Just Friends(27)

They all agreed. Chase wrapped his arms around Leah kissing the top of her head as he did.

“I love you,” he whispered against her skin.

“I love you, too.”

Mitch squeezed his shoulder and nodded his head at him.

He’d done right. Chase knew there was no future without his friends. His and Leah’s parents left. Mitch’s father showed them to their room.

“I can’t promise anything. You will always be welcome here,” Mitch’s father said. “I’m looking forward to a grandbaby.” There was a smile on the older man’s face.

Mitch chuckled.

“They’ll come around. I’m not shocked, but then you have cousins in a similar situation, son. Take care, and I’ll see you soon.”

The door closed behind him leaving the three alone.

“Wow, that was intense,” Leah said. Chase rubbed her back wondering how she was coping.

“How are you doing, baby?” Chase asked.

“I’m fine. My nerves got the better of me. I’ve never been called a whore before. I didn’t like it.”

“We don’t think of you like that, Leah.” Mitch sat on her other side and took her hand.

“We’re in this together, sweetheart. Not just because of the baby,” Chase said, pressing a hand to her stomach.

“If it wasn’t for the baby we wouldn’t be here.” Leah tucked her hair behind her ear. Chase took her chin in hand and turned her to look at him.

“No, it’s not. We were already destined to be here. You can’t deny what you feel. I’m never going to lie to you.” He pressed her hand against his chest. “This is all yours. You and Mitch are my everything.”

Tears filled her eyes once again.

“I think this baby is going to turn you into an emotional wreck.”

“What do you mean going to? I’ve never known her cry so much,” Mitch said.

Leah chuckled. The first few tears began falling down her cheeks.

“I love you guys.” She leaned her head on Chase’s shoulder and then on Mitch.

Chase eased her back onto the bed and wrapped his arms around her from behind as Mitch lay in front of her. They stroked her face and arms trying to offer her comfort. Chase rested his palm against her stomach. He felt like he was going to burst with the love inside him.

“Nothing is going to happen to you,” he said.

****

The following morning, Mitch helped Leah walk down the small set of stairs. Chase followed behind her. They didn’t want her hurting herself. She’d cried for a few hours throughout the night. Mitch knew she felt guilt at their parents’ reaction to the news. He didn’t blame her. He’d accepted at a young age that she’d never be able to choose between them. Living with Chase was not a hardship. They were best friends, and living together only highlighted how compatible they were.

His father had woken him up by telling him that Chase and Leah’s parents wanted to talk. He knew Chase was prepared to give up his family for Leah, but it would be a hard decision for anyone to make.

The six parents were all sitting around the large table in the dining room when they turned a corner.

Leah’s morning sickness was still bad, and Mitch was thankful there was no scent of coffee. Her mother looked pale. He saw the happiness in the older woman’s face. She loved her daughter and would accept anything for Leah.

“I think we should all sit down,” Mitch’s father said.

He took one side of Leah as Chase took the other. Always together and never divided, this was how it had been when they were younger. None of them ever left the other to face the consequences, and they weren’t going to start now.

Mitch took her hand under the table. He felt her shaking by her side.

Chase’s father looked up, and Mitch saw he was staring at Leah. “I want to apologise for what I said yesterday. It was uncalled for, and I’m really sorry.”

“That’s okay, Mr. Lawson. I imagine it was quite the revelation, and you were only protecting Chase. I love him, sir, and I will never hurt him. I promise.”

Mitch watched as she took Chase’s hand, squeezing it. She squeezed his hand under the table. Mitch tightened his grip offering her strength.

“You’re the best of friends. I understand that. Larry prepared us for this. I guess I always expected you to drift apart or find other people to date.” He paused to run his fingers through his hands. Mitch looked at his father as Chase’s dad mentioned his name. “I love my son, and I’ll never do anything to harm anyone he loves. I hope you can forgive my outburst and accept my sincerest apologies.”

Leah smiled, and tears filled her eyes once again. She covered her face with her hand.