Page 93 of Chase

“This was a team effort. Everyone around you today contributed in some way. We love you both.” He says right before opening the door and stepping inside.

Ally and I gasp at the same time, both of us sitting on the edge of our seats.

No way.

The camera pans around the room, showing us everything slowly.

There’s wall to wall book cases that are filled with all kinds of books. The room is massive. It’d be at least half the third floor. There’s some desks, armchairs, and even a day bed scattered around the room. At the end of the room there’s a glass door that opens out to a small balcony. It’s beautiful and perfect.

A tear falls down my cheek. I can’t believe they did this. For us.

“Arden. This is too much,” Ally says. “Even for you,” she adds.

“I disagree. You both deserve this and so much more. This isn’t from just me. It’s from everyone.” He says motioning around the room.

It’s then I notice that Dad, Millie, Julia, Nat and GW are all standing around watching us.

“Do you like it?” Arden says a little uncertain as he looks between Ally and I.

I feel Chase’s hand on the small of my back. His touch is comforting.

“Arden, I think it’s safe to say we love it. Thank you,” I choke out, more tears streaming down my face.

I walk over to him and pull him up for a hug. Ally taps me on the shoulder so I scoot to the side and let her in on the hug. Arden kisses us on the top of the head, his brotherly love surrounding us. I can’t help but smile.

We pull away and go back to our seats.

“I made the desks,” GW tells us. “I wanted something big and sturdy for you.” I knew GW was good with woodwork. His comment causes me to tear up a little more. These people really consider me family.

“Wow. Thank you GW. I can’t wait to see it in person once we move in,” I tell him with a smile. Wiping the tear off my cheek.

He nods his acknowledgments and Nat pats him on the back reassuringly.

“Julia, Nat and I unpacked the books and decorated,” Millie tells me excitedly. “You’ll need to change it, but we did what we could.”

“That’s where you were last weekend?” I ask. It all makes sense now. Nat took the girls to New Hope for the weekend but never did tell me why.

“Thank you.” Ally and I say to the room.

“We love it. Is it January yet?” I ask and everyone starts laughing.

“Chase and Rhys, you have to wait until we move for your presents.” Arden tells us. This earns him a suspicious look from both of them.

“What is it?” Chase asks, even though he knows he won’t get an answer. Well, not the one he wants.

“You’ll see.”

My phone rings indicating an incoming facetime call. It’s Smalls.

“Merry Christmas,” I say as I answer. Smalls’ face appears on the screen smiling.

“Merry Christmas to you, Shorty,” He responds. Millie pops her head over the couch so she’s in the frame.

“Merry Christmas Mildred. You cleaned up with the gifts,” he tells her. We’d messaged him earlier.

“I know. It’s great. I’ve been helping Nat cook,” Millie speaks a mile a minute making him chuckle.

“Ease up on the sugar kiddo.”

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