Chapter 27

KC drove along the road towards Matt's house. Why did I hug him? Why did I hug him? KC shocked herself by hugging Jeff. KC tried to push her feelings out of her head. I need to take things slow. KC let out a breath as she pulled into Matt's driveway. As she got out of her car she smiled as the elder Hardy boy bounded off the steps to great her.

"KC!" Matt shouted.

"Matt!" KC shouted back with a laugh.

Matt swept KC up in his arms in a big hug. If I had a brother, this is who I would want it to be, KC thought.

Matt smiled down at his friend and gently placed a hand on her stomach for a rub.

"Matt, I am not a lottery statue. Rubbing my belly will not help you," KC said drolly.

Matt laughed. "I'm sorry KC. I just want my little niece or nephew to know her or his Uncle Matt. Is that wrong?"

Matt had such a hang dog look that KC couldn't help but laugh. "Ok Uncle Mattie, get my bag bitch!" KC tossed Matt her keys.

"Hey, where does it say bell boy on me?"

"Well since I am carrying the next Hardy, the least you could do is carry my bags."

"Fair enough," Matt replied walking to the car. "Go inside and sit, Ames will be back from the store in a few."

"Yes Uncle Mattie," KC said sticking her tongue out. "But hurry up I want to talk to you about a few things."

KC walked into Matt's house and sat in the couch. Before she knew it, Matt plopped down next to her.

"So what's up Jeff's baby mama?" Matt and KC laughed at his new term for her.

"Well, I just went to see Jeff." Matt looked up at KC and tried not to look surprised. Unfortunately it didn't work. "Don't be surprised Matt. I have someone else to think about. Jeff needs to be involved." Taking a breath, "anyway, I told Jeff that I am going to move back to Cameron and need a place to stay. He suggested staying with him, which was vetoed but then suggested the old house you guys all bought. So I was hoping I could rent that."

"It's yours," Matt said without thinking. "When do you want to move in?"

"Slow down tiger," KC laughed. "Doesn't this need to get cleared by the Legend?"



"Let me think about this," Matt said mock tapping his finger to his chin. "You want to move back to Cameron to be closer to the family. You are having the Legend's first grandchild. He loves you like a daughter. Do you really think he would say no?"

KC looked at Matt. "I know he wouldn't but I would want to ask the Gil anyway."

"Ask Gil what?" came a gravely southern voice from the doorway. "I know my KC knows I could never tell her no."

"Dad!" KC exclaimed and pushed herself from the couch. She grabbed Gilbert in the biggest hug she had ever given and tears began flowing down her face. She never knew her father and to her, Gil Hardy became that man.

"Baby girl, why the tears? I am so happy you are back where you belong." Gil reached up and brushed the tears from her face.

"I thought you might be mad at me for not calling and hiding well this," KC gestured to her expanding waistline.

"Sweetie, you did what you had to. I'm just glad you are here now." Gil led KC back to the living room and made her sit back on the couch next to Matt. Matt had watched the whole scene between his father and KC. He couldn't help but mist up at the obvious affection between the two. He knew how hard it was for Gil when KC relatively disappeared from their lives.

"Now girl," Gilbert said taking a seat himself. "What do you need to ask me?"

"Well Dad," Matt spoke. "KC wants to move back to Cameron and she asked if she could rent the old house from us. Jeff and I don't have a problem with it but she wanted to run it by you."

"Absolutely not," Gil said causing KC and Matt's faces to fall. "Family does not rent. You can live their no matter how long for free." When KC started to speak, Gil put his hand up. "No rent. I don't charge the boys rent and I won't charge you. That's my grandbaby you got there. I want him with his family. And, at least I know you won't destroy my property like my two dumbasses."

KC started laughing while Matt tried to be offended. All three quickly dived into conversation with Matt trying to defend what he and Jeff have done on the property with KC and Gil trying to explain why it might not have done the property any good. None noticed someone walk into the room.

"Is this an invitation only party?" Jeff asked from the doorway.

Everyone stopped talking. Matt looked at his brother. "Nah man, come sit and help me defend our improvements we made to the land here."

Jeff walked over and sat next to KC placing his arm around the back of the couch behind her. He couldn't help but notice KC sit up straighter. Maybe there's hope for us yet, Jeff thought.

"So what brought on this discussion," Jeff asked trying to keep calm while sitting next to KC.

"KC decided to move into our house," Gil said with a smile.



"Yeah, isn't it great man!" Matt said smiling as well.

"As long as KC is happy and where she wants to be, that's all that's important," Jeff said looking at his ex. God she is beautiful.

"Well, I'm just happy that you all will let me stay there." KC looked at Gil and Matt trying not to think about Jeff sitting so close to her with his arm just inches from wrapping around her shoulder.

"So when are we moving you in?" Matt asked eagerly.

KC laughed. "How about next week? Of course I will need to find some big strong men to help me." KC added with a pout.

"Well," Matt said. "I am available for you anytime. I'm sure Shannon will help. Just like I'm sure Chris is probably already at your place starting to pack boxes as we speak."

Everyone laughed. They all knew Chris was getting KC ready to move. He would do anything for his best friend.

"KC," Jeff spoke. "We have next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday off. Why not then?" Jeff was eager to have her back home where she belonged. He had so much to make up to her.

"Well sounds like I'm coming home," KC said with a smile. KC stood up and started rubbing her belly. "Now who's hungry?" All three hardy men said me and stood to join KC as they decided where to eat that night.

It's going to be good to be home, KC thought.