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I smile at her enthusiasm.
Noah: Love you, see ya soon!
Though I know Katie’s a strong woman, and she acts fine, I worry about how she’s handling the incident—or rather, her lack thereof. She didn’t have much time to process it before it was confirmed she was pregnant, and I’m worried she’s suppressing her feelings. It was a tragic event for everyone involved, and I know I’ve pushed away my pain and bitterness by focusing on other things like our relationship. Compartmentalizing emotions isn’t a new concept for me, though. It started when my mother passed away, then continued when I went to prison. I worked through the different stages of emotions the best I could.
First, I experienced denial that I had killed Gabe and was being charged with his murder. Then I felt intense anger and took an unfair plea deal instead of risking being sentenced for longer. Next came the bargaining, depression, and eventually—acceptance, which took years. It didn’t mean I was fine with what happened or the outcome, but rather, I accepted I’d lost ten years of my life for an unintentional crime.
The only reason I didn’t spin out of control afterward was because redemption became my focus. I felt so damn guilty for putting my father and sister through that while also not being there for Katie. I didn’t give myself time to obsess about how I had to start completely over or how my life would never be the same. I pushed through the fear and worked hard, which miraculously resulted in the outcome I wanted.
However, not how everyone deals with life-altering events like that. Katie hasn’t really talked about it, and I don’t want to force her until she’s ready. Instead, she’s focused on being pregnant more than anything. I just don’t want her spiraling later on because she’s ignoring what happened a month ago. I’m supporting her the best way I know how and will continue to do so. Since I wasn’t around after Gabe passed and refused to see her once I went to prison, I don’t know if this is how she deals with things. But if it is, I’m going to respect that.
After the accident, I bought a new truck. Thankfully, my dad agreed to cosign on the loan so I could get a reliable one with enough room for our growing family.
“You gonna make me one of those juice drinks?” I tease Gemma when she comes wobbling over.
“I might…if you ask nicely.” She smirks.
“Please,” I exaggerate. “Would my favorite sister in the whole world make me one?”
She rolls her eyes. “With a side of spit? Comin’ right up.”
“Last I checked, that wasn’t on the menu, so you can hold that.”
“Noah givin’ you a hard time again?” Tyler asks before kissing Gemma’s cheek.
“More like the other way around,” I counter.
“Oh, don’t be a baby,” she pokes.
Speaking of baby…
“Hey, make sure y’all aren’t late for dinner tonight. Katie’s been eager about it all week.”
We’re finally ready to tell our friends the incredible news, and I know they’ll be ecstatic and surprised. Katie planned a dinner so she could announce it to everyone at once.
“I wouldn’t dare.” Gemma beams. “And I can’t wait. It’s been too long since we’ve all been together.”
“Better remind Everleigh. She’d be late to her own funeral.” Tyler snorts.
“Already did.” I wave my phone. “Speaking of which, is it okay if I leave a little early? I wanna help Katie get everything ready.”
“Yeah, go ahead. I can manage the front until Caleb comes in for his shift.”
Now that more people are working out in the evenings, the gym stays open till ten.
“Thanks, man. I’ll see you guys in a bit.” I pat Tyler’s shoulder before heading out.
I drive to Katie’s and smile when I see her car in the driveway.
“Hey, buddy,” I greet Owen when I walk in. He’s in the living room watching something on Disney Plus.
“Hi, Noah!”
“Where’s your mom?”
“She’s taking a shower,” he tells me.
Perfect timing.
