Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 121460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121460 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 486(@250wpm)___ 405(@300wpm)
When she was in a grumbly mood, Skye wanted her dad. Always. Part of me couldn’t blame her because when I was in a grumbly mood, Mackennon’s arms were the best place ever. Yet it hurt so much when she lifted her little arms and cried for Daddy instead of Mummy.
It was a dry morning, the timber harvest was underway, and I was standing by in case adjustments were required for our temporary bridge we’d built to get the harvester over a small stream. Scott was up front, watching everyone like a hawk.
Then, suddenly, I saw a familiar Range Rover pull in next to my Defender in our makeshift car park. My heart jumped at the sight of Mackennon behind the wheel. He hopped out, flashing me a smile before he opened the back passenger door. I hurried over, grinning from ear to ear.
“What are you doing here?”
“Mummy!” Skye cried from inside her car seat as Mackennon hurried to unbuckle her.
“Hullo, my sweet, gorgeous baby girl,” I cooed back, heart melting at the sight of her big smile.
“Mummy, Mummy, Mummy!”
I heard Mackennon chuckle. “Give me a second, sweet pea.”
He lifted her out of the seat and into his arms as he straightened beside the car. She reached for me, and the worries I’d been harboring about leaving her so much lifted for a second as I took her and covered her face in kisses. Her giggles filled me with so much emotion, I laughed to release it. Then I raised my face for Mackennon’s lips as he bent to take a much longer kiss than I’d anticipated. I sighed into him, and he brushed his thumb over my mouth as we parted.
“What are you doing here?” I turned to Skye. “Eh, Skye Pie? You’ve come a long way to see Mummy.”
“Aye,” she agreed, and I chuckled. “Mummy away.”
My smile fell a little. “Mummy’s here, Skye Pie.”
“We just thought we’d come see you. I hope that’s okay.” Mackennon caressed my cheek. “You seemed a bit down this morning.”
I leaned into my husband in gratitude. “It’s lovely to see you.”
“Arrochar!”
I tensed at the sound of Scott’s voice, and Mackennon’s eyes narrowed at my reaction. There might have been a slight chance I hadn’t told him about Scott being a shitty project manager, mostly because my husband was overprotective and I didn’t want him worrying.
Turning with Skye in my arms chattering to me in baby talk that made little sense yet, I watched warily as Scott marched toward us. His eyes drifted over my husband and daughter, and he let out an exasperated sigh as he drew to a stop. “What the hell is this?”
Mackennon grunted behind me, which signaled he was not amused by Scott’s tone.
“If you could watch your language in front of my daughter, that would be great,” I told Scott tonelessly.
“Your daughter?”
“Skye. And this is my husband, Mackennon. Mackennon, this is my project manager, Scott.”
Stepping forward, Mac held out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Scott had to tilt his head back a little to meet Mackennon’s gaze. He reluctantly shook his hand. He then dropped it and curled his lip at me. “Last time I checked, it wasn’t lunch break.”
“You might want to watch your tone when you’re talking to my wife,” Mac warned quietly.
Oh, shit.
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. That’s twice you’ve addressed her aggressively.”
“Mackennon.”
My husband cut me an annoyed look, but I shook my head, then turned to Scott. “They just popped by. They’re not staying.”
“Mummy away?” Skye rested her hand on my cheek, and I had to fight back emotion.
“I need you here and focused today,” Scott said, softening his tone a little.
“I am here.”
“My fault,” Mackennon offered, still glowering at Scott. “We just dropped by. We’ll get out of your hair.”
“Yes, do. A construction site is no place for a baby.” Scott turned on his heel and marched away.
“Well, he’s a plucking flick,” Mackennon muttered, making me laugh.
He’d started substituting curse words for silly words around Skye, and it was hilarious coming out of his mouth. Gathering he meant fucking prick, I murmured my agreement and kissed Skye’s cheek.
“But he’s right. Sorry, I shouldn’t have dropped by without notice. I just …” Mackennon stepped into me. “I’m worried about you.”
“I love you.” I leaned into him. “It’s just that I miss you guys, that’s all. Scott isn’t exactly Prince Charming, and I’m … I just miss you. I’ll be okay, though, eh, Skye Pie? You’ll see Mummy when I get home tonight and we’ll read Zog?” I referred to her favorite book.
“Aye,” she said before chewing on the ear of her favorite teddy bear.
“Come on, sweet pea.” Mackennon reached for her, and Skye, suddenly realizing what was happening, began to cry. It started as a soft whimper as she cried, “No, no, no!” repeatedly and then she was full-on screaming.