One Night ✔

20. Settling In

Lucas' POV

The next morning I wake up happier than I've felt in years. Since the day that Riley and I broke up it was as if there was this hole in my heart that couldn't be filled but being here with her and getting to know my daughter was slowly changing that.

I climb out of bed and change out of my sweatpants, switching into jeans and a t-shirt before grabbing my keys and walking out towards the foyer.

If I were going to be staying here then I'd need a few things to spruce up my room. I adored Riley but she and I have the opposite taste in home design. It was the only place that our roots truly shined through.

"Are you leaving?"

I turn around and find my daughter standing in the hallway with tired, worried eyes. "Just running out for a few things" I reply nonchalantly. "I'll be back."

"Promise?"

I walk towards her and pull her in for a quick hug, feeling her arms wrap tightly around me. "I'm not running sweetheart. I'll be back and then maybe your mom and I can talk to you, yea?"

She nods as we pull apart. "Okay" she concedes. "See you later dad."

"See you later sweetheart" I smile, turning and walking out the front door.

~ 🌌 ~

"How many horse sculptures does one man need?" Josh asks teasingly while Farkle glances back over his shoulder at my cart.

"I'm from Texas" I reply defensively.

"And I love science but my entire house isn't a laboratory" Farkle argues. I roll my eyes, pushing the cart down another aisle of Home Goods while the guys ogle at random trinkets that they claim they need. I was beginning to regret inviting them on this expedition but if I was going to be staying here then I needed to work on the friendships I'd tarnished.

"So, how are things with Riles?" Josh asks, tossing a purple crystal in the cart, seemingly for Maya.

A smirk pulls at my lips. "Things are fine."

Josh shakes his head. "Bullshit. By that smirk on your face I'd say they're better than fine. You already working on getting her knocked up again?"

My eyes widen as I stop in the middle of the aisle. "What? Dude, babies are the last thing I'm thinking about."

He chuckles, slapping my chest. "Lucas, I'm messing with you" he explains simply. "I meant, have you slept together since you got back?"

I shake my head. "It isn't the right time for that yet."

"I don't know. Going six weeks while Smackle recuperated after the twins was torture so I couldn't imagine that fourteen years is a bajillion times worse" Farkle interjects and I groan.

I was definitely regretting inviting them along.

~ 🌌 ~

Riley's POV

I'm tapping my nails against the countertop nervously while I stare at the front door.