AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I feel ya. As much as I feel like I’m having a panic attack about Penny starting school, I’m also so fucking excited for her. She’s ready and she’s going to do so well.”
“She sure is. Alright, quit stalling and introduce me to that gorgeous lady who is making mom smile like all her dreams are coming true.”
I take Callie over to Chayse and they immediately hit it off. They both love giving me shit and it isn’t long before all the ladies in my life are ganging up on me, making me the butt of their jokes. The best part is that I love it. Chayse can hold her own with my family which makes me want to make whatever this is between us go the distance.
Dinner is delicious which is normal for my mom, but the company is even better. We help clean up the kitchen and head out to Reid’s game. This wasn’t how I planned for our night to go, but I wouldn’t have changed the perfect evening spent with the most important people in my world.
Chapter Seventeen
Chayse
Asshittyasmyday was, my evening was the complete opposite. I couldn’t even fathom going to Reid’s baseball game tonight after that shift, but coming home and having Cash there for me was amazing. Being able to come home to a safe space in Cash after a truly horrific day was something I didn’t even realize I needed.
The thing that shocked me even more was the bone deep need to see Penny and squeeze the shit out of her. Treating children, and especially losing children in the ER, is always hella hard, but today was particularly worse. We lost too many people, and with the bulk being kiddos, it was a really bad shift. Spending more time with Penny just made me think about how gutted I would be if anything ever happened to her. That little girl has my heart and I’m hopelessly in love with her.
So, spending the evening with two people who are quickly becoming essential to my happiness was exactly what I needed tonight. Being able to meet Cash’s parents and sister was just icing on the cake when I realized they are just as down to earth, good people as their son. Even though I’m not an expert in the kitchen, I loved spending that time with Cash’s mom and having her fuss over me.
Dinner was chaotic with the kids and the constant teasing, but I felt like I was right at home. I caught myself daydreaming about having Cash’s family and my dad and sisters over for dinner when the house is done, and it made me so at ease. I didn’t want a relationship, but living without these two doesn’t even seem like an option anymore. I’ve smiled more tonight than I ever imagined possible after the day I had, and I am so grateful for every one of Cash’s family for the night we’ve had.
“Alright ladies, what do you say about going to watch Reid kick some ass and win a baseball game?”
“Language, CJ.”
“Sorry, mom.”
“Me! Does that mean you’re going with us, Chayse.”
“You betcha, squirt! And I think you’re going to even get to see Landon tonight.”
“Yay! What are you waiting for, Daddy? Lando is going to be there waiting for me. We gots to go now!” Cash can’t help but laugh at Penny as he gives his mom a quick hug and his dad a handshake.
“Alright, Pen. I’m ready and I promise I’ll get you to your Landon.”
“Actually, I think we’re going to come, too. It’s been ages since your dad and I made it to one of Reid’s games.”
“Yayy! Let’s go!” We all laugh at Penny as she flies out towards the front door on her scooter.
“Damn, I can’t wait for that cast to come off. She’s going to give me a heart attack the way she rips around on that scooter.”
“It comes off next week, right? You know she’s going to drive you nuts about getting to the pool with Landon as soon as it’s off.”
“Yeah, I thought of that. Landon knows when her appointment is and is supposed to let me know what his schedule looks like so that I can get her to the pool with him.”
“Daddy! Let’s go!” We both laugh as we head out to meet Penny at the front door. She immediately launches herself at me and thankfully I catch her. Cash just shakes his head as he grabs her scooter and opens the front door for us to head out.
“You’re lucky I’m strong, Squirt. What if I would’ve dropped you? You could’ve hurt your leg and had to wear your cast longer.”
“Sorry, Chayse. But I knowed you would catch me cause you’re a hero.”
“Hero? I’m not a hero. Why do you think that?”
“My Grandma says you and Lando are heroes for working at the hostipal and helping all the people like me who have axedents.”
“Well, I don’t know about being a hero, but that’s just me doing my job.”
“You are a hero, Chayse. Take the compliment.” Cash says without leaving room for argument as he puts Penny’s scooter in the back and opens the door for me to put her in her booster seat. Before I can get her in the truck, he places a quick kiss on my lips and steals the little squirt right from my arms. Penny is all giggles as I’m stunned by the open affection Cash just showed me.
We all get loaded up and make the quick trip to the field. Once we’re there, we grab some treats and head to the stands to see if we can find seats for everyone to be able to sit together. Penny’s squeal as soon as we make it to the bleachers lets us know that Landon has beat us to the game.
