Covering the Carolinas

by Casey Peeler

  “Daddy, I sure hope you’re right.”

  “Now, Mar, when have I ever steered you wrong?”

  “True. Love ya, Daddy. I’ll see you Thursday.”

  As we disconnect the phone, I smile knowing that my daddy is right. This weekend is going to be one that I never forget.

  GUNNISON

  As class ends, I pull my phone from my pocket and begin to text Marleigh as I bump into someone. Glancing up, I realize it’s Brett. “Sorry, man,” I say as I start to continue down the hallway.

  “For stealing my girl or for not watching where you’re going?” he says like a real asshole.

  “For bumping into you, you can’t steal what you don’t have,” I say confidently as I continue down the hallway. Wow, I thought he was a nicer guy than that. As I make it out of the building my phone vibrates and seeing Marleigh’s reply makes me smile like a little schoolboy.

  “Dude, you got it bad,” Wade says. “I’m surprised Brett didn’t deck you back there.”

  “Truth hurts.” I shrug. “Hell yeah, I got it bad. Wouldn’t you?”

  “Well, Marleigh’s not really my style, but I will say Carleigh might be.” He smirks.

  I can’t believe that Marleigh and I will be together on campus tomorrow and living the dream we’ve had since Spring Break.

  Chapter 29

  MARLEIGH

  As my alarm clock rings, I pull the comforter away and place my feet on the cold floor. Even though I’d rather stay in bed, one thought makes me jump out of the bed without hitting the snooze button one time—Gunnison.

  I hurry to shower and get ready for the day. As I exit the bathroom, I run into a groggy Tinleigh.

  “What the hell’s got you so damn perky this mornin’?” she grumbles.

  “Nothin’, just the fact that I get to see Gunnison on campus and I don’t have to worry about it at all.”

  “Ohmygawsh, Mar! I hadn’t thought about that, but just try and keep your perkiness to a minimum for us not so excited about class,” she says as she closes the door to the bathroom.

  Grabbing fresh fruit from the refrigerator and my cup of coffee, I text Gunnison to say I’ll see him soon, and my heart melts when he says he’ll meet me to walk to class. Pulling into my parking spot, I look around but don’t see him.

  Bending over the console to grab my backpack and purse, my heart skips a beat as I sit back up and see Gunnison walking toward my car with his backpack on his shoulder and wearing a long sleeve t-shirt with sweats. In all my life, I’ve never seen anyone look that hot in a pair of grey sweats.

  Smiling as I open the door, he takes my hand to help me out. “Mornin’.” He smiles as I’m within inches of his perfect lips. Taking advantage of the moment, I place my lips on his.

  “Mornin’,” I reply as I pull away.

  “This is a great way to start every mornin’, Mar, but I’d much rather wake up to you beside me than greet you in a parking lot.”

  “I know, but we can’t jump into that, ya know?”

  “I beg to differ,” he says as he places his arm across my shoulder and walks me to class.

  GUNNISON

  Dropping Marleigh off at class is like leaving part of myself. I thought it was bad when I didn’t have her in my life, but this didn’t compare to how I feel now that I know we belong together.

  Making my way to class, I’m caught off guard seeing Summer and Paul hugged up. It sure didn’t take him long. I just pray that Paul knows what he’s getting into.

  After class, I quickly grab my things to meet Marleigh, but I don’t have to go far because she’s waiting for me outside the door.

  “Hey, hot stuff!” she says as she links her arm through mine then kisses my cheek. “How was class?”

  “Class. This accounting mess is awful, but I’ve got to learn it for the farm when I take over someday.”

  “I’m sure you’re doing great. Want to grab something to eat?” she questions.

  “Sure.” Even though I’m not hungry. “What do you want?”

  “Want to try the coffee shop again?” she asks with hesitation.

  “As long as there aren’t any more surprises, that sounds good to me.”

  “Believe me, there aren’t going to be anymore surprises. Well, unless they are the fun kind. Not like what happened the last time.” I can see she’s starting to babble because she’s nervous. I stop abruptly and turn her towards me, then I press my lips to hers so she quits talking.

  “Mar, it’s okay,” I assure her.

  “Hell yeah, that was beyond okay.” She smirks and then pulls me back to her. “What do you say we forget the coffee shop and have lunch at your place?”

  “You read my mind.” Marleigh wastes no time pulling me toward my truck. I can’t help but feel like I’m sixteen again. This girl right here hasn’t changed one bit. She’s still the Marleigh I fell for that week, but this time she is more sure of herself. I have to say that I’m absolutely in love with it. A woman who tells me what she wants, I’ll take any day over one that makes me guess.

  Chapter 30

  MARLEIGH

  After a wonderful “lunch,” we have to go our separate ways for class. Gunnison has a game tonight and I can’t wait to watch him play.

  Arriving back at the house, I attempt to study but my mind wanders to Gunner and Gunnison. I can’t wait for Friday. Focus, Mar! Just as I’m bringing myself back to my studies, my phone vibrates.

  Gunnison: Can’t wait to see you from the court tonight. Wanna stay with me tonight?

  I scream and dance around like I just hit the lottery. I try to pull my inner self together by telling myself to focus. Just as I’ve gotten it together, Carleigh bursts through the door. “Mar, are you okay? I thought someone was in here!”

  “Yeah, just got a text from Gunnison.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “I’m going to his place tonight after the game,” I say as I raise my eyebrows.

  She stands there with her arms closed. “Mar, please don’t get knocked up again.”

  “Seriously?! Car, I’m not that stupid… well, not this time anyway,” I say as I throw my pillow at her.

  “Girl, it’s on!” She says as she chucks the pillow at me and runs out of the room. I follow her and we run through the house throwing pillows at each other until we’re a laughing mess on the living room floor.

  GUNNISON

  Making my way to the gym, I think about seeing Marleigh in the stands. Once I get there, I put on my uniform and then hit the court before the rest of the team.

  As Coach comes through the gym doors, he smiles as he approaches me. “Good to see you back to your normal routine, Del Valle.”

  “Thanks, Coach. It just takes a little getting use to but we’re trying to figure it all out. I’m sure glad I have the game to focus on this weekend because we’ve decided to tell Gunner and I’m scared to death. Oh and no worries about my parents, Mom could tell from my voice that something was going on so I decided to tell her and not wait until I saw them in person. Guess they are right when they say mom’s just know things,” I say as I shoot a basket from the three-point line.

  “Yeah, that’s true. This weekend will be fine, I’m sure. Now, let’s focus on Winthrop,” he says as he makes his way to his office.

  As the rest of the team makes their way into the gym dressed and ready, we shoot around until Coach calls us to the locker room. I glance at the stands but Marleigh isn’t here yet.

  “Del Valle, don’t sweat it. You know she’s coming,” Wade says.

  “I know. It’s just that this still doesn’t feel real. Dang, I sound like a chick.” I laugh.

  “You’ve been doing that a lot lately. Man up and let’s kick Winthrop’s ass.”

  Coach gives us a pep talk, we pray, and make our way to the court. The stands are packed as usual, and when I look to their usual spot, she gives me a little wave as my eyes meet hers. She’s perfect. The game goes off without a hitch. We knew this game wasn’t g
oing to be rough on us, but I always play like anything could happen. As the buzzer sounds for the end of the game, I shake hands with the opponent and hurry to the locker room to change quickly to meet Marleigh in the lobby.

  As I exit the locker room, I’m caught off guard when I see her waiting for me in the hallway. Seeing her propped up against the wall messing on her phone, I just stare without her knowing. It’s the little moments like these that I fall harder and harder for her. She doesn’t realize how beautiful she is, inside and out. As her hair falls in front of her face, she brushes it behind her ear and I walk slowly to her. When she finally looks up, she looks embarrassed.

  “How long have you been watching me?” she questions as she places a hand on her hip, and it’s hot.

  “A little while,” I say as I kiss her lips briefly. “You ready to go?”

  “Just need to stop by Tinleigh’s car for my stuff. I hope you don’t mind taking me home tomorrow after class?”

  “Absolutely…” She looks shocked. “Not.” I finish as a smile escapes her lips.

  Tinleigh and Carleigh are waiting for us by the car when we get outside. Tinleigh pops the trunk and as Marleigh goes to grab the bag, I beat her to it. “I got it.”

  As Marleigh hugs her sisters bye, I admire their closeness. The bond between triplets is something I’ll never understand, but watching it from the outside is amazing. As they start to get in the car, Carleigh yells my name. “GC, take care of her please.”

  “Carleigh, I plan on taking care of her for the rest of my life.” We make our way to my apartment. Walking in together, I feel as if today has gone perfectly and I feel that tonight will only exceed my expectations.

  Chapter 31

  MARLEIGH

  Walking into Gunnison’s apartment, I feel as if I belong here. He asks if I want something to drink while he gets a shower and if I want to go to the Ale House with the team or stay in. As much as I’d love to keep him to myself, I want to see what it’s like in his world. Agreeing on the Ale House, he excuses himself to get ready and I take a moment to freshen up my makeup and call Gunner.

  Within twenty minutes, we take the short drive to the Ale House. Several teammates are already there, and I look to Gunnison feeling unsure I should be there because I don’t see any other girls. He assures me that they will be here soon, and even offers to invite my sisters if that would make me more comfortable. I figure they are already home by now, and tell him not to worry about it. There’s always another time.

  Lacing his fingers through mine, he leads me to his friends. “Hey, guys. This is Marleigh.” They say ‘hey’ and go on talking about the game. I take a seat next to Gunnison and he hands me a menu. As minutes past by, more teammates arrive with their girlfriends. It’s amazing to see Gunnison in his element.

  After we place our order, I make small talk with some of the girls and notice him staring at me. I playfully bump my shoulder into him. He leans in and kisses my temple. We enjoy hanging out with the team and their girls.

  As the clock gets closer to eleven, Gunnison asks if I’m ready to go and I totally leave that up to him. He waits a few minutes before paying the bill and excusing us from the rest of the table.

  When we are safely in his truck, I turn to him. “I like them,” I say surely.

  “I’m glad, but honestly, I’d rather keep you to myself,” he says.

  “Come here,” I say as I press my lips to him.

  GUNNISON

  Taking Marleigh out with the team and their girls has been something I’ve dreamt of my entire college career, and now it’s a reality. When we leave and she lays that kiss on me in the truck, I want to pull her to the driver’s side and have my way with her right then, but I refrain. Tonight I don’t want it to be about sex, I want it to be about us. I want to talk about this weekend because I’m still scared to death.

  Once we are in my apartment, we both decide to get comfortable. Marleigh excuses herself to the bathroom. I slide on my basketball shorts and a tee shirt and wait for her in the living room. As I turn on the TV, I scan the channels, but I stop mid scan when she walks out in a little tank top and short little shorts that have my body reacting in a way I was trying to avoid tonight because I’m trying to be a responsible father.

  “What?” she asks as she sees me looking.

  “Nothing,” I say as I readjust myself on the couch and she takes a seat. She smirks, and I know she’s onto my game.

  “You sure?” she asks as she slides closer to me and then snuggles under my arm. Trying to calm myself down, I think of anything. Cold shower. Grandma in a moo-moo. Marleigh in the shower. Fuck! Forget talking, I pull her onto my lap as a giggle escapes her lips and press my lips to hers hard. She knows exactly what she’s done to me. Sliding my hands underneath her thin tank top, she reacts to my touch. She pauses briefly and it’s just enough to make me think about what’s happening.

  “Mar, I want you, but tonight I want to talk about this weekend.” She looks at me and then starts to move from my lap. I place my hands around her waist and keep her in place. “We can talk like this.” I smirk. She grins, slowly kisses my lips and pulls away. She’s trying to kill me. “Or maybe not.” I laugh. She gets a serious look on her face, but doesn’t move.

  She places her hand on my cheek, “Talk to me, Gunnison. What’s going on in that head of yours?”

  Not being able to resist, I reply. “Which one?” She swats my shoulder and I pull her to me. “Mar, do you know what you do to me?”

  “Oh I’m pretty sure I do,” she says as she wiggles on my lap.

  “Yeah, it’s pretty obvious, but I want to talk about this weekend. You’re leaving Thursday and I want to talk about how we think it might go. I mean when we are going to talk to him? Speaking of him, did you talk to Gunner tonight?”

  “Of course I did. That’s something I don’t forget. I talked to him while you were in the shower and this morning.” Then I notice she’s debating on telling me something.

  “Mar, what is it?”

  “I talked to my daddy.” I feel my heart stop at the thought of what she talked to Mr. Anderson about. “After I talked to my sisters and they went to class, I talked to my parents and told them everything about this weekend. When I hung up and was alone, I just needed to talk to someone who has understood me since I was born. That’s my daddy. I told him I was worried about when the right time to talk to Gunner would be. He assured me that he was using a little extra Pap time to get him ready.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He’s always had a way with words. It’s like he always knows what to say and exactly the right way to say it without saying too much. He mentioned that he doesn’t think Gunner thinks about not having a dad because he has a him in his life.” Those words go straight to my heart and they kill me. As my eyes pull away from Marleigh, she guides them back to hers. “Don’t take that the wrong way. Just think about it like this, most single parents don’t have help like I do. It’s all he’s ever known. I’ve always known at some point I’d have to tell him about you. I’m terrified as much as you are. Daddy said that he thinks the perfect opportunity will happen for us. I have to believe that. He talks about you all the time, and Daddy said he doesn’t want to take your jersey off.” This warms my heart, and even though it hurts to know he might not think about a daddy, I’m glad that he’s had such a positive male influence in his life.

  “Mar, I’m not going to lie. That hurt hearing those words. To think he doesn’t even think about a dad, how is that possible?”

  “He knows a family makeup, but he’s young. He’s only ever mentioned a daddy to me one time when I read him a book about a family. I answered it simply enough for him and tried not to dwell on it.”

  “Does he ever ask about other families?”

  “Not really. Please don’t stress out about this, but I do think we should have several options. Do you have any ideas?”

  “I don’t think it needs to be the first conversation I hav
e with him, that’s for sure. What if we take him to do something on Sunday, just us?”

  “I like that idea.”

  “Me, too. I’ve also been thinking about how I’m going to explain who you are after the game. I mean I haven’t dated much, so that’s not something he’s used to.”

  “Marleigh, as much as I hate to admit it, I love the fact that you’ve barely dated around my son. Maybe that will be enough for him to know I’m different. I mean, if it’s not normal for you to introduce someone as your boyfriend, he might think I’m a special person to you.”

  “That’s a good thought because you definitely are,” she says as she then places her arms around my neck. “Now, Gunnison Cyrus, is that enough talking?” she asks as she kisses my lips.

  “Ummmm. I’ve got more I want to know,” I say as she kisses me again. “It can wait though,” I say and I roll her down on the couch and hover over her. “I love you, Marleigh.”

  “I love you, my baby daddy,” she replies and as my mouth drops, she starts to laugh. “Sorry, I just had to say that out loud one time. “I love you, Gunnison Cyrus.”

  Chapter 32

  MARLEIGH

  Waking up in Gunnison’s arms is the perfect start to a new day. I’m only missing my perfect little boy. I toss the covers to the side and begin to get ready for class as my phone rings with a Facetime call. Gunner. Taking my phone, I walk to the living room.

  “Mommy! I miss you!” he shouts.

  “I miss you too, baby. I’ll be home tomorrow.”

  “We go see GC play ball!”

  “Yes, we will.”

  “Mommy, where Tin Tin. I talk to her?”

  “She’s not here.” Oh crap. Please don’t ask anything else. About that time, the door opens to Gunnison’s room and I pray he didn’t see him over my shoulder.