Lo had reasoned that since they were looking for an apartment andI had an actual yard at my house, Fuzzy would be happier with me. He hadn’t had a yard yet, and he’d become very set in his routine, requiring two long walks each day, so that argument was bogus, but I’d been too deliriously happy lately to put up much of a fight.
Being with Jess, planning our future, and seizing every moment had left me vulnerable. If the girls asked for a pet giraffe, I’d probably say yes. At this point, all they’d demanded, other than Fuzzy, was just bunk beds, a foosball table, and a promise to see Lake Paige every time she went on tour.
“We could find tenants for the first two floors,” Sully suggested.
“Sebastian and I will miss you all,” Madame E said. “But you were terrible neighbors.”
We all laughed.
She closed her eyes. “Oh my. Have I got the tenant for you.”
I looked to Sully, then Cal, then Lo.
“Don’t worry. She won’t be here until October. Long story. Lots of drama. Ooh, look at the time.”
She jumped up, smoothing the skirt of her orange floral dress. “I have to head to Harry’s for a nightcap.” With a wink, she headed back inside.
“Do we even want to guess what that meant?” Sloane asked.
I leaned back, putting my arm around Jess. She relaxed against me, dropping her head to my shoulder. It felt incredible being surrounded by my people, with the knowledge that our future was full of so much more to look forward to.
My life was different. I was different. The closed-off workaholic who had moved in here one year ago had gotten his ass kicked and had learned there was a better way to live. I’d taken risks and put myself on the line, and I’d won the love of my life and two amazing kids in the process.
I still had a lot to learn, but one thing was certain: New Jersey was a magical fucking place.
