Curves in the Road (The Southern Devotion Series Book 2) by Amy K. Mcclung Page A

She an d I have been talking for weeks. She asked me to meet her in Atlanta this weekend. We didn't want to tell anyone because of the chance that we couldn't work it out. Neither of us wanted to lie to you guys but…"
    Gracie crashed into me with enormous force for a small girl. She wrapped her arms around my neck in a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you guys."  She pulled back suddenly, and says, "Wait, have you two…I mean…Mary Jane is…" She doesn't seem able to finish her sentence as she keeps glancing at the box of condoms. It occurred to me what she is asking.
    "I know that she's never. She made it sound like she wants to this weekend. I only want to be prepared; I'd never push her into that decision though."
    Gracie smiles, "I know you wouldn't. It's why I'm so happy she has you. She needs a guy with a heart like Ash's and no one's is closer than yours."
    "Thanks, Gracie. That means a lot to me." My phone beeped and it was a text from Mary Jane. I held my phone up to show her, "See, she's telling me she can't wait to see me this weekend."
    Gracie claps and bounces up and down excitedly. "I won’t tell anyone, except Ashton of course, I don't keep secrets from him."
    "That's fine. Cameron knows too actually."
    Gracie's mouth falls open in shock, "What! Big mouth Cam knows and you didn’t think you could trust us not to tell?"
    "You have a point. I didn’t mean for him to find out. I needed him to deliver something to Mary Jane for me when he went to see her so I filled him in." It was surprising to me that Cameron hadn’t told Gracie already. They tell each other everything. I'd have to commend him on his ability to keep this secret.
     
    After leaving the grocery store, I sped home to finish packing. In two days I'd be on my way to Atlanta. I can imagine that four hour drive will feel like the longest drive of my entire life.
    When the day arrived to leave, I was a nervous wreck to see Mary Jane again.  Katelyn had her bag packed and was in her room waiting for me to come get her. "Hey baby girl, you ready to spend a few days with Aunt Gracie and Uncle Ash?"
    She jumped up from her chair with elation, "Yes! Can I take the new movie you bought me?"
    "Sure. You know your Uncle will watch anything you want. You've got him whipped."  It's true. If Katelyn said she wanted a pony, Ashton would get her one. He never has said no to her.
    "What's whipped mean?" Katelyn asks.
    " Never mind. Grab your bag, let's go."
    Katelyn likes to carry her own bags to feel like a big girl so I bought her a suitcase with wheels that is small enough to not be too bulky for her. It's decorated with cartoon skulls with pink bows on them. She picked it out, but I had to admit it's pretty cool. She clomps down the stairs with the bag banging on each step behind her. She stops midway and sneezes three times in a row.
    "Hey kiddo, you're not getting sick are you?"
    "Nah, I feel fine." Katelyn responds. She reaches the bottom step and steps outside so I can turn on the a larm then lock the house down. On the way to Ashton and Gracie's she sneezes a few more times, making me a little nervous. She knows how overprotective I am and reassures me before I even ask the question. "I'm fine, daddy. Something's tickling my nose."
    "I can stay home, Boo." I said. "Your Aunt Gracie is pregnant and doesn't need to get sick."
    "Daddy, it's fine." She says, rolling her eyes at me. "My nose doesn't even feel stuffy."
    Playing it safe, I stop at the local pharmacy to pick up a few supplies in case she does have a small cold coming on. When we arrive at Ash's house, he's standing outside watching for us. "What happened to being here at 8am sharp? You drilled that into my head several times as I recall."  Ash was smirking at me, knowing how finicky I am about my schedules. I had called him at least four times reiterating eight in the morning because I knew he and Gracie liked to sleep in and I wanted to make sure everyone was decent when I show up with my