Her eyes danced around the room. She looked from the fairy lights that twinkled where the now sage walls met the white ceiling to the new dark gray laminate on the floor. When you walked through the door straight ahead, to the left was the door to her bathroom. Along that same wall sat her new blackwooden dresser, shelves that held new plants, and the knick-knacks that were able to be saved after the storm.
Across from the dresser sat her new bed and bed frame. It was black with gold accents on the storage drawers at the bottom. The headboard had a soft white light, a shelf, and could charge devices. The opposite half of the room was turned into a small reading nook since it was something she was passionate about when Tucker and I weren't distracting her.
She was walking around silently, admiring everything in her finished room.
“Thank you, guys, so much.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, almost as if she spoke any louder, she would break.
“We love you, Shortcake. I hope you realize we will do anything to make you feel that love.” My voice came out a little shaky, but I needed her to know.
Tears filled her eyes again, “And I love you both.” She took a deep breath and looked at me, and then at Tucker. “Would you guys like to move in with me?” Her voice cracked when she spoke, a smile creeping onto her face. “I know it would be a lot for you, Cam, and it’s so soon, but… I had to put the option out there. The house wouldn't feel complete without you guys and Chaplin here.”
My eyes widened at her request.Holy shit? Moving in together?Selling my first house to move in with the woman I loved? The response was the easiest one I had ever given. “Absolutely.”
Her eyes lit up. “Wait. Seriously?”
“Yeah, for me, home is wherever you two are. I’ll rent out the house or sell it, but I want to be here.” I blinked away the tears stinging my eyes.
“I agree. Plus, Chaplin would love it here, and I know I will too. I can be completely moved in before Christmas, Sugar.”
We were all smiling, teary-eyed, but so thrilled. Shit was moving fast, but we all knew what we wanted. I think it helpedthat I have known Harper for ages, and we have known Tucker for a bit, too. I am so fucking lucky the universe led us all together.
41
TUCKER
Packing my apartment to start a new life with my little family was unreal. Chaplin moved into the house a few days ago. Oddly enough, he doesn’t like to be apart from Harper for long. I thought he wasn’t much of a people person, but he seems drawn to her. Honestly, I don’t blame him because so am I.
I had a lot of emotions about moving in, but the overall feeling was excitement. I needed to be with Cameron and Harper. I don’t know if it was the “honeymoon phase” or if I was just addicted to them, but they were it for me. I loved them.
I think Harper was a bit nervous about it all. She’s been acting a bitoff. Our girl has been nauseous more times than not, eating less because of it, refusing her favorite foods, and sleeping more. Even called off work the other day because she couldn’t stop crying about Chaplin not having a friend. I think the stress has gone to her head, but I’m sure once things are said and done, she’ll be okay.
Packing was pretty simple since Harper’s place was fully furnished. Basically, all I was taking were my clothes and shit I’ve collected over the years. I haven’t formed too many attachmentsto items since I was rarely home, but I did keep stuff from when I left the ranch. I missed home, but my lucky horseshoe and old stuffed cow felt like a piece of home to me. Which reminded me, I really needed to visit my grandma soon. We talk on the phone weekly, and she’s well, but I should introduce her to my significant others. Apparently, from what Wren had explained, Harper had already met her once before. What were the odds?
Going up and down the elevator, loading boxes and bags into my truck, was exhausting. I had sold the stuff that I wasn’t taking with me to people I knew in town and donated even more.
Once I held the last box in my arms, I looked around my empty apartment and felt… nothing. I had lived here for four years now, and it hadn’t quite felt like home; it was a place to kick up my feet and relax, a place to sleep, and a place to eat. Of course, I have had people over in the past few years, but this apartment didn’t mean much of anything to me. My family did. I headed towards the door, hanging the key on the hook as the landlord had requested before locking the door and stepping out.
* * *
When we discussed living arrangements, we decided we all needed our own designated space, but Harper’s bed was large enough for all of us to sleep in when we wanted to. The upstairs bathroom divided the two bedrooms that were across the hallway from Harper’s room. I chose the room at the end of the hall.
I managed to haul all of my things from my truck to my new room in record time. By the time I was done, I was sweaty and working on catching my breath. I sat on the floor amongst my things, using my new dresser for back support. I took out myphone to see that it was a little after two in the afternoon. Both of my partners were at work. It was only Tuesday, but I had taken the day off to move.
I opened the group chat we made for our game night last month and sent a message.
Me: Hey, guys. Just double-checking everyone can make it this Friday.
It was rare for holidays to land on weekends, but this year, Christmas Eve was on a Friday. From what Harper has said, everyone has the day off from work. We were doing an ugly sweater party to celebrate, and honestly, I couldn’t wait.
Princess: If you’re coming pls bring something with you.
Reed: I’m bringing Wren. Does that count?
Princess: Oh, sorry you’re uninvited
Wren: Ignore him. We will be there, and we will bring booze and dessert, just haven’t decided on what yet.
Me: Thank you!
