Fair Lakes Series Box Set - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,173

I remind you of how Sophia got here?” she asks, referring to how her daughter was conceived an hour after Gwen and Harrison’s divorce was final.

I pull a face. “No! I do not want to hear about that. And neither does Milo. Don’t corrupt his perfect little mind with your crudeness.”

Gwen laughs. “That’s like the pot calling the kettle black, sister. Now, let me have my nephew. I can’t wait to tell him all about the time his daddy and Uncle Harrison went streaking down Main Street.”

Chapter 12

Chase

I’ve watched Harrison watch the clock, waiting for it to strike five so he can head home more times than I can count. I remember thinking he’s whipped, and laughed to myself, and sometimes out loud, to him. I knew he loved his wife and daughter, but I never understood the urgency. The need that consumed him to be home with them.

Until now.

I get it.

At work since just before eight, and I feel as though I’ve checked the time every minute since. Not just that, but I’ve been incessantly checking my phone for missed calls or messages. I’d already changed my hours to be home with Gabby. And coming home to her is unlike anything I’ve ever known. Now, even more so because she’s mine. I understand that fluttery feeling in my chest, and the excitement that courses through my veins. I get that laying eyes on her, in our home after being away from her for hours is something to be cherished.

I understand how fucking lucky I am that she’s still there. She could have run the minute Milo showed up on our doorstep, but she surprised me when she stayed. Every moment since then, there has been worry nagging at me in the back of my mind, worry that she can still leave. However, Gabby’s surprised me at every turn. I knew she was strong and fiercely dedicated to those she loves, but this… taking care of my son, well that puts her even higher on the pedestal I have her on. Not because of what she’s giving me, but for her acceptance. And the pedestal, she’s there because of what she means to me.

Love.

I love her. Not the “I love you for helping me out” kind of love. No, it’s the fluttery-butterfly feeling in the pit of your stomach, it’s the increased heart rate every time she walks into a room, and it’s the bone-crushing fear that I might one day have to live my life without her by my side. Now that I know what it feels like to have her in my arms at night, in my bed, I never want it to be any other way between us.

“Chase.” Harrison snaps his fingers, and I shake out of my thoughts and focus on my best friend. “I’m not even going to ask, because I know.” He’s grinning like he just won the lottery. “I’m even going to do you a solid and not mention it. This time.” He holds up one finger. “However, the next time, it’s on. I owe you years of bagging on me about my wife.”

I can’t hold back my smile. “I deserve it and can take whatever you want to throw my way. I get it now.”

“You done for the day?” he asks.

I glance at the clock once again. “Yeah, my four o’clock never showed.” It’s now twenty minutes after their scheduled time.

“Night shift crew is here.” Harrison points over to where the evening shift coordinator is talking to a group of women, early twenties if I had to guess. He’s a young guy, single, and he takes full advantage of that. “Head on home. I’m going to.”

“I’m sure Gabby could use a break.”

“By the way, we need to make plans so I can spend some time with my nephew.”

I nod as a slow smile tilts my lips. “We’re still adjusting, but you tell me when and we’ll make it happen.” With that, I rush back to the office, grab my bag and keys, and head out. I stop and pick up Chinese for dinner, hoping we will both get a break, and maybe get some sleep.

When I pull up to the house, the lights are out. Grabbing our food, I enter through the side garage door and see Gabby’s car. Quietly, I make my way into the house, setting our dinner on the island before I go in search of my girl, and my son.

My son.

That’s a hard one to get used to,

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