Changing Lanes (Highway 17 #1)

by Leaona Luxx

  “Gamma and I talked about it. We want you to be happy. So, if she makes you smile as much as you have been, I don’t care how much she sleeps over.” I giggle, and the room grows silent. Suddenly, Brannon peeks around the corner.

  “Ma’am. It’s not nice to listen to someone else’s conversations.” He folds his arms trying to scare me.

  I take the last two steps, inches from him and whisper, “What’cha going to do, spank me?” I bite my lip to keep from laughing, but when his nostrils flare, I know I’m in trouble.

  “Sore much? You’re gonna be.” Smirking at me, he turns and walking away.

  “Good afternoon, everyone,” I greet them as I enter the room.

  “Hope you like fried chicken,” Joyce says.

  “It smells wonderful, I’m sure I will.” Smiling at her. I notice something from the corner of my eye, Andi stands beside me. “Hi, sweetie.” Snaking my arm around her waist.

  “Can I hug you?” she asks but before I can answer, Brannon pipes up.

  “May I hug you,” he reminds her, standing at the stove.

  “You don’t have to ask,” I tell her.

  “Dad said I do.” She shrugs looking at him.

  “Dad doesn’t ask before he hugs me, so you don’t either.” Her face lights up as she slings her arms around my neck. I pull her into my lap, holding her close.

  “I’m happy you’re here,” Andi says as she nuzzles me.

  “Me too, Andi Pandi.” I squeeze her as she giggles.

  Brannon glances at us, doing a double take. His face softens before growing sad. Staring at his daughter in my arms, he begins to tear. My heart skips a beat when I think of us as a family. Andi laying against my chest fills my heart with something I thought I’d never have, unconditional love.

  The building project for Harrington Holdings fills the following weeks, at least the days. Our nights are filled with family and plenty of reacquainting ourselves with each other. Working together has been great, easy even. She knows what I’m thinking before I say it. I say it as she thinks it.

  We settle into a routine centered around our family. Torrie spends every night with me, even tucking Andi into bed. Taking turns cooking, laundry and now, Torrie picks Andi up when needed. Ava’s not thrilled about it, but when she’s a no-show, someone needs to do it.

  Torrie still avoids talking about her father. I’ve tried everything to convince her we need to tell her parents’ about us. It’s not that she’s refusing, I think she’s hoping he’ll retire before she needs to have the conversation. We need to do it before he finds out and all hell breaks loose.

  One and Lea have invited us to their twins first birthday party. It’s this Saturday at Bounce Nation in Calabash. Andi’s excited to see everyone. Torrie hasn’t met their entire family, so I’m excited to watch her. She doesn’t understand how they work with so many children, but by God, they do it.

  Torrie walks out to the barn where I’m working. Smiling as I watch her, she kisses me. “Would it be okay if I take Andi to town to buy birthday presents for the twins?” Why is she asking me?

  “Of course, you can just tell me, you don’t have to ask.” I lean in to kiss her again.

  “Well, I wasn’t sure. I just don’t want to overstep.” She shrugs.

  “You’re not overstepping.” I grin at her.

  “Okay but I still need to ask or at least let you know. Until things are more official.” She looks away.

  “Official, how?” I ask as I step closer, leaving no room between us.

  Her eyes flicker to mine, then away. “You know when we’re officially a couple.”

  “You asking me to marry you?” Her eyes dart to mine. “Cause, I don’t see a ring?”

  “If I were asking, I’d have a ring.” She smirks at me.

  “Well, just so we’re clear. I’m not easy, you gotta work for this lady.” I drag my hand don my chest.

  “I’m a hard worker, Bran.” She says before biting her lip.

  “Me too.” I give her a wry grin.

  “Oh, yeah. How hard are you?” Torrie surprises me by grabbing my cock through my jeans. “Not bad, country boy, not bad at all.”

  I wrap her in my arms, smashing my mouth into hers. Pressing her against my body, her nipples pebble and she gasps. “You need to go before I bend you over this tractor,” I tell her as we break free from one another.

  “We’re also getting mani-pedi’s while we out.” She kisses me again.

  “My wallet’s on the nightstand, take what you need.” I pull her into my chest as she frowns. “What?” I ask.

  “I have money. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t plan on paying,” she huffs.

  “I also have money; she’s my daughter, I’ll pay,” I answer before leaning in. Her head strains to look at me.

  “I know whose daughter she is I’m just trying to be nice.” Her brows pull low.

  “I didn’t even mean that the way it sounded. I’m sorry,” I offer as she looks around us.

  “Okay,” is her only response. I have to fix this.

  “Baby, I’m sorry. I know I hurt your feelings, I didn’t mean to. It’s old wounds, I don’t want anyone thinking I can’t take of her. But I love that you want to, we’ve never had that before.” Her face softens, and she gazes into my eyes.

  “I’ll never offer if I don’t mean it. I’ll never try unless I want to.” She kisses me sweetly, and my heart races.

  “Thank you for being her for her and me.” I kiss her again before releasing her to go into town.

  While Torrie and Andi are gone, I work the fields. I’m halfway around the back acre when I see the old, beat up Nissan Altima coming toward me. I’m not in the mood for her shit today, Ava’s been on my last nerve. She’s never understood why I’ve loved Torrie all this time, and I just can’t explain it again.

  Pulling alongside the fence, she gets out, slamming her door so hard the car shakes. I drop my head, taking a deep breath. I need a shot to deal with her shit. People, be careful who you have a child with, you’re stuck with them for life.

  “What?” I ask, removing my hat to wipe the sweat from my face.

  “I’m gonna ask you one more time, cause I’m tired of looking like a fool around town.” She balls her fists at her sides.

  “So, ask.” I step from the mower.

  “Are you or are you not, fucking her?” Her face turns red from her yelling.

  “Is it your business?” I question her as I slide my hat back on.

  “What? Yes. She’s around my daughter.” She’s seething as her blood boils.

  “Ava, I’ve talked to you about Torrie for years, I love her. I loved her when I left her to come home and take care of you and Andi. It’s been years since we last slept together. She’s amazing to Andi. She’s good to me. Yes, I’m dating her. I love her.” Staring her in the eyes, I send up a silent prayer she’ll let it sink in.

  “She will never stay. Her father will make sure of that,” Ava yells at me.

  “Ava, you were my best friend for so long, I lost count at one point. I know your life has never been easy, but I’ll be damned if you push Torrie away for your own selfish benefits. For one fucking time, think of someone else.” I pin her with my glare.

  Growling in defeat, she turns, stomping to her car. Slamming the door, she cranks it up, leaving a trail of dust a mile long. Lord, I’m over her and her ways. She makes it impossible to help her. At one time, I would’ve walked to the end of the earth to save her.

  Saturday afternoon, we attend One and Lea’s twins first birthday party at Bounce Nation. It’s our first official outing as a couple or as Andi says, ‘a family’. I love how that sounds. Torrie dresses Andi in turquoise capris with a shirt with balloons on it, she’s party ready.

  “Hey, y’all. Good to see you.” Lea waves from the other side of the room.

  “How are you?” Torrie asks as we walk closer.

  “Good. Pregnant. Malone may have to give birth to this one.” She pats her
growing stomach.

  “I’d like to see that. Hi, One. Thank you for inviting us.” I shake One’s hand as he joins us.

  “Good of you to come. Andi, everyone’s over at the big house if you want to join them.” One points to the action for Andi. She smiles and sprints over.

  One and Lea’s older children play with their siblings. Lea calls One, Malone. As does he call her Hadlea while everyone else calls her Lea. It’s confusing, but they keep it straight. They have a brood, eight children and one on the way. You would never know they are a blended family.

  “Okay, so tell me again,” Torrie whispers to me.

  “One and Lea are married. They have three adult sons, one daughter-in-law, youngest two are engaged. Their twins are one, and they’re expecting another. You want names?” I tickle her side.

  “Stop it. Yes, please. It’s hard to keep up.” She giggles.

  “From the oldest.” I point to the family as I rattle off their names. “Aksel, his wife Emmerson. Hawk, his fiancé Willow. Lath, his fiancé Ryver. The twins are Harlyn and Wren. I’m not sure how they’ll find a name for the newest one.” Torrie elbows me as she gasps.

  “Probably after it’s favorite uncle. Chord Hamilton, nice to meet you.” One’s half-brother introduces himself to Torrie.

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Torrie smiles as she takes his hand.

  “Hey, now. Back the fuck off, dude.” I fake punch Chord.

  “How the hell did you get so lucky?” He winks at Torrie, asshole.

  “I have no idea. How did you?” Nodding as Sutton walks through the door.

  “Just friends, dude.” Chord looks dejected.

  “Hey, how are you?” Lachlan Daly speaks as he walks through the door.

  Torrie looks behind him before asking. “Where’s Maisyn?”

  He grumbles. “Working. Driving me bat shit crazy.”

  “I am so telling,” Torrie teases.

  “Oh, come on now, lass, we all do it,” Lachlan chides as they hug.

  “Tell me about it,” Chord mumbles.

  “Are the plans ready for the new shop?” Lachlan asks.

  “Sure are. I planned to call this week, have y’all go over them,” I explain.

  “Good. I’m going in.” Lachlan says as he walks toward the crowd of children.

  I think everyone in town is here today. The place is full, and it’s beginning to get warm. We work our way around the room, watching Andi as we make small talk with our friends and colleagues.

  “You alright, babe?” I lay my hand on the small of her back.

  “No, not really. Can we go get some air?” Torrie asks.

  “Yeah, come one. Hold on to me, I’ll get us through the crowd.” Taking her hand, I slip it through my arm. Once outside, she starts looking better.

  “I’m not sure what came over me. I just felt off. Thank you for coming with me.” She smiles at me sweetly.

  “I would follow you anywhere.” I kiss her on the temple.

  Returning to the party, we find a place to sit in case Torrie feels off again. Andi is having a blast, she looks adorable in her clothes Torrie helped her with; her hair is in a fishtail braid, I’m told. Not sure what it is, but it’s pretty. Andi runs up to Torrie and whispers in her ear. Torrie nods before standing. “If you’ll excuse us.” She takes Andi by the hand. “We need the restroom,” Torrie whispers to me before they leave.

  “Andi likes her,” Lea says. “I know Torrie loves her.”

  Watching for their return, I answer Lea, “They get along great. Torrie’s so worried about Andi. If she’s okay with us and if she’s going to be a good mom.”

  “Yeah, she’s mentioned it to Lea. She’s worried she’ll be like her parents’; it’s obvious to us she’s not,” One tells us.

  “I couldn’t agree more, she’s a natural.” Torrie kneels in front of Andi, tying her shoe. She looks up at Andi, kissing her before sending her off. “It’s amazing how your heart can love as much as it does.”

  “Its capacity is great; although it may have cracks, it still holds love in abundance,” Lea adds. I look over at her, she’s leaned into One, his hand on her stomach, kissing.

  “They’re perfect,” Torrie whispers in my ear.

  Turning to meet her gaze, I reply, “I just said the same thing about you.” She kisses me.

  We stay after to help with the clean-up. The men carry out the gifts as the ladies make sure everything is ready to go. Several of us are standing outside talking as kids are loaded and goodbyes are shared. I hear the car before I see it; closing my eyes slowly, I know it’s Ava.

  “What in the hell is she doing here? Why in the fuck is she with my daughter?” She points at Torrie as Torrie helps Andi in the truck.

  “Ava, have you been drinking?” Asking her calmly, I step in Andi’s line of sight.

  “What the fuck is it to you? She needs to get away from my daughter.” Torrie steps to my side. One closes the door on the twins and Lea steps around him.

  “I think you need to go home, I’ll call her a cab,” Torrie says.

  “Don’t you fucking dare speak to me. That is my daughter, and you will not be around her,” Ava screams at Torrie.

  “That’s enough. There are children here that do not belong to you and will not be subject to your mouth. You need to leave,” I demand.

  “Not fucking happening until this rich bitch gets her ass away from my daughter. She’s just like her dad! She’ll treat Andi the same way, and you know it.” Ava steps closer to us. Before I can say a word, Torrie steps forward.

  “Don’t. You. Fucking. Dare. You don’t know me, and if you don’t want me around your daughter then you need to become a mom. Until then, shut the fuck up and let someone love her.” Torrie stands nose to nose with Ava. “Now, take her the fuck home, Brannon. I’ll drop Andi off.” Torrie stares Ava down, not even blinking.

  Malone walks over, escorting Ava to her car. Lea stands beside Torrie. I turn to her, but she won’t look at me. This is bad. I don’t want to take Ava home, but she’s drunk. No matter what life hands us, she’s still Andi’s mom. Damn it.

  “I’ll be right there, promise.” I lean in to kiss her, but she steps away. “I’m sorry, Torrie.”

  “How did she know?” She glares at me as I take a step back. “How did she know about my father?” Fuck.

  “When I came home, I told her. Everything.” Dropping my head, I know I’ve fucked up.

  “There are things you haven’t even told me, but my life is open for everyone.” Her eyes say everything she can’t right now.

  “Please, wait on me. I need to explain.”

  Before Torrie can answer, Ava yells, “Don’t wait up, we’ll be awhile.” One pushes her into the car.

  “Go.” Torrie rolls her eyes, moving away from me.

  “We’ll follow him and bring him home. Don’t let her get to you, she needs to get her shit straight.” Lea tries to comfort Torrie, hugging her before we leave.

  “It’s fine, thank you.” Torrie gets in the car, driving away.

  Climbing behind the wheel, Ava shifts in her seat. I buckle my seatbelt, checking hers after. She rubs against my arm with her breasts, but I immediately pull away. “Damn it, don’t do that shit, Ava. Can you ever just think of Andi when you do stupid shit?” I scold her as I drive toward her home.

  “You don’t care about my daughter, it’s your fucking whore you care about,” she spits at me, her words slurring.

  “Ava, you’re gonna regret all of this one day. I love Andi, our daughter. I love Torrie. If you do anything like this again, I’ll not be here to fix it.” Pulling up at her house, I help her out, making sure she’s inside, safe.

  I quietly ride back to the farm with Lea and One, no one says a word. I’m sure they know where my head is right now, with Andi and Torrie. Ava’s behavior today was cruel, even she knows it was unacceptable. I’m not sure Torrie will understand.

  I can’t do it anymore, I refuse to take her shit another mi
nute. Andi is my life, the best damn thing that’s happened to me. I can’t help but think I should’ve stayed in New York and fought like hell to keep Torrie.

  When One comes to a stop in front of my house, I see Torrie’s still here. “Thanks, y’all. I appreciate it. I’m sorry for all the trouble.”

  “Brannon, there comes a time when you can only be responsible for your actions. Stop cleaning up for Ava, she’s a big girl,” Lea offers, I nod in agreement.

  Walking up the steps, I take two at a time, ready to get to my girls. Torrie meets me at the door with her bag in hand. “What are you doing?” I ask.

  “Don’t. I think we both know she will never give you any peace.” She steps around me.

  “I’m sorry. I wish I could take it back.” I catch her hand in mine as she brushes past. I don’t blame her; I’m always apologizing for stupid shit.

  “What are apologizing for, Brannon? For Ava’s actions? Or the fact you shared private information about me to her? Care to explain how you’re just friends again because I don’t share shit like that with mine!” She jerks free from my hand.

  “I was a mess when I came back home. Weeks passed, sealing my fate without you. I was angry. I was broken.” Telling her this won’t matter, she’s hurt.

  “Tell me about it, I was alone. You? You were here building your family. I’ve always been alone.” She hurries down the steps with me right behind her.

  “Then why didn’t you call? If you needed me so much?” I shout at her.

  “I did, you didn’t answer. Besides, I didn’t leave, but I am now.” Throwing her bag in the back seat, she slams her door. “How am I ever supposed to be by your side when the spot is already filled?” She opens the driver door, but I slam it shut.

  “You want to talk about letting someone in, at what point are you going to make room for me? Your father is in your every thought.” I point at her.

  “At least I think about mine. Do you realize, you’ve spoken about your dad twice? Why? What exactly happened? Or can you not tell me because Ava’s heard it.” Jerking her door open, she jumps in the seat. As she tries to close the door, I stop it.

  “What the fuck, Torrie? Yes, Ava knows, she was here. She was always here, that’s how he died. She was here, I was with her. I should’ve been with him, it’s my fault my dad died. I wish like hell every day that I had done things differently, but I didn’t. So, every fucking day since, I’ve tried to do what’s right. What I should’ve done that day.” I slam her door, storming away. Fuck this.