Page 123 of Zone
Her hand spreads across my shoulder, and her fingers tighten against my skin. “Does this mean we’re declaring peace?” A little tease is in her voice.
“Pretty sure that happened the day you showed up at my apartment and stayed to help me with Cricket.”
“It seems to be holding.”
The song continues, and we sway side to side. It’s kind of the perfect love song for us, but I can tell her mind is still preoccupied. As opposed to me. I have every single fucking thing I could ever want in my life right here in this place right now.
“Aunt Liv said a judge wouldn’t see us until next month. How’d you manage it?”
“Jada did it,” she says quietly. “Stacia showed her the text from Bonnie, and she gave Cricket to us.”
“You took Stacia all the way to Little Rock to get my daughter back?”
“Uncle Spencer did.” She looks up at me. “He has a strong sense of justice. And a private jet.”
I kiss the side of Melody’s head, wrapping her in my arms. “Thank you.”
“No need.” Her head tilts, and her pretty smile curls her lips. “I have a strong sense of justice, too. I saw firsthand how much you love her, and she loves you. It was only right.”
The song starts to end, and I look around to see my mom with Cricket in her arms. All of my cousins, even Cricket’s little cousins are crowded around, doting on her and showering her with affection.
Then Aunt Dylan dashes up to them, grabbing my mom and speaking in her ear. Their faces light with happiness, and Uncle Craig is back on the mic.
“Big announcement, friends and family, a new addition has emerged… Maverick and Dove just welcomed Kellan Rhodes Murphy. Mom and baby are doing great.”
A cheer goes up from the crowd, and my hand slides down Melody’s arm, threading our fingers as I walk over to the group. Everybody’s hugging. Aunt Dylan has Maverick on her phone, and the cousins are all waving to him and Dove and the new baby.
Mom walks up to my side holding Cricket, and I lean down to kiss my daughter’s head.
“I know you want to spend time with your daughter, but we’ll take care of her tonight.” Mom pats Cricket’s back, giving her a bounce. “Take Melody, and y’all sleep out at Grammy Gina’s guest cottage tonight.”
“You sure?” I lift Cricket out of her arms, hugging her, and she pats my face, sayingBababa. “That’s me. I’m your Baba.”
“You’ll be seeing her all the time. I only have her for one more day.”
I glance over to where Gina is holding Melody’s hands, talking her ear off. They’re both smiling, and I can only imagine what my cousin is telling her.
“I guess that’d be okay.” I rub my hand up and down Cricket’s back.
“Of course it will.” Mom reaches out to take her again, and Cricket dives into her arms. “Now get going. I’ll text you the code for the lock.”
“Shove me out the door next time,” I tease, walking over to where Gina’s still going.
“He was dancing around in his Spider-Man underwear, playing air guitar and singing ‘I love a rainy night.’” My cousin laughs.
“I see… Eddie Rabbitt.” Melody cuts her eyes up at me, and I almost groan. “So no Ross Lynch or Miley Cyrus?”
“Oh, hisTeen Beach Movieis unparalleled.” Gina laughs. “Probably because we were raised on theGreasesoundtrack.”
“Don’t stop, stop the music?” Melody’s blue eyes dance.
“Okay, okay, that’s enough embarrassing stories for one night.” I give Gina a playful nudge. “We’re taking off.”
“We are?” Melody’s brow crinkles.
“Mom wants to keep Cricket, and she’s offered us the guesthouse.”
“Oh man, it’s so nice, and Grammy Gina’s visiting her sister this weekend.” Gina’s eyes are wide, and she waves her hands at us. “Get out of here and have fun. Make more babies!”
