Page 25 of Fighting Chance

BELLA

yep, apparently took one look at his apartment and walked out and bought a house for her

I don’t know about you, but my heart is melting

This is either going to be the best decision of my life or the worst.

Kieran and I barely scratched the surface of what my duties would entail, his parenting style—although that one comes down to the fact he doesn’t even know yet—my hours, what I’d help with, and what I’d take a backseat on.

Does he want help around the house as well, or will he hire a cleaner?

Hell, we didn’t even talk about my salary and yet here I am, driving toward his house, my heart pounding a ferocious beat because I equal parts hate and love when Kieran flirts with me, and flirt he will.

He made that very clear last night in Target…and on the ride home.

As I turn into Kieran’s driveway, I know I’ve made the right decision to come over uninvited and help. Parked across and taking up the majority of the cobblestone driveway is a large delivery truck. Grayson is hauling boxes down the ramp while two movers trail behind him, carting what seems to be part of a sectional sofa.

At the sound of my door shutting, Grayson’s head whips up, a grin spreading across his cheeks. “Hey! Bella didn’t say you were stopping by.”

Slinging my purse over my shoulder, I meet him by the frontdoor, stepping out of the way of the two delivery drivers, dripping with sweat. “Figured I could lend a hand. I assumed things would be a bit hectic.”

Grayson blows out a breath as he puts the box down on the floor between us. “We could use it. He decided to get everything brand new.” Which is evident by the truck behind him, still half full. “I’d usually call the team for help when there’s this much to move but…”

“He hasn’t told them yet?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Not yet. I think he wants to feel settled before telling them.”

“Fair enough. I’m sure he isn’t ready to answer all their questions too.” Turning to the truck, I murmur, “He really didn’t bring anything from his old apartment?”

Grayson’s bemused laugh rings out. “Nothing besides the clothes in his wardrobe.”

My brows rise.I wonder why he’d add extra stress of ordering new furniture on top of everything.

I peer over Grayson’s shoulder, checking no one is around before lowering my voice. “How’s he doing?”

Grayson pauses. “If I’m being honest, I think it will take a while for his head to stop spinning.”

“I can imagine.” Looking into the house, I spot Bella round the corner, opening a pile of boxes and unwrapping items. “How’s B doing?”

If I thought the smile he greeted me with was big, it’s nothing compared to the pure joy on his face as he turns and sets his sights on his girl. “She has good and bad days, but I think the heaviest has passed,” he admits softly, talking about Bella’s grief. “It never completely fades but I think she’s climbed out of the deepest trenches of it.”

Something tells me he isn’t just talking about Bella’s grief but his own. The memory of Drew must be stinging with everything that’s going on. Bella told me the three of them—Grayson, Drew, and Kieran—were as close as if they were all blood brothers.

Kieran must be missing him dearly.

“It really is like losing a limb, thinking it’s there when it’s not.”I’m not sure why, maybe because I feel like I can’t admit this to Bella out of fear of upsetting her, but I find myself confessing, “I miss Trish so much. It’s weird not to be at her house anymore.”

Grayson’s smile is sad. “She was a beautiful woman.”

“That she was.” Taking a shuddering breath, I try to shake off the sadness that always overcomes me when I think of Bella’s mom and her passing. “I’m going to head inside and help. Give a shout if you need anything!”

Taking off, I note how different Kieran’s house is compared to Grayson’s. Right past the entryway, the living and dining rooms stretch out to the back patio, with the kitchen being nestled and tucked inside to the left. Grayson and Bella filled their house with warmth, but with deep rich wood and trim work designs, Kieran’s comes with it. As if the house is a character all on its own, the beauty of it in its base, not the decor.

“Beautiful,” I whisper.

Someone shrieks, and suddenly, Bella’s happy face is rushing for me. “Ahh! I’m so glad you stopped in! I was just about to text you.” As she wraps her arms around me, I soak up her warmth, still savoring the hugs we can finally give each other again.

“Put me to work. How can I help?” I ask. I can finally be the type of person that can carry my weight without getting hit by lethargy or a skyrocketing heart rate twenty minutes in. I’ve even started helping my mom clean the house, which might sound so odd and mundane to most, but I used to get dizzy just from looking down and pushing the vacuum.