My chest warmed as I thought about David and how sweet he was when I was sick. The way he looked at me with heat in his eyes when I wore my pretty nightgowns, and the soft way his eyes sparkled when I twirled around in my princess dress.
“It all happened so fast, but he’s amazing, Tristan. He’s so kind and thoughtful. He took the best care of me when I was sick and made me feel like I was special.”
Tristan’s smile was blinding. “Oh, Ellie, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for both of you!”
“What about you? How’s it been staying with your Daddy?” Tristan sighed blissfully, his face turning into the most lovesick expression I thought I’d ever seen.
“It’s been awesome. Daddy is the best.” Tristan’s face turned sad and nervous, instantly making me feel worried. “He actually asked me to move in with him.”
Panic filled me, and my chest tightened. I was happy for him, I really was. But I couldn’t afford the apartment on my own. Tristan was my first roommate, and he was like a brother to me. I really didn’t want another roommate. I knew it was unrealistic to think we’d live together forever like a real family, but I couldn’t help but hope.
Tears streamed down my face, and my hands shook. I hated this. Why couldn’t I just smile and be happy for him like I should be? Instead, fear gripped me, and it suddenly felt like I couldn’t breathe.
Just as I thought the panic was going to pull me under and carry me away, I felt a firm grip on the back of my neck that helped quiet the panic. “Hey, darling, I need you to take deep breaths for me. Can you do that?”
The pressure on the back of my neck slowly increased as I took slow, deep breaths. His touch and voice made me feel safe and protected. “I’m here, princess. Everything is going to be okay.”
After a few more minutes, my body finally relaxed, and I felt the tightness in my chest loosen. “I—I’m sorry.”
Tristan was pressed against his Daddy’s chest, his eyes red from tears. “Don’t be sowwie Ewwie. D-Daddy told me to wait to tell you, and I should’ve listened.”
My eyes widened in shock as I looked at Daniel. “What, why? This is exciting. I shouldn’t have panicked. This is a good thing; I’m happyfor him.” Confusion and hurt filled me. Why couldn’t Tristan tell me alone? Did Daniel not trust me?
“Hey, Ellie, can you look at me, please?” Daniel’s voice broke through my panicked thoughts, and when I refocused my eyes, I saw he was crouched down in front of me. When my eyes met his, they were soft and full of affection.
“I asked Tristan to wait because I highly suspected that his simply telling you he was moving in with me would cause you to panic.” I opened my mouth to retort, but he held his hand up, making my words halt. “Please allow me to explain. Ellery, I’m well aware that my boy is your family. I see how close you are and how much you need each other. I wanted to be there when he told you so I could make sure you knew that no matter what, we’re still family.”
Tears continued to stream down my face as Daniel continued. “Tristan has already said he’s going to continue paying his share of the rent until the lease is up. He figured he could still come over during the day while you’re sewing, so you can work on orders together.”
Daniel looked up at David over my shoulder and smirked.
“I was going to talk to Tristan about offering you the guest room when your lease is up, but yesterday the funniest thing happened.”
Daniel threw his head back and chuckled.
“I was outside grabbing the mail when I ran into the realtor selling the house next door. She was so excited as she ran around the property, getting it ready for a viewing. Apparently, the house hasn’t been getting much attention, but they finally received an inquiry. I was being polite when I asked her why she was so excited for a simple viewing. Ididn’t expect the information to actually be useful. She said, ‘The man who set up a meeting expressed a lot of interest in this specific house because it’s much closer to family.’ She’s very confident that she’s got the sale based on that alone, and honestly, I think she might be right.”
Confusion filled me. What on earth was he talking about? David groaned in defeat behind me, and suddenly it all made sense. “Oh, come on! That could be literally anyone.”
I turned around, barely able to hold back my chuckle. “You’re really going to buy the house?” I knew David had put in a request to meet with the realtor, but for some reason, I didn’t think he was actually going to go through with it. David just shrugged and ruffled my hair, making me feel all warm and safe.
“I really want to. Obviously, I need to take a tour and make an offer. I’m tired of living in that tiny apartment. I want a home.”
Looking over at Daniel, I cocked my head and pinned him with a questioning look. “But what does that have to do with offering me a guest room?”
“For as long as I’ve known him, he’s been against getting a house because he wanted to wait until he found someone to share it with. I fully believed he was joking the other day, but somewhere between now and then, something changed. What changed is that he has you.”
My head whipped around to look at David so fast my neck nearly snapped. “Is that true?”
David looked scared but also determined. I was shocked, but I needed him to know there was no need for the worry I saw in his eyes.
Standing up from my seat, I grabbed his hand in mine. “I’m shocked but not angry or upset. You’re safe with me.”
He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. When they reopened, they were softer and full of love. The intensity of the love in his gaze nearly knocked me on my ass. Now was definitely not the time, but I knew it wouldn’t be long before I told this amazing man how much I was beginning to love him.
Chapter thirteen
David
