Ava clasps her hands together. “We couldn’t wait to have you home, so that calls for a celebration.”
After eating and catching Evan up on what’s been going on over the past few weeks, I study him to make sure he’s okay.
“You feeling alright?” I ask.
He hums before glancing up at me. “Yeah,” he murmurs. “I can’t remember the last time anyone has made this much of a fuss over me.”
“Well, you should get used to it because you’re very important to a lot of people here,” I state before gripping onto his fingers, running my thumb along the back of his hand. “And you’re very important to me, which means I’m always going to make a fuss.”
Evan squeezes my fingers, and a light tingles runs up my arm. We both stare at each other.
“I’ve got a surprise for us later,” I break the silence.
He quirks a brow. “A surprise?”
“Yeah, I think it’s going to do us both some good,” I say. “Especially after not seeing you for so long.”
“Okay.” He grins. “I’m excited.”
“You should be.” I wink.
Kayleigh walks towards us, and Evan glances at her. “Evan, I have so much to tell you.”
“I wanna hear everything.”
“Sorry, I’m stealing your man,” she says to me. “But it’s important.”
“Steal him away,” I say as I remove my hand from his slowly. “But I want him back.”
Kayleigh smiles. “Of course.”
When they leave, I lean onto the counter.
Jaxon perches beside me. “How’s it going?”
I nod at his presence. “Good. I’m glad he’s home.”
“You and I both. Ava was getting a little antsy.” He laughs before folding his arms over his chest. “How have you been? It’s been a while.”
“I know. Been busy rebuilding my connection with my pack and attempting to get a hold of my powers. Trying to distract myself while Evan’s been away.”
Jaxon smiles. “Glad you’ve been keeping busy. How’s it been with your pack?”
“We’re getting there,” I confess. “Still got more to work on, but definitely heading in the right direction.”
“I’m pleased for you, Caleb,” he says wholeheartedly. “I know all of this hasn’t been easy for you, but we’re always here for you. If we can help in any way, we will.”
“You have no idea how much that means.”
“Need a little positivity and optimism right now. We’ve all gone through the worst shit, and now it’s time to fucking live,” he says deeply, and I release a laugh.
“Absolutely. I can’t wait to live a normal life.”
Jaxon smirks. “Don’t think there’s such a thing as normal.”
“True. Happy then.”
“Happy indeed.”
