Page 77 of The Path to Loving Him
I grip the steering wheel tighter. “Well, Aunt Aubree needs to learn that we don’t say that word. Don’t repeat anything that she says.”
“She also said shit.”
I nod. “Yup, another word we should not be saying, okay?”
“Okay.” She glances out the window. “Mommy used to say crap. Can I say crap?”
I press my lips together, oddly wanting to keep that connection between Cassidy and Mac.
“Yes, but only at the house. You can’t say it at school.”
That brings a smile to her face. “Can I say it in the truck?”
“Yes.” I sigh.
“Cool. Hey Uncle Ry Ry, look at that crap over there.” She points at a garbage can.
I tiredly nod. “Yup, Mac, look at that crap.”
Ryland:Do you have any free time this weekend? I need help with the house. You know how painful it is for me to ask.
Hattie:I thought you’d never ask. I’ll get all of the things together.
Aubree:It was looking rather . . . terrible the other day, I wondered when you would get it together.
Ryland:Wow, was looking for a little love from the both of you.
Hattie:Hence why we’re willing to come over.
Aubree:It’s called tough love, bro. It’s what you’ve done with us. We learned from the best.
Ryland:I don’t know if I should be proud or not.
Aubree:Hold your opinion until you see what we do on Saturday.
Hattie:Do you need me to get anything at the store? You know I’d be more than willing to purchase all the things to decorate.
Ryland:I think I just need to focus on unpacking at the moment, getting some photos up, and putting furniture where it should go. That stuff that we ordered online should be delivered by the weekend. We’re going to have to put it all together.
Aubree:I can do that while Wyatt plays with Mac. I’m sure he’ll do a good job distracting her.
Hattie:Do you need me to paint? I can paint.
Ryland:I need you to chill and tell me where to put things in the kitchen.
Hattie:God, that’s boring.
Ryland:That’s me . . . boring.
Hattie:According to Hayes and what he saw the other night, your life is anything but boring.
Aubree:Uh . . . what did he see? This is exactly why Wyatt needs to go to these bro-nights. I need to know what’s going on. And why didn’t you tell me, Hattie?
Hattie:Sorry, I was preoccupied all weekend. We went to a little bed-and-breakfast up north, and I thought Hayes was going to propose. Shock alert, he didn’t.
Ryland:You think he’s going to propose when you’re clipping your toenails?
Hattie:I have to be prepared at all costs!
