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I check all the other cabinets and pull out anything that I can find.
It isn’t much.
Just a pot and pan set, a handful of utensils and serving spoons, and a measuring cup set.
After taping up the box, I say, “Kitchen’s done.”
She looks around the living room and sighs. “I guess all that’s left is to pack everything up and clean.”
We pack Staci’s measly belongings into the moving truck and focus on our next task.
Her bed, dresser, night stands, couch, end tables, dinette table, and the few boxes barely take up half the truck.
Staci grabs the vacuum while I grab the cleaning spray and start in the kitchen.
When she’s done vacuuming, she plops down on the freshly vacuumed living room carpet.
“Why hasn’t he called yet? It’s past five, so I know court is done for the day.”
Looking at the simple clock hanging in her kitchen, I see it is ten past five. “Be patient. Everything will work out.”
“How do you know?” She lets out a long, disappointed sigh.
“I just do. Plus, I have you, so I know everything will be perfect.”
Even if things don’t work out in court, having Staci out of this house and out of this county will be a win.
We finish cleaning in silence. Staci constantly checks her phone for any new information and frowns when her phone doesn’t show any missed calls or messages.
Her lips get further and further from her usual smile and it tears at my heart. There’s nothing I can do to speed things up, even if I tried.
It’s a waiting game, and the game is winning.
“Come on, let’s head home. We can unload the truck and leave everything in the garage tonight.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. And then I’ll make us some dinner.”
“That sounds perfect, as long as I can help.”
When I go to protest, she grabs both of my arms and says, “According to your family saying, I’m no longer a guest or a pest. I’m family.”
Both my heart and dick jump with excitement atthe thought of her being a permanent part of my family.
“Then I guess you get your wish.”
Her lips crash into mine and I’m left stunned. This wasn’t a particularly romantic moment, but I’m not one to look a gift horse in its mouth.
I kiss her back with equal fervor and only break apart to say, “We can unload the truck tomorrow. I need you again.”
She wraps her legs around my waist as I lift her and push her against the drywall in her garage.
Neither one of us care that the door is open for all to see.
We need each other and we need it right now.
Fuck, I am head over heels in love with her and there’s no denying it.