Page 20

Chapter twenty

Abby

“I swear, if I have to untangle one more set of lights, I’m giving up and using candles,” I mutter under my breath, wrestling with a stubborn string of lights that has somehow managed to knot itself into an unbreakable web.

Quinn chuckles beside me, her hands expertly stringing lights around the porch railing like she was born for this. “Come on, Abs. Where’s your spirit?”

“Buried somewhere under this mess.” I blow a stray curl out of my face, glaring at the lights. “Maybe I should just leave it like this. Call it abstract décor.”

“Or you could let Beck help,” Quinn suggests, a knowing grin tugging at her lips. “I’m pretty sure he’d jump at the chance.”

I pause, my fingers stilling for a moment.

Beck.

Even thinking his name makes my heart do that stupid fluttery thing it’s been doing ever since he chose us over Boston.

He stayed.

For me. For Jake.

For us .

And I still can’t believe it.

“Earth to Abby,” Quinn teases, waving a hand in front of my face. “You’re smiling like a lovesick teenager. Want to share with the class?”

“Shut up.” I laugh, but there’s no denying the warmth spreading through my chest, my whole body.

“Fine, keep your secrets.” Quinn’s grin softens, and her eyes take on that protective, little sister look she gets when she’s about to get serious. “But… you deserve this, Abs.”

My throat tightens. “Do I?”

“Yes.” Her voice is firm, leaving no room for doubt. “After everything you’ve been through… it’s okay to let yourself be happy again.”

I blink back the sudden sting in my eyes.

“I am happy,” I whisper, the words feeling more real with every breath.

“Good.” Quinn’s smile widens. “Now, let’s finish these lights before Jake decides we’re taking too long and takes over.”

Beck arrives later that morning and pulls Jake outside for a man to man talk. He loves spending time with Jake, so I figure it’s just to throw some balls around.

But no. Jake comes flying into the porch, yelling through the screen door. He’s breathless and obviously excited to have a duty given to him by Beck. It’s apparently for me to get moving.

“Mom, hurry up!”

Jake’s voice echoes from the front yard, his excitement practically vibrating through the air.

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” I call out, wiping my hands on my jeans as I follow Jake and Quinn toward the driveway.

When I step outside, my breath catches.

Beck is standing beside his truck, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Get in, both of you. Okay, Spotty you too.” Leaving Quinn at my house baking, per her usual, we drive a few miles to the outskirts of Elmwood when he pulls over and takes out two blindfolds.

Jake is all-in for any adventure, so he puts his on without delay. But me? I begin to ask question after question. Where are we going? Why the blindfold? What are we going to see? Will there be animals? What about bugs? When…

“Stop! In the name of everything good in mother nature. Stop!” Beck interrupts. “Remember our discussions about trust and how trust between us will be essential?”

Well, yeah, okay. He’s got me there. Okay. I clap my mouth shut, place the blindfold over my eyes and wait. When we stop a few minutes later, I slip out of my seat to the ground and take Jake’s hand. With the noise Spotty is making, it’s all I can do not to rip the dreaded blindfold off. But I don’t.

Beck positions us facing the truck and tells us to take them off. So, we’re looking at the same truck as ever. No scrapes, no dents. So, what’s the deal?

And then I realize something. It’s not the truck, but it’s the house behind it that steals the air from my lungs.

A charming farmhouse, nestled just on the outskirts of town. White with blue shutters, a wraparound porch, and a yard big enough for Spotty to run wild.

There’s a sold sign in the front yard behind the white picket fence. My heart pounds in my chest.

“Beck…” My voice barely works as I take a step closer; my eyes locked on the house. “What is this?”

Beck’s smile softens; his eyes filled with something that makes my knees go weak.

“It’s for us,” he says softly, his gaze holding mine. “For you. For Jake.”

I blink, trying to process the words, but my brain isn’t cooperating.

“You bought a house?” My voice is barely above a whisper.

Beck nods, stepping closer until he’s right in front of me, his hands finding mine. “I wanted to give us a place where we could build a life. A home . It’s my wedding gift to you … but only if you want it, if you like it.”

Of course, I need to officially be asked to marry him and say yes. But that’s already a given in my heart.

My throat tightens, and I blink rapidly to keep the tears at bay.

“But… Beck…”

“Shh.” He presses a kiss to my forehead, his touch grounding me. “I know it’s a lot. But I meant what I said, Abby.” His voice drops, and I feel the truth in every word. “I’m all in. Wherever you and Jake are… that’s where I want to be.”

My heart swells, and for a moment, I can’t breathe.

“Beck…” I whisper, my voice trembling.

“Come see it.” His smile is warm and full of hope. “I think you’re going to love it. But remember, this is your decision, not mine. I can and will sell it in a heartbeat, whatever you say.”

***

He opens the door, all but carrying me across the doorway. Maybe that will come soon?

Walking through the house feels like stepping into a dream.

The farmhouse style kitchen is bright and open, with enough space for Jake to do his homework on the island while I cook. The sink is almost big enough to put Spotty in – not that I would, and not that he would let me. I’m loving the blue walls and white cabinets that make me happy just looking at them. When Jake opens a door I’m totally in awe – what looked like a large cabinet door opens into a room full of shelves and a laundry. Holy cow!

The living room has a cozy fireplace where I already can picture us gathered around on cold winter nights. The first floor has all the usual rooms but with the addition of a huge office space which will be enough for both of us to share.

Going upstairs I’m just as impressed. There are four bedrooms plus the primary. Now THAT makes me stop and gaze at the big guy next to me. My eyebrows shoot up, and he gets my message. He just shrugs with a looney smirk on his face. Oh yeah, I get his return message loud and clear. And quite frankly I’m all in.

And the one he has already designated as Jake’s room? It’s perfect.

“Mom, look!” Jake’s voice is filled with pure excitement as he races into what he has already figured is his future bedroom. “It’s huge! And there’s space for all my hockey stuff!” Beck tells him that he can paint it any color he wants – Except! he says, the colors of his team’s arch enemy, the Thunderhawks.

I laugh softly, my chest tightening as I watch my son bounce around the room like he’s won the lottery.

But when I turn back to Beck…

My heart nearly stops. He’s watching me. Not the house. Not Jake.

Me. He’s watching me .

“Beck…” My voice catches, but he’s already moving toward me, closing the distance between us.

“Do you like it?” His voice is soft, but there’s a vulnerability in his eyes that takes my breath away.

“I love it,” I whisper, my throat tightening. “But… you didn’t have to do this.”

“Yes, I did.” Beck’s hands cradle my face, his thumb brushing against my cheek. “Because I’m not going anywhere, Abby. I’m done playing defense when it comes to us.”

My chest tightens, and this time, I can’t hold back the tears. “Beck…”

“I love you.” His voice is steady, full of conviction. “And I love Jake. This… this is where I want to be. Always.” He makes a full circle with his hands and arms raised.

My heart is pounding so hard I swear he can hear it.

“Say something, Abs,” Beck whispers, his forehead resting against mine.

“I love you,” I breathe, my voice trembling. “So much.”

Beck’s lips capture mine in a kiss that steals the air from my lungs and seals a promise that’s been building between us for so long.

After the house we go on a tour of the land and the barn – a real barn! There are stalls for horses. Maybe? Or goats or donkeys. “But no pigs!” I tell the boys who are already talking about what goes where. Or who goes where.

I’m intrigued by the chicken yard with overnight coops for safety. And the garage next to the house for all things boy-toy. I hope I can have a corner for a girlie motorbike. I’m thinking of pink and white peppermint stripes. Oh yeah! That will be a test of Beck’s true devotion. I can see the guys from his team now, unmerciful in their teasing.

Then, some serious contemplation sets in. I feel ready for this step, but I still need to protect Jake. Deep in my heart I know that with Beck, he will not need my protection. That is how sure I am of Mr. Superstar Hayes.

This…

This is going to be a great home for us and for as many little Hayes people as Beck and I want.

Home. Our Home.