Shit, she hadn't considered that. Maybe Colton was what was holding Kip back from asking her to move in. Maybe Kip wasn't sure if he wanted to be a step-father. He seemed so at ease with Kip, but spending time on the weekends wasn't the same as being a full-time parent. Not that Kip really would be a full-time parent with all his time on the road.

Mandy was glad when Colton came out from his bath. She welcomed the distraction from her errant thoughts. She pulled Colton into a hug and kissed his temple. He squirmed, resisting the attention. "Mo-om, don't."

"It's my right as your mother."

He groaned, but relaxed in her arms. Mandy let go of her grip on his small body. She looked at him, amazed at how much he'd grown all ready. He looked nothing like the baby she'd given birth too. "Was that Kip?"

"No." She winced, hoping he would drop the subject. "Do you want snack while we do your reading?"

"Can I call Kip? I want to tell him about my science test." Kip had helped him study a few weeks ago.

Mandy flinched. She hadn't told Colton about her fight with Kip. How could explain all that to him? She partially cursed herself for bringing Kip into their lives.

"Can I?" he asked again, his voice turning to a whine.

"If you use your regular voice. Yes you may call Kip."

"Will you dial?" he asked, going to get the cordless land line. He held it out for Mandy, who raised her eyebrows. "Please?" he added.

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She dialled Kip's number from speed dial and handed it to Colton. She watched his face carefully. "Hi Kip. It's Colton." He frowned a little. "No, Colton. Tressor. Kip, come on." He giggled into the phone. "Yeah she's here." He turned to look at Mandy, who's somewhat traitorous heart leaped with anticipation. She tamped it down, not expecting anything. "She dialled the phone for me."

Colton covered the microphone of the telephone. "He says he doesn't want to talk to you tonight."

Mandy tried to shrug it off. "That's fine. I'll talk to him later." Inside she was hurt. Of course, she was the one who said she would talk to him later. "Tell him what you called about, it's getting late."

Colton rolled his eyes, while he listened to Kip talk. A slow smile crossed his face. "Yeah, that's okay."




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