Page 111 of Line Change

“Yeah, and it was weird …” I rest a hand on her stomach.

“Why?”

“Because he was acting like he didn’t want her there, but I could tell that wasn’t the case. Is something going on between them?”

“If there is, she didn’t tell me.”

At least I’m not the only one in the dark when it comes to what is or isn’t going on between Elias and Ansley. And maybe there isn’t anything going on. Maybe they are just friends like he claims. Nothing wrong with that. I just want my friend to be happy, to find the love of his life like I have, like the rest of our friends have. And maybe that isn’t Ansley. Maybe we are just reading too much into it. Looking for signs they’re together or want to be together that aren’t really there. And yet …

“Maybe her leaving is part of why he wants to retire?” I still can’t help but think that him saying he wanted to retire has to do with her. Call me crazy. Maybe I’ve just been hanging around Wes for too long and his love for love has rubbed off on me.

“Could be. We all know that was a big part of Brody retiring, because Aubrey was leaving for Hawaii. I just hope whatever it is, they figure it out.”

I kiss the top of her head before turning the show back on. “Me too.”

She snuggles into my side. I gently rub her stomach. I love this. I love her. Being here with her.

That reminds me.

“I was thinking we should look for a bigger place,” I tell her.

“Yeah? Anywhere in particular?”

“Actually, there’s a house down the street from Hunter that’s for sale. He texted me the details. Five bedrooms. Four and a half bathrooms. A pool. Fenced in. Three-car garage. We’d be close to our friends. Do you think we should go see it?”

“Yes,” Sutton says without any hesitation.

“Good because I called the realtor as soon as Hunter texted me the info, and we have an appointment tomorrow at six. Does that work? She said we could come later if we needed to.”

“No, that’s perfect.” She turns, grinning up at me. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” I murmur before kissing her.

She’s perfect.

This is perfect.

Our life we’re building together is perfect.

Now all we need to do is wrap up this shit with her father.

The following evening, we pull into the driveway of the house we’re checking out. “This is it,” I say.

Sutton unbuckles her seatbelt. “I love how close we are to everyone.”

I agree. We passed Hunter and Madison’s house on the way here, and the others live a few blocks away in each direction. Close enough to walk or drive a golf cart.

Hand in hand, we walk up the driveaway and take the few steps up to the porch. The door opens, and a young woman steps out.

“Hi. I’m Ashley, and you must be Sebastian and Sutton.”

Sutton and I both shake her hand and say hello.

“Congratulations,” she says, tipping her chin to Sutton’s pregnant belly. “You must be so excited.”

Sutton blushes, resting her hand on her baby bump. “We are.”

“Come in and take a look.” She holds the door open wider so we can step inside. “You’d only be the second owners of this house if you decide it’s the one for you. The current owners built it as a vacation home.” Some vacation home. “The primary bedroom is downstairs, with the remaining four bedrooms upstairs. But two of the bedrooms upstairs also have their own bathroom, so you could make one of those your primary room if you preferred, with the baby and all …”