Page 31 of More Than A Fixer-Upper
“I always bring my grandmother’s stuffing,” I reply.
He grabs his laptop and settles beside me on the bed.
“Did you forget something?” I ask, crossing my arms.
He glances at my chest, eyes darkening. I clear my throat and point to my eyes. He shrugs, unapologetic.
“I got everything on your list. The kids are asleep. Dishes are done. What did I miss?”
I pout. “Where’s my kiss?”
He smirks. “Not until I send this email and check the hardware order. When I kiss you, I won’t want to stop.”
I groan, and he leans in for a quick kiss just enough to tease. I try to deepen it, but he pulls back with a grin.
“I love you,” I say, closing my laptop. I’m waiting on Linda’s confirmation, but my paperwork’s done.
“I love you too, love.” That word his name for me always makes me shiver.
Later, when the house is quiet and the work is done, he keeps his promise. We lose ourselves in each other, wrapped in warmth and laughter and whispered plans. He jokes about soundproofing the room, and I laugh into his chest, tracing lazy patterns on his skin.
“This is perfect,” I sigh.
“I’m glad you came into my life,” he murmurs. “I didn’t realize how empty it was until you smiled at me.”
He kisses me again, and this time, I take care of him tender, loving, and full of gratitude.
Life is good. I don’t feel alone anymore. It’s a different kind of completeness than I’ve ever known. My children filled my heart, but this this fills the quiet spaces I didn’t know were empty.
Grandma Rosa gave me the foundation. Chase gave me the rest.
THE END
For now…..more to come
Epilogue
Chase
March
I pace the hospital waiting room, heart pounding. The school called to say Rosalie needed an ambulance. After a week of illness first the kids, then her she’d finally returned to work. Watching my family suffer through that virus was brutal. I felt helpless.
New Year’s Eve was the best day of my life. Rosalie and I got married. Two days later, Gerald, Rosalie, and I stood in court together. Drew and Winnie became Keaton officially, legally, and forever. My family.
Then my dad showed up.
He’d driven past my house, saw someone new living there, and learned I was married with kids. He sat on the porch and cried. Lacy blocked his number after calling him a disgrace. She said she was ashamed of him and of me. Her words hit him hard. He didn’t know what he needed, but he came looking for me.
He apologized. For everything.
We got him into a rehab center in Casper. He asked for extended mental health treatment no alcohol, full supervision. He’ll be home in May. When he’s ready, he wants to help at the bed and breakfast. A caregiver. A fresh start.
My phone buzzes.
ROSALIE: You can come back now.
ME: On my way.
