Love So Wild

by Marquita Valentine

  Grabbing a beer from the fridge, he sat down at the kitchen table, intent on going over his notes for work the next day. Usually, he and Preston kept the bar closed Sunday through Wednesday because their profits on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were enough to justify the decision.

  Besides, he liked the flexibility of those days. If the mood struck, he could rent a plane and take it up just to make sure he didn’t get out of practice. Which was why he got ahead on Sunday evenings.

  Tonight, however, he could barely concentrate on the numbers, barely remember if he should be subtracting or adding, multiplying or dividing… and none of it mattered, anyway.

  What mattered was right down the hall, in the bathroom as a matter of fact. Skye was giving Miles a bath. Their laughter carried all the way down to him in the kitchen, making it virtually impossible to stay away.

  Skye had invited him to take part. In hindsight, he should have taken her up on her offer, but he wasn’t confident in his baby-bathing skills. For one thing, he was afraid Miles would somehow drown because he didn’t know what the hell he was doing. The second reason had everything to do with him being unsure of what was okay for him to do as a dad.

  Hopefully, he and Skye would figure that out real soon. Actually, the sooner they worked it out, the better. Tomorrow would do just fine. All he had to do was notify his business partner.

  Picking up his phone, he texted Preston to let him know he wouldn’t be in tomorrow.

  Preston: Are you sick?

  Elijah: Don’t pretend like you don’t already know.

  Preston: I know all right. Just wanted to hear you say it, Big Daddy.

  Elijah dialed Preston’s number, and his cousin answered on the first ring.

  “You wanted to hear me say it?” Elijah asked.

  Preston chuckled. “I’ve been taught by Apple to confirm gossip from the source.”

  Elijah grimaced. “This isn’t gossip. It’s the damn truth. I’m someone’s dad.”

  Preston laughed harder. “You sound real thrilled about it.”

  Elijah slowly made his way to the bathroom, assuring himself he was only doing it to make sure Skye and Miles were still occupied with bath time. He didn’t want Skye to hear his side of the conversation and have anything he said hurt her feelings.

  Lowering his voice, he said, “I’m not not thrilled about it. It’s just shocking, frankly, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve offered my place up to Skye, but she wants to get an apartment of her own.”

  “What about your son?”

  “She says I can see him as often or as little as I want. No pressure. Guess that means we’ll talk custody soon.”

  Preston made a noise. “Yeah, I wouldn’t be too happy about that either. That kind of thinking automatically puts a person in the place of being a jerk.”

  Elijah canted his head from side to side. “I can see her side of things. I mean, we haven’t seen each other, or even spoken, in almost two years. A lot has changed since then. Maybe this is her way of making sure she and Miles don’t get hurt.”

  “If you say so, cousin. What I will tell you is I think you should see that boy of yours as often as possible.”

  Elijah knew Preston’s heart was in the right place. His cousin was coming from the perspective of a man who grew up without his real father. While Preston’s stepfather had done the right thing and raised him as his own, Preston never forgot he had a father who lived in Texas with a new family.

  “You’re right. I’ll work harder to convince her that staying with me is the best option.”

  “It’s the only option for your son, so he can learn how to be a man—well, a Lawson.”

  Elijah grinned. “My boy is going to learn everything there is about being a Lawson. I just have to find a way to keep him away from unsavory characters such as his cousin, Preston.”

  “You son of a bitch, I’m not that bad,” Preston insisted.

  “I was joking with you. In any case, I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Your text said you weren’t.”

  His cousin was right, but the more they talked, the more he needed some space that wouldn’t freak out Skye or make her think he didn’t want to be around her or his son. “Honestly, I need time to clear my mind… and she needs to at least attempt to find a place before realizing her only home should be here with me.”

  “You sure you’re not up to something, Eli?”

  Elijah wasn’t sure of anything, except he was going to do everything in his power to persuade Skye to come around to his way of thinking.

  “Nope. I’m just trying to get my days in order. I’ll let you get back to Apple and whatever else you are doing tonight.”

  They said their goodbyes, and he placed his phone on the kitchen table before making his way to the bathroom. He was just in time to see Skye wrap Miles in a large, fluffy towel. The boy was grinning from ear to ear.

  “So he’s a year old, huh?” Eli asked, trying to make conversation.

  “We celebrated his birthday two weeks ago.”

  “Sorry I missed it.”

  She winced. “Sorry I didn’t come sooner.”

  “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad, and I wasn’t implying you were at fault.”

  “I know. I know.” Skye sighed. “We can’t expect perfect after only eight hours together.”

  “Speak for yourself,” he replied, just to get her to laugh.

  Thankfully, she cracked a smile. It was small, but it was still a smile.

  “Sounded like Miles enjoys baths.”

  Skye’s smile grew wider. “It’s one of his favorite things to do, besides eat and play. I half suspect he loves baths so much because he can try to eat the bubbles.”

  Elijah laughed. “Smart kid.”

  Skye picked up Miles, towel and all, before heading to her bedroom. “You’re welcome to help me put him to bed.”

  “Thanks.” Elijah followed close behind. Maybe a little too close. He paused for a minute.

  “You’ll really thank me, when you have Miles on your own and know what to do.”

  “How often do you think I’ll have him?”

  She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Do you really want to have a conversation about custody tonight?”

  He blinked. Custody. Where had that come from?

  “I heard you talking on the phone,” she said by way of explanation.

  “About that, I hope you didn’t hear only snippets of it. I won’t deny what I said, but I’m hoping you can understand this has been a shock for me.”

  Skye smiled. “I do understand, which is why I’m not fussing you out after we put this big boy to bed.”

  Miles grinned happily, four teeth on full display, as his mother laid him on the bed. Expertly, Skye put a thick cloth diaper on him, then fastened it at the sides.

  “You’re not mad.” It was more of a statement than a question.

  She gave him a look as she started to put Miles into footie pajamas. “Why would I be mad at a man who’s only trying to do the right thing by his son? Sure, I could’ve gotten offended at your ‘not not thrilled’ comment, but where would that get us? And how would that help our son?”

  “When you put it like that…”

  “What you don’t understand is I’ll do anything for my son. Anything.” She kissed Miles’ belly, and then zipped his pajamas. “Ready for a nightcap, buddy?”

  A nightcap? “Yeah, I can see that about you.” Elijah leaned against the doorframe, watching as she sat down and unbuttoned her shirt, putting Miles to her breast. Quickly, he looked away. “You, uh, did move halfway across the country just to knock on my door. You know, I can come back later when you’re done, or we can talk tomorrow.”

  Skye chuckled. “It’s perfectly natural.

  Didn’t matter how natural it was, he would keep staring at the ceiling until she stopped, or until he could feel his way out of the room. “I understand what you’re saying, but the breastfeeding that’s taking place is with
breasts I used to kiss and… well, enjoy.” He cleared his throat. “I’m good with looking the other way until you’re done.”

  Silence reigned after that.

  Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he risked a peek at Skye, only to find her cheeks were probably as red as his at the moment. He didn’t think her flush had anything to do with feeding her son, but everything to do with his comment.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up the past.”

  She glanced down at their son. “Pretty sure this guy right here is a product of our intertwined pasts.”

  He nodded, unsure what to say. Maybe he should go. Wait for her to get settled, and then they could talk.

  Or he could wait until tomorrow.

  “I’m going into work tomorrow, but if you want, I can take care of Miles while you apartment hunt, or my parents offered to keep him at their house.”

  Skye’s gaze flicked to him, then back down again. “I’m happy to bring Miles to his grandparents’ house. If you don’t mind texting them to let them know…”

  “Not at all.” That was something he could do. “Consider it done.”

  “Will do,” she said with a forced cheerfulness that even he could hear.

  “If you want to talk after you put Miles to bed, I’ll be in the kitchen.”

  She glanced up at him again, her eyes skeptical. “I think it’s best if we wait until everyone’s had a good night’s sleep before we start making decisions concerning Miles.”

  It wasn’t just Miles he was concerned about, but Elijah was almost certain it was not the time to reiterate that fact.

  Chapter Six

  ‡

  The next day, Skye drove to Elijah’s parents’ house, so they could watch Miles while she apartment hunted. She’d seen four places in the classifieds that fit their needs, and she wanted to look at them all before they were snapped up.

  She and Elijah didn’t get to have that conversation over breakfast this morning. On one hand, she was relieved he’d already left, but on the other… it hadn’t felt right. When her gut told her something, she tended to listen. Except, when she’d gone outside to start the SUV this morning, Elijah had thoughtfully unhooked her U-HAUL trailer—something that had completely slipped her mind.

  Looking desperate, which she kind of felt at the moment, while apartment hunting was not the smartest move. Call her cynical, but there were people in this world who enjoyed taking advantage of others.

  You don’t have to go looking, you know.

  I can’t live off Elijah’s guilt.

  Who says he feels guilty?

  Who offers their house to a woman they barely know?

  A man like Elijah, that’s who, and y’all do know each other. Intimately.

  As soon as she turned down the bumpy dirt road, she fell in love with the Lawson farm. It looked like something out of a fairy tale, complete with cows, a winter garden, and gingerbread lattice on the porch.

  “Miles, do you see the pretty house? That’s where Grandma and Granddad live,” she said, keeping up a stream of mostly one-sided conversation.

  Miles mooed from the backseat.

  “Do you see the cows?” she asked, pleased. Her son was smart and so sweet, and she knew how lucky she was to have him.

  They took turn making mooing sounds until she parked the car. Skye got out, humming “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” while she unbuckled Miles from his car seat. He grinned while she sang, dimples as deep as anything.

  “Heartbreaker,” she whispered, and then raised her voice. “What does the chicken say?”

  “Bock.”

  “And the cow?”

  His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Moooo.”

  She laughed and hugged him to her tightly, wishing she could keep him like this forever. Only, it wasn’t possible. Besides, how selfish would she be for not wanting him to grow up?

  “We can take him out to meet the cows, once Caleb comes home for lunch,” Delilah called from the porch, startling Skye. “That is… if we have your permission.”

  Skye shielded her eyes from the sun with one hand and moved closer to the porch, Miles on her hip. He clung to her like a little monkey. “Unless you plan for him to ride on the back of one, I’m fine with him saying hello.”

  Delilah grew serious. “We wait until the children are at least three to do that. Their fine motor skills are much better at that age.”

  Skye didn’t know what to say… until Delilah winked. “Now I know where Eli gets it.”

  His mother beamed. “Guilty as charged.” She turned her attention to Miles. “How is my favorite grandson named Miles today?”

  Miles all but lunged out of Skye’s arm as his grandmother held out her hands. Delilah laughed delightedly when she caught him.

  “Sorry about that. He tends to get wild when he sees someone or something he really likes.”

  Delilah kissed Miles on the forehead. “Glad to be in that category. Won’t you come inside for some coffee or tea?”

  “No, ma’am, but if you’ll give me a second, I’ll go back to the car to get Miles’ diaper bag. I have everything you need.”

  “There’s no need for that, unless Miles has a special toy or blanket. I checked your bag yesterday, so I could pick up the items and brands you preferred. That way, everything he needs is here when y’all visit. Makes things easier.”

  Stunned, Skye could only nod. When her wits returned, she said, “I’m happy to pay you back. Some of the stuff I buy is uh—”

  “It’s exactly what Miles needs. Besides, I like the throwback to my momma’s time. Except your cloth diapers are much nicer and don’t leak.”

  Skye shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “They end up costing less, too.”

  “Such a smart woman my grandson has for a mother.” Delilah smiled so bright it almost hurt Skye’s eyes to look at it. “Now, you take your time, and don’t worry a thing about Miles.”

  “I’ll text you when I’m done.”

  “That’ll be just fine, sugar.” Delilah picked up Miles’ little hand. “Wave bye to Momma and tell her good luck.”

  “Mamamama,” Miles said as he opened and closed his little fist, making Skye’s heart pinch. It always did, ever since the first time he said her name, right out of the blue when he’d been eating and she hadn’t expected it. It would probably still pinch when he was fifty and she was seventy-nine.

  “Love you, too, buddy.” Skye kissed his cheek before walking to the car, wondering how in the world she’d ever repay Elijah’s mother. “Thanks again,” she tossed over her shoulder.

  “Anytime.” Delilah took Miles into the house, shutting the door behind them.

  With a sigh, Skye got into her car and headed into Jessamine, the worry and anxiety that had been building at levels she could manage now.

  Miles was in safe hands, capable hands, and as far as Skye could tell, genuine hands. She hoped she wasn’t wrong about Elijah’s parents. Most of all, she hoped she wasn’t wrong about him.

  *

  It took her less than ten minutes to arrive at the first place, a renovated duplex with a large fenced-in backyard. This was her first choice since it had everything she needed, and it was close to Elijah’s house as well as the birthing center—if she got the job.

  Man, she hoped she got the job.

  After taking a year off, she desperately needed income, and not only because she had just enough in saving to last her four months. That was too close to being broke for her. Growing up without knowing where the next meal was coming from, and having to wear clothes that were from several decades back, a person either kept doing the same things to keep themselves in the situation or they learned from others who had gotten themselves out.

  Since she liked to eat, enjoyed pretty clothes, and preferred a roof over her head, she’d chosen the latter. Thankfully, she and Miles were rarely sick and almost always lived below their means.

  The property manager waited for her in the drive, and she
barely had time to roll down her window before he started shaking his head.

  “Is there something wrong?” she asked.

  “Unfortunately, the tenets decided to renew their lease. I’m sorry to have wasted your time, but the office literally let me know about two minutes before you arrived.”

  Her heart sank, but she forced a smile. There were three other properties that fit her needs, just none as perfect as this one. “I understand. Thanks for offering to show it to me. If you have any other properties like this, please email me.”

  “Absolutely, Ms. Holland. Your credit is stellar, so we have no qualms about listing you with our select renters.”

  “Thank you. Have a good day.”

  “You as well. Best of luck.”

  Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of her bad luck. The next two property managers had nearly the same story—last-minute renewals. The third property apparently had a serious infestation the health department said was so awful they wouldn’t allow it to be rented.

  Gross.

  But… why would a health inspector be at an apartment on private property, or have the power to prevent the owners from renting said property?

  Something was off, way off.

  If she didn’t know better, she would have started thinking they weren’t renting to her on purpose, but that kind of stuff only happened in Holland Springs.

  Or it used to.

  She knew her sisters were happy living there. They insisted whatever “curse” had been put on their family had been broken or cured. Honestly, Skye thought the people who kept the old traditions alive had finally died or got bored.

  Either way, she didn’t care so as long as her sisters were living the life they deserved, with men who deserved them and worshipped the ground they walked on. Sure, it was a cliché, but it was a cliché almost every woman wanted to come true.

  Although she hated doing it, she had no choice but to call Eli and ask to stay with him for longer.

  He answered on the first ring, which didn’t support the thought she’d had this morning that he was avoiding her.

  “Did you find a place?” he asked.

  “No. Every apartment I went to look at suddenly wasn’t for rent anymore.”