Page 86 of Caught in Us
“Really?” At the stop light I turn to meet her stare. “It doesn’t scare you? Because I’m not trying to pressure you. We don’t have to do anything more than look.”
“I’m excited to find a place together. We’ve waited too long to start our lives, and I’m okay with fast tracking it. I know what I want. I know it includes you.”
I don’t know how I got so damn lucky. The road we’ve traveled hasn’t been without pain and suffering, but we’re here now—together—an imperfect family who is willing to stay and face the hard stuff.
She’s my lover. The mother of my child. My home. She carries a piece of my heart and I’m ready to face the next chapter of our lives—together.
Epilogue
Alicia
Two monthslater
Hindsight is funny. There have been so many times in the last three years when the weeks dragged on, painfully slowly and lacking joy. Now I think the universe is making up for all those missed moments. Not only do I have Chase back in my life, but our relationship continues to grow every day. I’ve realized leaning on him doesn’t make me weak. It makes me human, and I’m ready to return the favor whenever he has a rough shift at the station or gets bad news regarding one of the teens at the center.
I found a new job, a part-time teaching position at my alma mater. I got lucky after reaching out to a few of my old professors. It’s close. It allows me to spend more time with Matty. It’s something just for me. If I want to work on my doctorate in a few years that’s always an option, but for now I’d rather spend that time with my family. With the money in my trust, I have the privilege of making that choice. It’s a gift my father has afforded me and I’ll always be grateful for that.
Oh, and we bought a house.
I was a little nervous about buying something so soon after getting back together with Chase. What if this didn’t work? What if he changed his mind? In so many ways we were still in the honeymoon phase of our relationship. But Chase put those fears to rest, and we decided to take a chance bidding on a starter home outside the city limits.
It's older. A little rough around the edges. But it’s ours and just what we need. There’s also a massive yard with a playset from the previous owners which was akin to heaven in Matty’s world.
We closed last week and today we’re finally moving in with the help of our friends. My brother Eddie volunteered to keep Matty for the day so we could get settled in without a two-year-old running around, and I’m wildly thankful for that.
The guys have been making trips from my mom’s and Chase’s place all morning, hauling boxes to our new home. They bustle in and out of the house with a new load while Jill and Callie help me unpack.
I kinda forgot how controlling and obsessive Callie is in these situations, but honestly, it works. We’re making great headway. She stands next to the counter checking a few things off her clipboard with color-coded pens before stopping to break down a few empty boxes. Jill’s in charge of dishes since she’s tall enough to reach the top shelves of the upper cabinets without requiring a step stool.
I’m on the floor unpacking pots and pans into the lower cabinet when I realize I’m missing a few. “Hey, Callie. Is that extra box around, the one with the rest of the pans?”
She turns, walking over to search the most recent delivery of boxes marked kitchen. “Yep! Here.” She bends down and wraps her hands under the bottom, ready to lift it.
“No! Don’t!” Ash shouts from the doorway. He hauls ass, running across the living room, practically jumping onto the kitchen island and sliding across it before reaching Callie’s side. She stands there stunned silent while he takes it from her. “You promised.” His eyes are wide with worry. “I thought we agreed, no boxes.”
“I’m sorry. I forgot!” Her distress is clear.
The entire conversation is so weird it’s almost comical, but by their concerned frowns, they aren’t ready to laugh about it.
Jill shifts to stare at them, placing her hand on her hip. “What’s going on here, guys?” There’s humor in her question.
The answer is obvious, at least to Jill and me. But Cam and Chase are clueless as they gather around, curiosity etched in their brows.
“We weren’t going to say anything until next week but I guess the cat’s out of the bag.” Callie cradles her stomach. “We’re pregnant!”
“Oh, my God!” I scream, running over to embrace my friend.
“Fuck,” Jill grumbles. “This means more diapers and screaming.” She saunters over, joining our group hug. Her snarkiness fades with a genuine smile. “I’m happy for you, mama.”
“Congratulations, man.” Cam holds out his hand to Ash.
“That’s right.” He shakes it then flashes a proud grin at Callie. “I knocked my woman up.”
“Please.” Chase rolls his eyes. “It’s not rocket science.”
“Don’t you get any ideas.” Jill glares, pointing at Cam.
He holds his hands up in the air. “Not me. I’ve got everything I want. I don’t need a baby to make our family complete.”
