25
STEVEN
“Alright, home sweet home,” I call out as we step into my house with a few bags in hand. Damian runs inside and immediately jumps on the couch, making himself at home.
Becca laughs, shaking her head as she sets down a box markedbathroom. “He’s such a ham,” she giggles.
She kneels to open the box, but I stop her. “Hey, it’s been a long day. We can unpack tomorrow. Tonight, we should get you both settled and comfortable. And…Damian can even pick which room he wants.”
His eyes perk up, and he looks at his mother. “Can I really?” He waits for her nod of approval before taking off at a full sprint down the hallway.
“Only one off-limits is mine!” I shout after him. I feel her soft hand pressing against my lower back, and I put my arm over her shoulder as we happily watch Damian shoot across the hall to inspect all the available rooms.
Her head rests gently against me, and her warmth immediately makes this entire day worth it. “Thank you again for letting us come here. I don’t want to be a burden.”
“Nope…Absolutely not.” Shaking my head, I pull away from her and lift her chin so she is looking at me. “Don’t ever say that again. You and Damian willneverbe a burden to me. I love you both. You’re my family now.”
It hurts me to think that she sees herself that way. She could never be a burden to me. If anything, she’s the reason there’s meaning to my life again. Becca is my person.
“I want this one!” Damian yells, and we walk back down the hallway to see him standing in one of my smaller spare rooms with a bed already inside. When I first moved in, I initially used this one as my office, but it quickly turned into a room where my brother would crash.
I suppose I won’t be needing that anymore. The walls are already painted a navy blue, and there is a decent-sized dresser, empty and ready for his wardrobe. Personally, this is the one I would’ve chosen for him.
“It’s perfect!” he continues as he jumps on the bed. “Which one are you picking, Mommy?”
The question hits me harder than I expected, as we didn’t have time to discuss the details of how—or when—we’re going to tell him the truth.
“Oh, well…” she begins, but I cut in.
“Let’s get some dinner together before we have her choose. Spaghetti okay?”
With a bright smile, he says yes, and within seconds, the crisis is averted. Becca helps me cook while Damian starts putting some of his toys back in his new bedroom. Dinner goes amazingly, and it’s nice that my dining room table is finally getting some use.
It’s normally a catchall for my junk. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that this is now my life. This house hasn’t felt this warm since I purchased it.
I like to think it was always meant for all of us…
After dinner, Becca puts Damian to bed, and I lie against the back of the couch, ecstatic that the day is finally coming to an end. While I’m happy that they are here with me now, I’ve had enough drama for one day.
Between patching things up with her, Russell trying to fight me, and Becca getting kicked out, I think we all need some relaxation.
Becca soon joins me in the quiet living room, her body dropping down beside me as her head falls on my shoulder. “I am exhausted,” she reveals. “I wish it was summer, because I’d be living in that pool you have out back.”
We both laugh as she sets her hand on my stomach. “Just a couple more months,” I remind her. “But for now, let’s get some sleep. Are you…sleeping in my bed? Or would you be more comfortable by yourself?”
Her head lifts so she can see my eyes. “That’s a stupid question.” Her mouth forms a smile as she leans in to kiss me. “I know we have to talk to Damian, but I just couldn’t do it tonight. But I was thinking—or hoping that your bed would becomeourbed? I mean, if we are really going to make a go at this…You and me, then I think we need to do it right.”
“You took the words right out of my mouth,” I reply softly. My eyes quickly grow heavier, and I stand, grabbing her hand to follow me toourroom.
It has a nice ring to it…
With the size of my house—five bedrooms and three bathrooms total—she can have any room she wants, but knowing she wants to share my space warms my heart. Waking up next to her every morning is something I’ve wanted for five years.
It just doesn’t feel real yet.
Holding out my hand, she takes it, and I lead her back down the darkened hallway to her new bedroom…our bedroom.
As I sit in the bed, leaning against the softened headboard, I can’t help but admire her. Becca stands in front of the mirror in the master bathroom, rinsing her face with her cleanser. She’s wearing a loose-fitting nightgown and her hair is tied up in a messy bun, but I’ve never been more attracted to her.
