Page 23 of More Than A Fixer-Upper (Hope Runs Deep #13)

Rosalie

Chase’s crew worked hard on the bed and breakfast until the snowstorm hit two weeks ago. It felt like the whole town shut down. Thankfully, we finished the roof, siding, and the new porch before the weather turned. The interior remodel will pick back up once the snow clears.

I’m grateful for that time with Chase. Four months in, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, he’s been gradually moving in.

He’s selling his house. The kids love having him here.

The other night, while pouring drinks, Winnie asked for his order but accidentally called him “Dad.” She froze, cheeks flushed, but Chase just pulled her into a hug and thanked her for trusting him.

That moment quiet and profound still lingers.

We even cleaned out my mom’s room. Katie sent us design ideas and is thrilled to have a space here. She’s already calling it “her room.”

I’m working on the computer when Chase walks in, stripping off his clothes and dropping them into the hamper.

He’s been rearranging the office to fit two desks one for him, one for Seth.

Keaton Construction will be based out of here until they build something closer.

I start my teaching job after the New Year.

“Ellen wants to know what you’re bringing for Thanksgiving,” he says, stepping out of the bathroom in pajama bottoms. I glance up, catching sight of his abs and biting back a grin. I’m a lucky woman.

“I always bring my grandmother’s stuffing,” I reply.

He grabs his laptop and settles beside me on the bed.

“Did you forget something?” I ask, crossing my arms.

He glances at my chest, eyes darkening. I clear my throat and point to my eyes. He shrugs, unapologetic.

“I got everything on your list. The kids are asleep. Dishes are done. What did I miss?”

I pout. “Where’s my kiss?”

He smirks. “Not until I send this email and check the hardware order. When I kiss you, I won’t want to stop.”

I groan, and he leans in for a quick kiss just enough to tease. I try to deepen it, but he pulls back with a grin.

“I love you,” I say, closing my laptop. I’m waiting on Linda’s confirmation, but my paperwork’s done.

“I love you too, love.” That word his name for me always makes me shiver.

Later, when the house is quiet and the work is done, he keeps his promise. We lose ourselves in each other, wrapped in warmth and laughter and whispered plans. He jokes about soundproofing the room, and I laugh into his chest, tracing lazy patterns on his skin.

“This is perfect,” I sigh.

“I’m glad you came into my life,” he murmurs. “I didn’t realize how empty it was until you smiled at me.”

He kisses me again, and this time, I take care of him tender, loving, and full of gratitude.

Life is good. I don’t feel alone anymore. It’s a different kind of completeness than I’ve ever known. My children filled my heart, but this this fills the quiet spaces I didn’t know were empty.

Grandma Rosa gave me the foundation. Chase gave me the rest.

THE END

For now…..more to come