riptide- outer banks

103 | polished doubt

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Jackson cooed from inside his cradle, the six month old happier than ever. He'd always been that way, beautiful blue eyes full of light. Full of hope. They were just like his mom's. He was just like his mom. That's probably why she felt such a connection to him. He was half of her best friend.

Carrie smiled, mouth curving up at the little boy as he made more noises. "He's just like you, Riss. He's perfect."

Larissa's nose crinkled up as she met her gaze. "I'm not perfect."

"I didn't mean it like that and you know it." Carrie chided, eyes rolling into the back of her head. "I just mean that he's all the best parts of you."

"Thanks."

"You didn't have to do this, you know."

Larissa was already shaking her head at her best friend. "Hey, I already told you– this isn't some favor or pity decision. We hired you and Luke because you're family. I love you, C." She paused, head tilting to the side. "Plus, I need the extra help with J and with housework. You're really doing me a favor."

Carrie was reluctant, but she let out a sigh. "Okay. I'll stop bringing it up."

"Good." Larissa remarked, turning back at the sound of footsteps.

It was Chandler.

"Carrie."

The blonde simply held eye contact, gaze swirling with a sense of resentment. "Groff."

He let out a chuckle, ignoring her completely as he turned to his wife. With no humor attached to his expression whatsoever. "You have him out here? In this heat? Get him inside."

Larissa swallowed hard, hesitantly meeting Carrie's gaze. "Will you..."

"Yes. Of course." Carrie agreed, sensing that the couple was in desperate need of a conversation. One that would not include her. One that they needed to have away from the ears of those listening.

She scooped Jackson up in her arms, bringing him to her hip. As she bounced him there and began to walk inside, she could hear the arguing start up again. Things had been rocky between Larissa and Chandler for a little while now and Carrie couldn't help but hate the man. She'd never liked him and she'd been very vocal about her opinions, too.

You can't help who you love though.

Before she could step through the back door, Luke appeared in her line of sight. His green gaze filled with love as he set eyes on her, immediately taking the remaining steps to the door. "Hey, Care. You feeling better now?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I think the nausea is mostly gone now." She admitted, a smile crossing her face as Luke grabbed hold of her free hand. "Don't you have a job to do?"

All he did was smirk. "Well, how can I do my job if you're walking past me?" He forced out a breath as he let his eyes trail up and down her body.

"Shut up." She retorted, removing her hand from his to gently shove his shoulder back.

Just as easily as he had swayed backward, he was leaning forward. Lips brushing against hers, he smiled. "I love you."

Carrie pulled away, readjusting Jackson on her hip as he gurgled. "Love you, too."

She had to shake her head as his brow raised and he was looking at her with those stupid green eyes again. This baby wasn't going to watch himself. She turned inside, stepping through the threshold of the Genrette home and made her way into the living room. Jackson cooed again as she began to pace, holding him in a way so that she could look down at him.