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And all that remained was hope and love.
Chapter 32
March
“Youknow,hehasnever once helped someone move. Not even me.”
I flashed a smile at Dante as we watched Juan descend the apartment stairwell, muttering curses as he tried balancing two boxes in his arms. “It’s because he’s going to miss me.”
Dante and Juan were helping me load up the last of my things in my car. Penelope and Carter were already at the new house. Carter was putting together furniture, I think, while Penny was supposed to be unpacking the kitchen and hanging things on the wall. It probably wasn’t the best idea to invite my parents to visit for Passover only two days after we were moving in, but the dates lined up and I was excited to host my first holiday in my new home.
I was also excited for my parents to see that Ididindeed have a place to call home now. A home, a new blooming career, and something else I was excited to introduce them to, as well.
“He definitely isn’t going to miss living on the same floor as you. But between losing you as a neighbor and as a coworker, he’s sulking a little.”
I chuckled as Dante and I followed Juan down the stairs and through the door that led to the now-developing art gallery. I was pretty sure they would be turning my old bedroom into a storage closet now, considering the gallery space was beginning to become overrun with art supplies, trays of paint and rollers, ladders, empty boxes, marketing material, and everything else we’d need before the grand opening in June.
I was able to add Art Curator to my resume now, too, since Carter had begun letting me take the reins on establishing relationships with local artists. We were going for an ‘eclectic nature vibe’ for the gallery, and I’d been asked several times to stop using that term since it sounded unprofessional, but every time I spoke to an artist about it, they laughed. I had forged relationships with several young artists trying to make their break in the industry. From a woman who uses plastic pollution to create ocean-themed sculptures, to an underwater photographer, to an artist who paints seascapes with only their toes, our list was piling up and by the grand opening we’d have the walls lined with beautiful, unique pieces.
Our goal for now was to get the place up and running, but eventually, Carter hoped to turn it into a non-profit, donating proceeds to conservation efforts. In my new career, I hoped I could help with that too, when the time came.
Juan humphed as we reached the bottom of the stairs, throwing a box down onto the floor. He hadn’t even tried to hide his disappointment when I told him over lunch last week that not only was I moving out of our apartment complex, but that I was also leaving my job at the end of the school year and wouldn’t be returning. I promised him a standing lunch date every week, and to my utter surprise, he also requested a karaoke night at our favorite barat leasttwice per month.
Dom and I had been volunteering with Carina almost every weekend since New Year. She offered me a position as a Charity Event Coordinator for the organization she works for, starting in June. I’d be helping plan and execute a number of community events and fundraisers for different non-profits. It was primarily working with and for children and families, so I’d still have the opportunity to interact with kids while creating memorable and educational experiences for families who may not normally be able to afford them.
For the first time in my career, my chest felt full of excitement and freedom, and the confidence that not only was I making a difference but that I was also doing something I excelled at. Something that challenged me, thrilled me, and made me feel complete.
Speaking of such things, the front door of the building opened as a tall, muscular, sexy-as-hell silhouette filled the space, blocking out the sun. He stepped inside as the door swung shut behind him. I could’ve sworn he was moving in slow motion as he flicked his sunglasses off his face and took me in. A smile spread across his cheeks and his eyes met mine.
“You ready to go home, baby girl?”
I nodded.
Little did he know that home for me was right inside those sparkling eyes.
December
Four-ish Years Later
Macie
“I think I peed on my hand a little bit.”
“That’s okay. We’re all destined to do that at some point.”
“What?”
Dom lifted his head from between his hands and blinked at me. “I don’t know. I don’t even know what I’m saying.” He was sitting on the edge of the bathtub, his shoulders hunched and his head hanging between his legs as he watched me pull up my pants and flush the toilet. “I’m nervous.”
I scoffed, flipping on the sink. “You’renervous?” I turned around and braced my back against the counter. Both of us refused to look at the wand that sat next to me. The bathroom was silent as we waited for the slowest, and somehow fastest, two minutes of both of our lives to pass.
Dom had set a timer on his phone, and I choked back tears as I heard it chime. The two minutes was up. And my life may change forever.
At my annual check up a few months ago I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. It wasn’t a surprise, as it ran in my family, but the recommendation from my doctor that I discontinue my birth control due to the higher risk of blood clots was surprising. In the back of my mind, I’d known the possibility was there, but I’d never been the best about remembering to take my pill everyday, and I had never gotten pregnant before. Until last month when I missed my period for the first time ever, and then missed it again this month.
I let one rogue tear escape as it slowly fell down my face. I lifted my chin toward the wall. Away from my boyfriend, away from the pregnancy test that sat between us. “I can’t do it.”
He stood from the bathtub, and I heard his quick steps as he rushed to me. I still wasn’t looking at him when he grabbed my face and turned my head. His features were solemn– scared. But something glittered in his brown eyes. “I love you,” he said. “And whether we’re pregnant or we’re not, we’ll figure it out together. There is no one—no one, Mace—that I’d rather navigate this situation with. No one I’d rather navigate this life with.” He kissed me quickly. His lips were soft and warm, eliciting the smallest of moans from my own mouth– a protest when he pulled back all too fast. “Nothing we ever go through will be too much, or too hard, or too painful to overcome, as long as we’re going through it together.”
