Page 39 of Rumor Has It

Chapter 8

Mackenzie

10 years later…

I step around the hundredth box today to tape the last one closed. Releasing a heavy sigh, I close the lid to what I’ve known as my life the last ten years. Going home isn’t something I wanted to do, but I have to.

“What’s with the heavy breathing?” Maisyn laments. “I’m carrying a twenty pound newborn and two watermelons on my chest.”

“Poor little rich girl.” I chuckle. “Must be a real hard life being married to the richest man in Cherry Grove and having big boobs.”

“Isn’t that a movie?” She hesitates. “It is, especially when you’re as big as mine are, but Lachlan isn’t complaining.”

Maisyn Baker Daly, better known as my dweeb of a little cousin, owns her own tattoo business, has an amazing family, and is my rock. Her half black and half hot-pink hair demands attention, but it’s her badassery that commands it.

I snicker. “I can remember a time you begged for those!”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’ll feed either of my men with them.”

“Ewe! That’s a little gross.” I’m also a little jealous. Maisyn stayed in our hometown even though there were some who wanted her branded a harlot for having her daughter out of wedlock. I sound medieval, but my childhood home isn’t the place I thought it was. Now I’m going back, and dread has set in.

“Earth to Mack!” Maisyn snaps her fingers over the phone.

I swallow past the knot in my throat. “You wouldn’t have it any other way; besides, bringing our Prince Lansyn into this world is life!”

“Yes it is, but I also know you need me, and I hate that I’m outta commission.” She sighs as I stack another box ready for the move.

“There’ll be plenty of time once I move into my own place.” I scratch my head, wondering what to tackle next. “Oh, hey. What’s the intel on Lachlan’s brother?”

“Lenny’s doing amazing! He’s been helping out so much. Lan’s had more time at home with us.” Maisyn’s brother-in-law is her husband’s twin. They’re both gorgeous, but a hot mess. Then again, aren’t we all? Present company included.

I spin in a circle, trying to find my sharpie so I can label the box. I find it in my mouth. “Geez! I’m losing my mind.”

“That would imply you had one to begin with.” Maisyn snorts as I toss the pen on the table after using it. My stomach knots as realization rolls over me. I collapse into the chair behind me, panic stricken.

“Dear sweet baby Jesus… I’m moving back home.”

“Breathe, Mack,” Maisyn chides. “You’ve got this. I have all the faith in the world.”

“Because you’re not the one moving back home after ten years.” I belch when my stomach continues to rumble. “With baggage.”

“Shut your face, hooch! I am nothing but baggage!!” She howls with laughter.

I drop my head between my knees, forcing air into my lungs. “This is a mistake, this is a mistake—this is a big mistake.”

“Fine, don’t come.” She grunts with the sound of shuffling. “I’ll tell your grandpa and dad you’ve decided to continue to hide.”

“Did it take a forklift to get you up from your chair? All that huffing and puffing, shew I’m tired.” The line is quiet. I know she’s there, I can hear her chewing. “Dude, I know you’re eating.”

“I hate your skank ass.” She crunches into what I can only imagine is a potato chip.

“My ass is not skanky, slutasaurus!”

She giggles. “Well, once you’re home, you can prove it to me.”

“I’d be thrilled to show you my ass, but you’re not allowed to touch it.” I pause. “But your ole man is another thing!”

She coughs, choking on her chips. “Alrighty, hoe-zilla. Keep your hands off the goodies!”