Page 115 of His to Keep
She shrugs.“I figure we're still in the baby steps stage ofourfriendship, yeah?”?
“Probably too soon toevencall it a friendship,”Atlas says, his face devoid of any real emotion.?
Scarlet shrinks. “Right. Well, regardless, we're working on it, and I promise your little man will be so very loved while y'all are sipping soda poolside.”?
My best friend staresdownthe love of my life likehe'strying to see into her soul.It'sa shame hecan't, because if he could,he'dknow just how genuine and good Scarlet is.“Thanks.”?
“Okay, Pip. We've gotta get on the road.”?
“Do we?”sheasks, her big hazel eyes filling with tears.?
Atlas nods.“We do, and you know it.”
“Everything's going to be great, Nora. You know I won't let anything happen.”?
Nora sighs and passes James to Atlas before tugging Scarlet into a bone-crushing hug.“I know youwon't, Scar. You love James likehe’syour own.”?
“I do.” Shegives a sharp nod.“And like I said, I'll send lots of pictures and you can call any time.”?
“Thank you,”Nora breathes out the words before releasing Scarlet and squaring her shoulders.“Okay. I can do this.I'mgood. Promise.”?
Atlas kisses all over James's face.“Be good for Ellis and Scar, yeah?”?
Jamesnodsbut I don't think he actually has any idea what he's agreeing to. ButI'mnot too worried, mydudeis alwaysgood. Even if he is officially mobile and into everything. Heand Fefe should be all kinds of trouble—but the cute kind.?
Nora takes him back.“I love you so, so much, my sweet little love.I'llsee you soon.”?
This time, when Scarlet goes to take him, Nora allows it, even if her hold does linger a second too long.?
“Ready to head home?”I ask, watching Scarlet as she cuddles James with something akin to longing in my gaze.?
“Beyond ready.” She glares at the ground.“These shoes are killing me.”?
Ifollow her line of sight, taking in the offending heels.“Take them off.”?
“And go barefoot out here?” Her nose crinkles.“No, thanks.”?
“Hand Jamesto me,”I tell her, and much to my surprise, she does. Scarlet’s a hardcore baby hog.I situate himand giveher my back.“Hop on.”?
“You've lost your mind,”she saysthrough peals of laughter as she tries to move around me.?
“I've got you.”Iblock her path and squat ever so slightly.“So,ditch the shoes and hop on.”?
She gives me a long, hard look beforerelenting. “You better not drop either of us.”?
“I won't.”?It’sa vow,too, becauseI’drather walk over glass barefoot than hurt either of them
“If you dohave to drop one of us,make sure it's me.”?
“I'm not dropping either of you. Now, c'mon, Princess. Your chariot awaits.”?
“You weirdo.”She launches herself onto my back, wrapping her arms around my neck.?
Istumblehalf a step before righting myself.“I think you meanyour weirdo, because I'm so fucking yours.”?
Her soft exhale puffs against my neck.“And I'm yours.”?
Both Scarletand James are out cold before we ever hit the highway.Most of my drive is spent trying tofigureout the best wayto get them both inside without wakingeither of them.
