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She didn’t stop there, though. With Alec’s permission and Kas’ help, she’s also spruced up Alec’s apartment—making it beyond livable after Alec got the idea of using it as a form of safe space. Not for us, but if anyone at Second Chances doesn’t want to go home and needs a place to spend the night. Yep, there’s been a lot of changes.
After finishing her tea, Mia looks ready for a nap. “Let’s go back to bed,” I suggest. It’s only a little after five in the morning, which is when she usually wakes up and gets a bowl of cereal before sneaking back to bed.
“Yes, sleep!” Yawning, Mia pushes herself out of the chair, and we follow her back to the bedroom with our massive bed that’s big enough for all of us.
“When is Roger getting here?” Alec asks, lying down behind our girl so he can spoon her.
Mia smiles as she answers, “not until three o’clock.”
Roger is here for a few days every other week, and it’s been like that since the Valentine’s event. He and Mia had a good long talk the day after, and since then, they’ve grown closer. Roger is now separated from Miranda, and I know he’s contemplating moving closer to Mia, even though she insists he doesn’t have to. I think she secretly loves it, though. Finally having the dad, she should have never been without.
“Of course, you have my permission.” Roger’s eyes glint with unshed tears as he looks between my brothers and me. “I’m honored that you’re asking me. My daughter has chosen wisely, and I’m glad to know she’ll have the three of you to look after her.”
Roger doesn’t know all the details about Mia and her stalkers, no one but us does. However, what little he knows has horrified him, especially since he knows it’s his fault she didn’t feel she could come to him for help.
One thing he doesn’t know is that she has been married before and that she’s a widower. She could have been an extremely rich widower if she’d wanted to be. The prenup she signed before marrying Luis mysteriously disappeared into thin air, like it never existed. However, since Mia didn’t want his money, she emailed the lawyer that was dealing with it all. Setting the record straight and refusing any further involvement.
Although it’s never been confirmed, we’re all assuming we have Steve to thank for the missing prenup. Steve is hands down one of the bravest and kindest men I’ve been lucky enough to meet, and he’s one we now all see as a friend. He’s also the most recent hire for Second Chances.
After the fundraiser, he made it clear he wanted to be involved if possible, and after Alec’s been working closely with him, he got my brother’s vote. Even though Martin was sad to see Steve go, we all knew he needed a change in his life.
The ripple effect of Luis’ actions goes beyond me, Mia, and my brothers. Steve suffered as well, and since then, he’s been skittish and more closed off. I think our girl is the one who helped bring him out of his shell by inviting him over to our house. Sometimes we’d watch movies and just hang out, other times we’d gang up on Alec while playing Monopoly.
Whatever we did, it has helped, and Steve seems almost happy.
“I know I have no right to ask this of you, but can I be present when you ask Mia to marry you?” Roger asks, and Kas immediately agrees.
“We’re planning to ask her tonight at dinner, and we were hoping you would join us. My mom and CJ’s parents will be there as well.”
“Not your sister?” Roger raises an eyebrow in confusion. “My daughter loves your sister. She should be there if possible.”
Kas swallows audibly before answering, “It didn’t seem fair when Jewell and Reid can’t be here.”
Our father-in-law-to-be shakes his head before telling us to forget about Mia’s siblings. “It’s not Marilyn’s fault that the others can’t be here. You should let her come and see the magic for herself.”
“Will you do the honors, babe?” I ask. We’re all gathered at Second Chances, and it’s time to open the doors.
Beaming at me, Mia answers, “Of course!” Before walking over to the front door, unceremoniously opening it and turning the sign to say “Open.” Meanwhile, Steve changes the fancy coding controlling the flashy LED display, so it lights up and also shows we’re now open.
“Who wants to make the first official call?” Kas asks, letting Marilyn when she squeals the loudest. After the call successfully goes through and everything seems fine, we sit down to eat. Even though we’re sitting at one of the larger tables, it’s a squeeze when there are ten of us.
Me, Mia, my brothers and fellow baby-daddies, my parents, Roger, Shannon, Marilyn, and, of course, Steve. Our little group of people doesn’t seem that small when we’re together.
Mom dishes out the food she and Shannon cooked. Mashed potatoes and steaks, Mia’s favorite. Despite her cravings changing like the wind, this is the one thing she hasn’t steered away from. If anything, pregnancy has made her an even bigger carnivore. I’m pretty sure she’d eat steaks all day long if she could get away with it.
“A toast!” My dad says and fills our glasses with champagne, sans Mia’s. She’s having…
“Is that chocolate milk?” I stare incredulously at her glass, and I can’t stop myself from laughing as she eagerly nods. It’s still not weirder than when she wanted nothing but celery juice and lemon sorbet.
“To our boys and their gem of a girlfriend.” Mom raises her glass, and everyone else follows suit.
As Kas throws a paper cup at me and mouths, “Now?” I flip him off before nodding. When everyone finally sits down, we stand up and move closer to Mia before kneeling in front of her.
“Babe!”
“Sweets!”
“Baby!”
