Page 119 of Where We Fall

“Yeah, and SiSi won’t know what to do if she doesn’t get her Uncle Marcus's attention,” Gabe adds.

It is ridiculous that they even think I wouldn’t be home to still be a part of their kids’ lives.

“You don’t have to worry about that. Lexi and I plan to make it back as often as we can. Right, babe?”

“Of course. I love how close you guys are. I would never want that to change just because we moved.”

“Well,” Gabe starts. “It looks like we have a deal.”

I can’t contain my smile. “Deal.”

Mia claps her hands excitedly. “Now, do we get to tell them the best part?”

Luke nods at her.

"Savannah found the greatest office downtown for you guys. It’s a one-year lease that you can re-sign if you would like. It’s small but gives you the room to grow if necessary. There are eight offices, conference rooms, and a nice-sized kitchen. It’s also right on the main section of the Chicago River.”

Lexi nearly jumps off her seat. “Are you serious? I was thinking the other day about how much I would love to work by the river again.”

“It seems like your wish came true. Do you guys want to go check it out?” Gabe asks.

“Right now?” I reply.

“Why not,” he says with a shrug. “We could check out the office and then grab some dinner downtown.”

“I’m down,” Lexi says.

“Our hotel is down there anyway,” Mia says. “Why don’t we all get cleaned up and meet at the office in a couple of hours?”

We agree to meet there at around four. My siblings hop in their rental car, leaving Lexi and me at the house.

As soon as I shut the door, I turn to Lexi.

“Can you believe it?” she asks with her hands over her mouth.

I shake my head. “Honestly, no. I really didn’t see that coming at all.”

“It makes sense, though, right? Your largest client is here, and it’s a great location for an office. The location alone can put the company on the map for tons of buyers.”

“It makes perfect sense. It’s just…last week, I went off on them because I thought they didn’t value me or my opinion. Today, they are apologizing and trusting me to take on something this significant in our company.”

“I don’t think they didn’t ever value you. You heard them. They always thought they were protecting you. It might just take some time for you to adjust to this.”

She’s right. She’s always right. Everything that has happened in my life since we started seeing each other has been long overdue.

“You’re right. All of this, it’s because of you.”

“What? Not at all. This is all your hard work that they’re recognizing.”

I grab her hand and pull her to me, wrapping my arms around her waist.

“No, it’s you. I would’ve never stood up for myself if I didn’t have your encouragement to do so. You came into my life and opened my eyes to so much. I owe all of this to you. Thank you.”

Her face softens as her eyes meet mine. “You’re welcome. You did the same for me.”

“I didn’t do a damn thing,” I whisper. “You were always perfect.”

“Not true.”

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