Page 68 of Saving You

I turn to him and shake my head. “No, I’m the lucky one. I never thought I’d have so many happy days. I enjoy going home to them, watching Charlie’s movies on the couch, coming home and seeing Bailey dancing to Taylor Swift while cleaning the kitchen. I just worry about what I’m going to do when she feels safe enough to go back to her place.”

“Then show them they’re meant to stay with you.”

Grayson’s words cement an idea in my head, and I know the first step of my plan to make sure they stay right where they’re supposed to be.

With me.

CHAPTER 25

Bailey

Itext Caleb that I’m going to take Charlie back to the house and change before he comes to pick us up for dinner at his mom’s. Charlie raves about her day with Caleb, and a small weight is removed from my shoulders. I’ve only left Charlie with Lily and the one time Olivia decided to take her. Knowing that Charlie enjoyed her time with Caleb is a big deal.

When we get back to the house, I run upstairs and change into a nice pair of dark-blue jeans and a dressy red blouse. I want to make a good impression on Caleb’s family. I know it’s a big deal to introduce a partner to your family, and Caleb and I are so new. I don’t want to screw this up.

“Mommy, can I wear my red dress?” Charlie calls from her room.

I quickly check my hair in the mirror and decide to pull the top layer back so my face is more visible before making my way to Charlie’s room. She’s pulled out her favourite red dress with black bows printed on it.

“That’s a really nice dress,” I say, taking a seat on her bed.

She plays with the hem of the dress, avoiding my eyes. “I want them to like me,” she whispers.

I reach out and run my fingers through her soft blonde hair. “Baby Girl, they’re going to like you.”

“But, Mommy, if they don’t like me, won’t Caleb leave us?”

Her question breaks my heart. She’s grown so close and attached to Caleb, and I worry what will happen if things with Caleb don’t work out. I pull her into my arms and rock her slightly.

“No, Baby Girl, Caleb won’t leave us because they don’t like you. But it doesn’t matter because they are going to love you.”

I hold her close for a minute before helping her into her favourite dress. As I finish braiding her hair, I hear the front door open and close.

“I’m home,” Caleb calls up the stairs.

“In Charlie’s room,” I call back.

The sound of his footsteps up the stairs carries through the air. I look up and see Caleb leaning against the door frame smiling at us.

“Well, now don’t you two look beautiful,” he says.

“Thank you,” I say as he makes his way towards us. He gives me a quick kiss before kissing Charlie’s forehead.

“I guess I should change, since you two look so nice. You know it’s a casual family dinner, right?”

I blush, not wanting to admit I’m nervous about meeting his family and I put more effort into my looks to make a good impression.

“Yeah, just thought it would be nice to dress nicely,” I say, hoping my nerves don’t show through.

He holds my eyes for a few seconds before nodding and heading into his room. He comes out a few minutes later dressed in a pair of jeans that hug his muscular thighs and tight round ass that has me wanting to sink my teeth into it like a juicy apple. His navy button-down is pulled tight across his muscular chest, and if I look hard enough, I think I can count his abs under it.

“I take it you approve,” he says with a chuckle.

My eyes snap to his, and he’s grinning like an idiot.

“Yeah,” I breathe out.

He checks his watch quickly and looks back at me. “We should probably head out. I don’t want to be too late.”

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