The day we packed up the jeep was beyond nerve strickening. Since we were in the wedding party we had to go a week earlier than Ty’s parents on account of wedding festivities. We decided that at first we weren’t going to say anything. There was no need to cause drama before the big day. We would keep our distance and act like friends. The problem was that I couldn’t be in the same room with Ty and not look at him like he was my whole life. Not to mention that Bella called him Daddy all of the time. In fact since he had been promoting it. She had completely forgotten that he had any other name.
Ty tried to keep my spirits up on the way there. He tickled my leg and reached over to kiss me at stop lights, but my nerves were shot. I wanted to vomit. I was supposed to be living at the farm as a temporary situation. Not only was I sleeping with whom they thought was the devil, but I had up and married him, and filled out the paperwork to change Bella’s name.
Our web of secrets was going to give me an early heart attack.
“Baby you need to calm down. No matter what happens, we are going to be together. If they don’t accept it right away, we can deal with it. They will come around once we prove that this is real. I promise.”
“Maybe you should just pretend that you are still upset about the wedding and go home.”
“Are you seriously telling me to drop you off and drive all the way home without you?”
When he put it that way it sounded pretty stupid. “You know Bella will spill the beans.”
“So what if she does. I have nothing to hide. They can’t do anything to us now.”
Ty was starting to talk with his hands. He only did that when he was frustrated. I tried to ignore it, but it was making me more nervous. “Oh yeah? Who says?”
“The state of North Carolina for starters.”
“I am sure that our family will be glad that the state of North Carolina is on our side,” I said sarcastically.
Aside from worrying about all of this, I was also worried about the Tucker situation. Things had been quiet, but I knew the whole town knew about Colt’s upcoming wedding. Word travels and Tucker would know I would be there. Ty knew it was on my mind, and reassured me a thousand times that I was safe. It was just hard not to worry.
“I think you need one of Van’s pills.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m glad you find this so entertaining.”
“Its….” Ty was interrupted by Bella screaming his name.
Apparently her daddy thought it was cool to teach her that when she saw the golden arches she could have fries. Her little finger pointed toward a McDonald’s billboard with a picture of fries. “Daddy. Daddy fri fri.”
Of course Ty forgot about what he was saying mid sentence. “Daddy will get you fri fri’s baby.”
She started clapping in the backseat. “Yay!”
I shook my head. “You know if you give her everything she wants she will expect it.”
“So what. I can’t help it. She has me wrapped around her finger,” he teased.
“Obviously.”
Once Bella got her fries, she concentrated on shoving them in her mouth. To prevent her from choking in the back of the car, I only gave her three at a time.
By the time we got to the ranch, she was sound asleep. I was relieved that I could at least get hugs and kisses before she woke up and called Ty Daddy. Before getting out of the car, Ty grabbed my hand. “We should probably take off our rings.”
As much as I hated hearing him say that, I knew it had to be done. “I hate this.”
“I bet they are going to make me stay at Colt’s. How fucked up would that be?” Ty whispered.
He was trying not to use bad language around our daughter.
I saw Lucy and my aunt coming out of the house toward the Jeep.
“Shit! I don’t even get a kiss.”
“I love you Ty.” I gave his hand one last squeeze.
“I love you too.”
The door swung open and the hugging had begun. Ty ran over and grabbed his aunt, spinning her around. “Aunt J. Your favorite nephew is here,” he teased, knowing my brother was also her nephew. In fact she and Colt were our only connection.
Lucy and OUR aunt looked in the back at Bella. “Oh my goodness she is so big.”
They hadn’t seen her in almost two and a half months. I couldn’t tell how much she had changed, but I wasn’t surprised they thought she had.
“How was the drive?” She asked Ty.
“It was fine.”
Bella started to stir in the backseat and I saw Ty turn as white as a sheet. “Why don’t you guys go inside. I can get the car unloaded,” he suggested.
He tried not to look at me and I tried not to look at him. This was impossible.
I grabbed Bella out of the car while Ty stood where she couldn’t see. “So where is my mother?”
“She is down at the house. You should go surprise her on the golf cart. She has missed you so much. Speaking of that. When will that job be over? It was nice of you to offer to help out, but we want you to come home.”
Oh no, not this already…
“I miss you all too. I think surprising my mom is a great idea. Just have Ty put my stuff in my room for now. We will be back soon.” I almost ran away from them. When I said Ty’s name Bella’s started looking around for him.
I hopped on the golf cart and started driving toward my mother’s house. Ty was going to have to go to Colt’s. He was going to be pissed at me. “Shit…Shit…Shit!”
“Shit!” Bella repeated.
“Oh God! Honey that is a bad word. No, no!”
“Shit.”
I am doomed!
My mother came outside and met us. She scooped up Bella and showered her with kisses. “Hi pretty girl. How is my baby?”
She grabbed me for a hug while still holding Bella. “Hey Mom. How has everyone been?”
She gave me a funny once over. “You look fantastic honey. I think being away from guy drama has done wonders for you.”
If she only knew. Shoot me now..please.
“Thank you.”
“Shit.”
My mother looked down at my now potty mouthed daughter. “Has she been spending time with Tyler?”
Thank God she said Tyler. Bella didn’t recognize him being called that. “No, she learned that from her mother. I just dropped something and for the past ten minutes she hasn’t stopped sayin’ it.”
“Well they pick up on everything at this age. Their minds are like sponges.”
We walked in the house and saw my brother standing there. “What’s up sis?” Standing behind him was Courtney aka Miss Kentucky. Her hands were tucked into his back pockets.
She saw me and rolled her eyes.
“Are you kiddin’ me right now?”
“Something I need to know about?” My mother asked.
Conner gave me a warning look like he would hurt me if I told my mother about his bitch ass girlfriend. “No it’s nothin’.”
“So did the dickhead keep his hands off you on the ride here?” He asked.
“Watch your mouth around my daughter.”
“Sorry.” He came up and nudged my side. “Did he?”
Bella went running toward my mother and she took her into the other room. I looked him right in the eyes. “No, we pulled over and fucked for over an hour at least three times. Bella cried the whole time, but we didn’t care at all that she was watchin’ us.” I shoved my brother clear across the room. “Nothin’ changes with you. What the hell is that bitch doing in our house?”
He turned around and looked at Courtney. She was standing there with her hands on her hips. All I could think about was her swooning over Ty. I hated her even more now than before.“We are kind of seein’ each other. Be nice to her.”
“Screw you.”
“Have you talked to Van today?” He changed the subject.
“No. Why?”
“Her and Colt decided to have a coed bachelor party. You know how Colt is. Anyway, we are all
going out tonight together. I can’t wait til Ty see’s who my date is.”
“Why would he care?” I probably should have just been quiet, but it pissed me off that Courtney not only was here with my brother, but he was implying that Ty would want to hook up with her.
“Why are you takin’ up for him? Somethin’ I need to know about?”
“No!” I looked right at Courtney and just couldn’t help myself. “Last time he was here he told me that she was an annoyin’ drama queen and there was no way in hell he would hit that.”
Courtney looked pissed. I got happy. Point for me.
“Why would he tell you that?”
“Because we are friends. Friends talk about things. Obviously, you must only have acquaintances.”
Conner grabbed my arm and stared at me. After a few seconds, I pulled out of his arms. “Mom, do you care if I run over to Van’s real quick? I need to talk to her about tonight.”
“Sure honey. Bella can stay here. Just leave me her diaper bag.”
I shot my brother a dirty look and ran out of the house.
Chapter 26
Tyler
I no sooner pulled up to Colt’s when I saw Miranda pulling up on the golf cart. She was crying her eyes out. Without any regard for the chance Colt was around, I instinctively ran toward her. She flung into my arms. “What happened baby?”
“I can’t do this Ty. I just want to go home.”
I grabbed her face and forced her to look at me. “It’s going to be okay. I promise.”
“No, I can’t do this. My brother is an asshole.”
“What happened?” I clenched my jaw trying not to lose my cool.
“Well I walked into my mother’s and that bitch Courtney had her hand down his pants for starters.”
I rolled my eyes just thinking about how annoying that chick was. “Wow he has nerve talking about me.”
“Exactly. Then he started on me about you, warnin’ me that he was going to let you know Courtney was off limits.”
I hugged my wife in my arms and smelled her sweet shampoo while I thought about what I could say to make her feel better. “Baby, I don’t want Courtney. I never did. As far as your brother goes, just ignore him. He has always been a punk.”
“I know. I just don’t want her looking at you. I kind of said that you thought she was annoying and that there was no way in hell you would ever touch her. I couldn’t help myself.”
She was cute when she was jealous and I liked her taking up for me. “I can’t stop women from looking at me, but just know that no matter where I am, all I am thinking about is being with you. I have no interest in anyone, especially Courtney.”
“We have to go out tonight. Coed bachelor party.”
“Listen to me Miranda. Whatever happens with our family this week doesn’t change anything. We are a family. We made sure of it. I would rather go out with you than see any strippers anyway, cause darling they ain’t got shit on you.”
She finally nodded and gave me a half smile. “Yeah right.”
I kissed her so softly, almost savoring her lips. “It’s the truth. I swear to God that you are the most beautiful woman in the world, to me. Besides, I’ve seen you dance and there ain’t a stripper out there with those moves.”
She smiled again and bit down on her lip. “Keep talkin’ like that and we are goin’ to have to find someplace private.”
“Don’t you dare tempt me. We just got here.”
“I love you so much.”
“You know how much I love you Miranda. You have no idea how much it would crush me if you ever left me for someone else. Please don’t ever leave me baby.”
She looked up into my eyes. “Never Ty. I will never do that to you.”
I believed her, because if she even felt half of what I felt for her, than I knew she was telling the truth. I didn’t even notice girls anymore. I had no interest, because I knew that the most beautiful and perfect woman was already mine.
“Where is my Izzy?”
“At my mom’s house. I am afraid to have her near you. Once they see you two they will know everything.”
From the porch a familiar voice started talking. “You two really don’t know how to lay low do you?”
I ran up on the porch and spun Van around in a hug. “Van, I am so happy to see you.”
“Why are you being so nice Ty?” She looked from me to Miranda who was laughing at me.
“No reason. Just super happy about my life.”
“Seriously something is different. You better spill.”
I wanted to tell her for a few reasons. Van and I were friends, but ever since she found out about me and Miranda she had been distant. Miranda wanted to keep our marriage a secret for the time being and I had to respect that. “It’s nothing. Where is Colt?”
“You are lucky he isn’t here because he would be beating the shit out of you if he just saw you two.”
Miranda walked up and hugged Van. “I hear we are going out tonight.”
“Yup, but you two need to stay away from each other, like dance with strangers or something.”
“Not happening!” It just flew out of my mouth.
“You can’t be together, you know that.” Van put her hands on her hips like she meant business.
“Whatever! What room am I staying in? I need to put all my shit in it.”
Van shook her head. “Same one as last time.”
“Oh good, I figured you would have it painted in baby colors for your slew of babies you will start popping out.”
Miranda started laughing at my joke, which in turn caused Van to start fuming. “How can you love him?”
I didn’t look back. I didn’t have to. Miranda loved me and there wasn’t shit anyone could do to change it.
It took me a while to get Miranda calmed down enough to go back to her mother’s. I promised her that somehow I would figure out a way for us to spend time together.
Colt finally came home and we hung out for a while shooting the shit. I wanted to tell him about my life and how happy I was, but there were no words to sugar coat things. He was going to be pissed.
Van was being her new normal self and once Brina’s bitch ass showed up I wanted to shoot myself in the head. I got ready to go out and stayed up in the bedroom sending text messages to my hot wife.
What are you wearing? -Ty
I am totally naked.- M
Me too! –Ty
Liar! –M
U 2-Ty
I miss your lips-Ty
I hate this-M
And your ass – Ty
I love you. Your daughter misses her daddy.- M
I miss her too. This fucking sucks. Why did I marry my cousin : )-Ty
You are so dumb. We are not related.- M
I bet you smell fantastic –Ty
I do –M
I want you so bad right now. – Ty
Cut it out. –M
Don’t look too hot. Dress like an old lady. I don’t want to have to kick the shit out of anyone for looking at my wife. –Ty
I am wearing a corset and my tits are hanging out –M
Be there soon. Love u.- Ty
If she was wearing a corset, I was going to freak out.
Thank god she wasn’t, but what she did have on wasn’t any better. Just like every time, our outfits kind of matched. I had on dark jeans and a gray shirt. Miranda was wearing a gray dress that barely covered her fine ass. It came down almost to her abdomen and tied around her neck. She tried not to smile, but she knew that the dress was going to drive me crazy. I needed to raid her closet and throw all that shit away.
While everyone was causing a commotion I snuck next to her. “The only way you are wearing that is if that wedding ring is planted on your finger.”
I reached in my pocket and jingled the rings.
“Behave. I am acting the part.”
I smacked her on the ass right before everyone came in the room. Conner immediately gave me a once over. I held out my han
d and gave him a half hug. He was family after all, well kind of, well literally now.
I wanted to see my daughter before we left, so I snuck back inside, telling everyone I forgot something. Bella was walking around near the foyer. I scooped her up and kissed her. “Daddy loves you.”
“Daddy.”
I saw Lucy heading our way, so I ran out the door leaving my daughter, who had started to cry. Miranda was going to kick my ass.
Colt had arranged a limo to pick us up at the ranch, so we all piled in and set out for a night on the town. Conner was all over that bitch Courtney. Van and Colt were up each other’s asses and Brina was busy on her phone. I slid my fingers over Miranda’s while her purse covered our hands. I needed to check out her cleavage, but I wanted to survive the ride to the bar.
We were almost there when Conner got a hair up his ass. “Was it necessary for you to dress like that?”
Would she even be mad at me if I beat his ass?
“I look hot?” She turned to look at me of all people. “Ty do I look hot?”
I held my hands up in the air. “Don’t bring me into this.”
“You are such a jerk. I hate how you act all protective. I am going to start calling you Conner Jr.” At first I was confused, but then I finally got it.
Conner took the bait. “You are lucky guys like us care about what happens to you.”
“Yeah, I feel so lucky.”
We climbed out of limo and Conner pulled me to the side. “I know you and my sister are friends. I don’t feel like havin’ any drama tonight like the kind that happened the last time we all went out. If you could hang out with her and keep her out of trouble it would be cool.” He also wanted to make sure I didn’t want his bitch ass girlfriend.
After shaking his hand, Conner walked away. Miranda stayed back with me and squeezed my hand before we walked in. She had just manipulated her brother into thinking us hanging out was a good idea. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?” I whispered.
“It doesn’t get old.” She said through her teeth.
For a while we all just hung out around the bar. Brina and Courtney became fast friends and I use the term fast lightly. Conner was stuck up the beauty queens ass, which was where I wanted him to stay. Van and Colt were obsessed with each other. I was jealous, but not of them being together. I was jealous that I couldn’t put my hands on my own wife.
Folding Hearts Page 18
