Page 29 of Unexpected Love

Hey! Do you think you and Caleb could pick me up on your way to Scott’s?

I don’t have to wait long for her response.

Emily

Of course.

Where’s Declan?

…he didn’t make it home from his date with Quinn last night

Emily

Good for them!

But I won’t be telling Caleb that

I’m making breakfast at Scott’s this morning, so we’ll pick you up at 8.

Sounds good. Thank you!

I giggle at the thought of Emily trying to explain why Declan isn't home to take me to Scott's as I head to my room to get myself ready for the day.

I tried to keep my hair from getting wet in the shower with Gage, but that plan went out the window pretty quickly. Gage has a way of making me forget all my plans.

I head to the bathroom in the hall across from my room, planning on quickly styling my hair, but get distracted by my reflection in the mirror—something I’ve been avoiding for weeks now.

In truth, I haven’t recognized the person looking back at me since long before everything happened with Brian. But it’s gotten much worse since being in Ashford Falls. Looking in the mirror now, I think I’m starting to see the real me again, and I’m not sure I’m ready to think about why I’m seeing that changenow.

I shake myself from my thoughts and focus on getting ready. I switch my glasses for my contacts, quickly add a little product to my naturally wavy hair to stop the frizzing, and head to my room to switch out my leggings and sweatshirt for a pair of jeans and an oversized sweater. Comfy and cozy. Exactly how I always feel when spending time in the Marks’ household.

I’m just coming down the stairs when there’s a knock on the door, and I find Emily and Caleb standing on the other side.

“You could have just texted you were here. You didn’t need to come up to the door.”

“I thought the cool air might do Caleb some good.” Emily chuckles.

I look at Caleb and notice the grimace on his face. While Emily might not have told him exactly why they were picking me up, I have no doubt he was able to figure it out for himself. I can’t help but laugh along with Emily at his expense.

“Let me grab my phone and bag and we can go.” I turn from them, leaving the door open while I grab my things before locking up and heading down the walk to their car.

Caleb looks at both of us once I get in. “Don’t say a word,” he grumbles as we pull away from the house, Emily and I laughing the entire time.

As we’re walking up the driveway to the front door a few minutes later, I link my arm with Emily’s. “How are you feeling? I forgot to ask when you got to the house.”

A big smile breaks out across Emily’s face, her hand falling to her still relatively flat stomach. Last week at Thanksgiving dinner, Caleb and Emily shared the good news that they’re expecting a baby in May. We spent the entire day so incredibly happy for them. But I know in the back of everyone’s mind was the question of whether Scott would be around to meet the new addition to the family.

“I’m good. Really good.” Emily looks over her shoulder, sharing a smile with Caleb whose scowl quickly disappears at the mention of their growing baby.

“I’m so happy for you both.” My eyes bounce between the two of them. Seeing the smiles on their faces and the gleam in their eyes sparks a small prick of jealousy in my chest. I really am happy for them, but the look they share makes me realize how much I want that and question if I’ll ever be able to find it.

I don’t let myself think about it more and shift my focus to a smiling Max running out to greet us.

It’s a mess of chaos for a few minutes as Max says a quick hello before dragging Caleb away to show him something in his room. Scott stands in the doorway to the kitchen, laughing softly at the look on my face.

“You get used to it.” Emily chuckles as she pauses to press a quick kiss to Scott’s cheek before continuing into the kitchen to start making breakfast.

“Do you want any help?” I ask as I stop next to Scott to do the same. He throws an arm over my shoulder, pulling me into a side hug, squeezing tight.

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