Page 48 of Intertwined Hearts

He had told me he needed to get everything situated with Jessica, then we’d begin planning and looking for a place. His plan was to get out closer to the coast, which I agreed with. When he told me he wanted to get a new house out that way I was shocked. I joked that Nikki had done a number on him, but he insisted it was his idea. He was ready to move and let Nikki help him find a house she’d love. A house she’d feel was their home, not just his.

The following morning, Jackie and I had been trying to figure out what we were going to do when I got an unexpected phone call from Jeff.

“Hey, man, what’s up?”

“Hunter, I need a huge favor.”

“Sure, you name it.”

“Is Jackie around?”

“Yeah, she’s right here. Why?”

“Remember you guys offered to watch the kids sometime? We really need to take you up on that offer right now. Nikki’s dad had another stroke, and he’s at General. We just got here, and as long as I have the kids, I can’t go in the room with her.”

“Aw, man, I’m sorry to hear that. Give us twenty minutes and we’ll be there.”

“Thanks, man. Tell Jackie thanks too.”

Our plans were decided for us. We knew Nikki’s dad hadn’t been doing too well.

We returned to our place with the kids. Jeff gave me his key to the house in case we needed anything or wanted to go hang out by the pool. Abby wasn’t a problem at all. She was old enough to tell us what she wanted or didn’t want. Alexander couldn’t yet, so we were going to be playing a guessing game with him, but it was one both of us were more than happy to play.

Chapter 37

Jackie

We had so much fun with the kids. Abby is such a little smart mouth, and loves to play any game. Alexander had to be the happiest baby I’d ever seen. He fussed a little, but not much. Then we got the news that Nikki’s dad had passed away. When we got the call from Jeff, it really put a damper on an otherwise great day.

We offered to keep the kids for the night, but Nikki was insistent they come home with her. We understood and dropped them off when Jeff let us know they were home.

I was devastated. I had known Calvin, Nikki’s father, from when I was younger. Nikki and I hugged each other and cried together while Jeff and Hunter took care of the kids. We both needed that time together. We spent quite a bit of time reminiscing about her dad coming home from work, or him busting into her room to make sure we weren’t doing anything we shouldn’t be. Even though it was a sad time, we both laughed at the great, fond memories.

The ride home was quiet. Hunter held my hand in his. It had been a long, emotional day, but I had made up my mind about two things we had discussed.

We entered the house and Hunter walked into the living room, while I went into the kitchen.

“Hunter?” I said.

He quickly made his way to me. “I swear, I didn’t do it,” he said. We both laughed. I needed his humor to lift my spirits.

“No, silly. I wanted to just tell you, you and Jeff should definitely give the gym a try. Life is short. And you’ll never know if it could be a success unless you give it a shot.”

“It’s going to take all the money I have saved. And if it fails, I’m out thousands.”

I cupped his face in my hands. “I have faith in you and Jeff. I don’t think it’ll fail. Give it a shot so you have no regrets.”

He lowered his lips to mine, and our tongues found each other.

“Another thing,” I said. “If you agree, I think we should begin the adoption application process. Having the kids here made me realize how ready I am to have a family with you.”

“That’s awesome! I’m so excited. I love you so much.” He picked me up and twirled me around in the air before setting me back on my feet. “Let’s do this, baby.”

“One more thing, Hunter,” I said.

“Yeah?”

“I took this place off the market for now. I think we need to look really stable as a couple to get the adoption agency to consider us. And I think if any loans are needed for the gym, or anything like that, we have a lower payment than we would if we bought something new.”

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