Page 92 of Highland Stars
“That’s a great reason to come back. It’s not as if we could have set up a game over the internet, or anything. Maybe one day that technology will exist.”
Makenna grins. “We can only hope.”
I look behind her and find two large suitcases, an overfull backpack, along with her handbag on the path.
“You have more stuff than when you were here before.”
“Well, I’m hoping to be here for quite a while.”
I can only stare in response. This is getting better and better.
“I’m hoping to stay with your parents, because I don’t want to ruffle any feathers, but I’m going to look for a place to rent.”
My heart skips several beats, then ramps up to overdrive. She’s staying. I take her lips again.Mine, something deep within me says. And I’m definitely hers.
I lay my forehead against hers. “Is this real? You’re here and you’re staying?”
“I’m here and I’m staying,” she whispers against my lips, then kisses me. It’s slow and tender, and all too brief. “Are we gonna stay out here all day? Is that how y’all do reunions?”
“Definitely not.” I grin, and step toward her bags.
She grabs her backpack and purse and follows me inside where we spend quite a while making up for lost time.
When we come up for air, I call mam and ask her about having a house guest, and she gives an excited scream the likes of which I’ve never heard from her. Then Makenna and I start looking for places to rent.
“Assuming things work out”—she pauses and grins at me—“Mom says she’ll move here. You could help her get a job, right?”
“I could definitely try to help her. I’m sure she’ll be able to. Do we need to look for places to fit both of you?”
“No. Better for her to get settled into a place, since I hope to not rent for too long.” She gives me a meaningful look.
She doesn’t want to have to rent too long. She’s looking toward marriage.
With me.
Of course, I can’t imagine she’d up and move here if she weren’t.
I grin. “Perfect.”
Makenna runs her fingertips through my beard and kisses my cheek.
I stare in awe at her. “I was about to ask if you were okay leaving your friend, but I’m not sure I care.”
She laughs and I join her.
“Mai’s a lawyer. She’ll be able to come visit. Or at least she’ll have the money to. Hopefully she’ll have more time once she becomes a partner.” She shrugs. “I can’t believe I’m here.”
I pinch myself and smile, then take her lips with mine once again.
51
Makenna
“Jings,she’sgonnabeathim,” I hear Malcolm whisper to Fiona. They’re standing behind me, as I sit across the dining table from Mr. Robertson.
Iamgoing to beat him. There’s no way he can get his king to escape. I wouldn’t consider myself terribly competitive, but this feels pretty good.
“Finally, someone to knock him off his high horse,” Fiona says.
