Page 76 of Chase

“Who is it?” I ask, even though I know who it will be. I knew they’d show up eventually. I love them even more for giving me some space this week.

It’s just given me time to reflect and realise that I want and need them in my life.

Millie doesn’t say anything. She has tears streaming down her face, and her laughter has become uncontrollable. She pushes the door fully open and I take in the scene in front of me.

Standing at my front door is Chase, Arden, Rhys, and Ally. Their arms are loaded with bags and boxes and pizza. At first, I don’t understand why Millie is laughing.

Until I look down.

I can’t help but join Millie.

The four of them are wearing pink princess pyjamas identical to the ones that I own.

The pair that I was wearing the morning that I first met Chase again.

They look ridiculous. Well, the boys do. Ally is fine. It’s obvious she’s trying really hard to contain her laughter.

I look at her. “How’d you get Arden to agree to this?” It has to be her idea. Arden takes too much pride in his appearance. Plus, Ally suggesting it would be the only way that Rhys would agree to it.

“It was Arden’s idea,” Ally says as she gives me an awkward side hug because her arms are full. “He said there’d be no way you’d turn us away.” Ally makes her way inside the house, letting herself in like it was her own house.

Arden just nods. “Did it work?” he asks.

“Of course it worked, but I’d have let you in without the pyjamas.” I tell him.

“I told you,” Rhys says smirking at me and follows Ally into the house.

“Yeah but it was worth it to see you in pink. It suits you Rhys,” Arden jokes. He winks at me, gives me a kiss on the cheek, grabs the bags from Chase and goes into the house.

A quick glance behind me lets me know Millie has gone with them.

I look back at Chase and get lost in his gaze.

“Hi,” he says cautiously, taking a step closer to me.

“Hi,” I repeat following his lead and taking a step closer. The tension builds between us. It won’t take long for us to explode. The world disappears and it’s just us.

“I’ve missed you,” he whispers again, moving a step closer.

“I’ve missed you too.”

“I love you,” Chase says, his eyes locked with mine.

I see it in his eyes.

He really does love me.

I see the truth.

There’s no doubt.

I don’t over think it.

I’ve known for weeks.

This week apart just made me see it more clearly.

I love him as well.

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