Page 94 of Buckin' Around

Before I realize what I’m doing, I’m heading to Stacey’s. This time I’m not mad at her brother.

It’smeI can’t get a grip on.

Chapter 23

Spencer

Ives is crawling like superstar. She babbles away as she explores every inch of the cottage with me hovering behind. Her little knees are red from the hard floor, but she shows no sign of stopping.

Baby-proofing.

Gotta get some gates up and contain her wandering, or neither of us will get anything done. I know Riles is on summer break, but she deserves respite. Not being crawl-patrol every waking Ivy hour.

“Spence, give us a hand? The bracket’s in place.”

I was so homed in on Ivy, I almost forgot Brades was here.

“Sure, bud. Give me five to contain the kiddo.”

I scoop Ives up and toss her in the air.

The squeals melt to giggles as I blow raspberries on her soft little belly under her T-shirt.

With every little sound that slips past her lips, my chest grows warmer. Grabby little hands curl around my hair, tugging at it.

Cradling her with my good arm, I lift my other to pry her fingers from my hair. Pain shoots from my shoulder to my elbow.

Fucking hell.

I ditched the sling when Brades got here. Hard to help when you’re one-armed. Still, I think I only really have use of the left.

“Ah, kiddo. Let go, hey?”

Her little hands fall from my hair and take to exploring my face.

Her blue eyes sparkle as she tracks her tiny hands over my jawline, her finger pushing between my lips.

“Urgh, Ives. You taste like floor, bubby.”

She wriggles and points to something behind me.

I spin back and track down the hallway. Her play mat sits by the sofa, and I put her down. She makes for the fluffy bunny Riley bought a few weeks back and sits playing with it for a minute before its mitt gets shoved into her drooly little mouth.

What’s up with the constant drool?

“When you’re ready, super dad.” Brades raises an eyebrow at me, holding out a level. “Double-check it, bud.”

I lift the level and rest it on the top of the bracket.

The bubble sits dead center of the section. Perfect.

“Looks great.”

“Well, if you’re happy, I’m happy. Let’s get it up there.”

He checks his watch. He’s been doing that all morning.

“You got somewhere to be?” I ask.