, not his hand; his soul knows her heart. “I’ve missed you more.”

“Can I stay with you while Momma visits Reed?” she pleads with him.

He walks over to the swing, sitting her beside him. She really is too big to be carried. “I can’t do that, Rumor.”

“Why?” Her frown deepens.