Chapter 25

Jasmine

I narrow my eyes suspiciously at him as he walks in with our bags. Bella has run inside to explore the house.

“What sort of a rental is this? I thought it was going to be some quaint little cottage.”

He puts the bags down and runs his hand through his hair. That only makes me more suspicious. He only does that when he is nervous.

“What aren’t you telling me?”

“I bought us this house.”

I glance over my shoulder to see if Bella is there.

“It’s not a house. It’s a fucking mansion.”

“That’s not what the listing said. You don’t like it?”

I close my eyes at his hurt expression.

His arms wrap around my face as he rocks me from side to side. I relax on his chest.

“It’s beautiful, but it was a big decision. I can’t just do whatever I want. I have to consider Bella.”

“You can ask Carina. The area is amazing. Bella can go to school with Connor.”

“What about when Bella wants to go see her dad?”

I push his chest to move out of his arms. His grip turns into a vise.

“Baby, it’s only a short drive. If she ever wants to visit Reese, I will never say no to either of you. If I am unavailable, dad or Lucas can take you.”

“I don’t know.”

“Bella, do you like this house?” Christian shouts out.

She lets out a scream, and I can hear her running towards us.

“I love it. There is a pool outside!”

They are both working together. I am sure of it.

I lie by the poolside in my bikini after Christian inspected my swim wear. His family is coming over to pick Bella up. They are all going to Legoland. I have to admit it’s been so peaceful living here for the last few days. It feels strange not being in the city.

Nothing ties us there anymore. Christian said we can go back and pack my personal things together and get the movers to get everything else. I need to see Mrs Geller. I don’t want to lose touch with her. If I could persuade her to move here, I would. But I know she has lived in the city all her life and she wouldn’t want to move away. I will let her know the offer is there for her.

I hear everyone before I see them. Carina runs over to me first.

“Is she all packed?”

“Yes. You have my number if you need anything.” I said to her.

Carter walks over next.

“I’m not sure if I should hug you in case you smash my face on a desk.”

I keep a straight face.

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

They all laugh as I think about killing Christian for telling them about my psycho moment.

Lucas is the only one who doesn’t laugh, but he is smiling.

“I would have done worse if anyone laid a finger on Connor.”

I feel a shiver run down my back because he might be smiling, but his eyes are vicious.

Connor and Bella are standing there holding hands.

“Carina, can you make sure she has Sully with her, especially at bedtime?”

“Don’t worry mum, dad and Carter are going with us.”

I pull my cover up on over my head and slip my flip-flops on.

“You’re not staying?”

“No, we want to get there and settle in.”

I give Bella a kiss and cuddle.

“Be a good girl.” I whisper into her ear. “You can FaceTime me anytime you want to just ask Connor’s mum.”

She nods her head and pulls Connor back into the house.

“Where are your parents?”

“They are out in the car.” Carter said.

“I will grab her bag and go see them.” I said.

“Christian already has the bag in the car.” Carina said.

She hooks her arm in mine and walks with me.

“How are things going? Do you like the house?”

I roll my eyes.

“They are going a bit too fast for me, but I love the house.”

“Good, I can’t wait to have another woman near us. We can leave the kids with the guys and go out for cocktails.”

“Sure you can,” Lucas says dryly.

“What he means by that is yes you can, but I will stalk you.” Carter said.

We go outside to see Christian talking to Emily as soon as he sees me. He stops talking and smiles at me. I look at Emily and she is gives me a sly smile.

She gets out of the car and gives me a hug. I look back at the car and Clyde is waves at me.

“Welcome to the family, dear.” She said before kissing my cheek.

Everyone piles into the behemoth Audi. Christian straps Bella in. I can’t help but fret. I keep a smile on my face and wave to them all. Lucas is driving. That makes me feel better. Carter is like a loose cannon.

“You okay?”

I realise I am standing there and they have all gone.

“It feels strange. I have never been apart from Bella.”

“Baby, there are five adults there. Well, four really we can’t count on Carter. Two adults per kid. This is nothing new for them. They take family trips away all the time.”

“I suppose so.”

“Come on, let’s get in the hot tub.”

We sip on our cocktails and watch Connor and Bella in the pool. It’s been two weeks since Christian sneaked a house move into my life. Bella loves it here. Being with his family has made all the difference in her life. She instantly gained grandparents, two uncles, and an amazing aunt.

“How are you doing?” Carina asks me softly.

“I’m happy.” I pause for a moment before continuing. “I never thought I could smile again. You know. Smile from the heart. Bella is enjoying her sessions with Dr Campton.”

She smiles at me.

“I’m glad. You and Bella deserve all this and more. I need to let you in on a secret. I’m pregnant.”

“Oh, my god.”

I put my drink down, and it sloshes over my hand. I jump off my lounger and give her a hug.

“Congratulations. Hold on, should you be drinking?”

“Lucas made them. He made me a virgin one. Sadly.” She pouts just like her brother.

“When is your due date?”

“March. We only just found out. I’ve not even told mum yet.”

“It’s the kids’ summer holidays. So, anytime you want to leave Connor with me, let me know.”

“I have mum and I know you are working on Christian’s HR project.”

“It’s only zoom meetings a few hours a day.”

“How’s Christian getting on, not going into the office?”

“Let’s just say he has some interesting zoom meetings with Carter.” I snigger.

Carina snorts before laughing.

“He was always the instigator. Christian was always the serious one. I am the fun one.” She said as she sticks her chest out in pride.

I eye the men coming out of the house.

“He isn’t so serious anymore.”

He is only wearing his swim shorts.Being out in the sun, he has tanned nicely. His eyes meet mine as if he can sense me watching him. He winks at me and just like that, my heart flutters.

He might still be cocky, but I can feel his love for us both in everything he does for us. Perhaps Reese sent him to us. From the first time I got that eviction notice, it was only anger I felt, but it made me feel something after feeling numb for so long.

I swallow hard and look away from him.

I love him.