I don’t completely understand their decisions about this, but I don’t have to. I’m Sarah’s sister and Caleb’s wife, but on a very surface level, that accident didn’t involve me. I’m more than happy to voice my opinion in most situations, but in this one, I just have to sit back and let them figure it out.
Ultimately they asked Eli to quit the force. They both agreed that they didn’t want a man like that serving beside them. I think deep down Caleb understands that he was trying to protect Casey, but their friendship is permanently severed. I asked him the other night in bed if he hated them now. I was worried that he was going to fall back into his dark space with a new vendetta against Eli and Casey, but he quickly put my fears to rest. He told me, “There is no way I can look at you and that baby and have any room left in my chest for hate.” It was a really fucking good answer.
“Look at this little man!” Hunter says, pulling the baby from my arms. “Does he look like me?” He holds him up against his face.
Caleb lets out a growl and rolls his eyes. He has surprisingly warmed up to Hunter since we got married. He still pretends to be annoyed with him. I mean, let’s be honest. Hunter is a little over the top.
“You want a beer, man?” Caleb asks.
“You know it.” He kisses Collin and hands him over to Kara, who is eagerly awaiting her turn.
“So what’s up with you two? Y’all getting serious?” I ask as she coos, running her finger over his little nose.
“Something like that. We met up in Georgia last weekend at his best friend’s wedding. He introduced me to his mom and everything.”
“Wait, Mason and Lacey got married?”
“Yep. Apparently she got knocked up too. I’m making Hunter wear two condoms from now on. This shit is contagious.”
“Wow. I can’t believe he went to the wedding. I’m going to have to get a full update on how that little reunion went down.”
Jesse shows up with Brett behind her. “Can I hold him?”
“Sure thing.” Kara passes him over.
Tonight, we’re moving the party over to Sarah’s place after Brett and Jesse head home. I know right now she is with Casey preparing dinner. Casey won’t stick around though. She might be close with Sarah and friendly with me, but she avoids Caleb at all costs. Trust me. That’s probably for the best.
Sarah and Casey have become close again since the truth came out. It’s great to see them together again. Casey helps Sarah learn to live again and Sarah helps Casey let go of her grief. They need each other more than anyone ever knew.
I look around the room for a moment. Jesse and Kara are huddled together, talking about how adorable Collin is and debating who he looks like. Caleb, Brett, Hunter, and Alex are all in the kitchen sipping beers, talking sports, and laughing like old friends. It’s not everyone, but this moment, right here is as close to perfect as it can get.
Caleb catches my eye from across the room, and we stare for a second before he tosses me his signature smirk and a wink. I smile back as he mouths, “I love you.” I don’t say anything in return. I just hold up my fingers about an inch apart. His face warms at the memory and we both laugh at our unspoken joke. The truth is that no amount of space in the world could adequately portray how much I love Caleb or our life together. This really is it.
Oh God. I’m going to cry again.
Damn.
“CALEB, YOU are not taking a baby into a tattoo parlor.”
“Parlor? You really are from the South. And apparently the 1800s. And why not? It’s not run by a biker gang,” I tease, unbuckling Collin from his car seat.
“Don’t they like smoke and stuff inside?”
“What?” I laugh at her comment. “No, they don’t smoke! Emmy, have you ever even been to a tattoo parlor?”
“Well, no,” she says hesitantly, and I shake my head.
“Well I’d let Collin crawl on the floor at this place. They have done all of my ink over the years. Seriously, this place is the best. It’s clean, and sterile, and smoke-free. I swear.” I pull her into my side and kiss her forehead. I hold Collin on my hip and push my sunglasses up to sit on my head so I can nuzzle his chubby cheek before going inside. “You ready to get your first tattoo, li’l man?” I ask, and as expected, Emma rolls her eyes.
“What are you getting done anyway? Do you even have any space left?” she asks, pulling away Collin, who’s squirming from my arms.
“Oh, I’ve got plenty of room for you, Emmy.” I slide my hand down her back and squeeze her ass.
“What do you mean, for me? Caleb, what are you getting done?” she demands, but I just laugh and head inside.