“I wasn’t expecting you today,” I say. “You were up late. If you want to skip, it’s fine.”
Drew shakes his head. “School starts next week. I’ve only got a few days left to work. What can I do?”
“Grab those gloves. See all those shingles and nails?” I point to the pile. “They need to go to the dumpster. It’s clean up for now, but we’ll get you building soon. Not glamorous.”
“It’s work, and I’m happy to be working.” He smiles. “Hailey was snoring, so I didn’t want to wake her.”
“Yeah, she’s not a morning person unless she decides to be.”
We work until lunch. Rosalie steps outside in a T-shirt and jean shorts.
“I made lunch. Drew, come help me bring it out?”
He nods and looks at me. I wave him on.
She made chicken pasta and salad. It’s damn good. I kiss her in front of the crew, who hoot and holler. I help her clean up.
“You told me you’re all in this morning,” she says.
“You heard me?”
She nods.
“I want to come home to you and the kids. Last night made me feel alive like I’m part of a family I’ve never had before.”
“I want that too,” she says. “We’ll talk more with the kids. But Mr. Keaton, I want dates.”
I laugh and kiss her again.
Seth and I stay late. I show him the cabin plans, and he loves the idea. He adds some input, and we sketch out possibilities.
I let Rosalie know I won’t be there tonight guys’ night with Adam, Seth, and Gerald at the local bar. We do it once a week. She kisses me goodbye and says she’ll see me tomorrow.
The girls are leaving after dinner. Luke and Micah left after lunch. Rosalie and the kids are hanging out tonight, making school supply lists and prepping for shopping.
The smile doesn’t leave my face. Not even when I walk into the bar and see my father with Lacy. He’s collecting her money while she sneers at me. He orders drinks like nothing’s changed.
She doesn’t care. I don’t either.
He’s not my problem anymore.
The weight of the world is off my shoulders.
I’m finally free to be me.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Rosalie
Chase’screwworkedhardon 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.
