Page 95 of Chase

“I wanted you to myself for a while.” He says pulling me into his side as we walk. “How you doing?”

“I’m okay. It was a lot at one point, but I’m happy. I’m glad Dad was there.” I tell him, taking in the surroundings. My thoughts go back to the first time I walked along the street the morning that I met Chase again.

Everything changed for the better that day. Chase and his friends came into my life when I didn’t even know I needed them.

“I can’t even picture what today would’ve been like without you there,” Chase tells me in a soft voice. “How are you feeling about the move now?”

Chase and I have discussed this over the past few weeks. He knows why I’m worried and feeling guilty. “I still feel guilty. But your mum spoke to me again this week and put my mind at ease. Dad also told me I was doing the right thing. Him coming around more often has helped settle the guilt. I just hope he keeps showing up.”

“I know you’re worried. But they’re right. You’re doing the right thing. I’m sure Arden will keep us distracted. Did I tell you we met the tenant?” Chase reassures me again. I love him even more for it.

“No, when?” I ask, happy that the conversation has changed direction.

“When Rhys and I went to check on the renovations. She barged in. I have a feeling that she may provide some entertainment when we move in.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because she’s the opposite of Arden and isn’t afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself. A lot like you and Ally.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh. I can’t wait for Arden to meet her,” Chase says with amusement in his voice.

“You’re mean.” I poke his side. “Have you warned Arden?”

“Nope, where’s the fun in that?”

Shaking my head, I walk over to the swings at the small park around the corner from our houses. I sit on the swing and Chase pushes me gently.

“Hey Yas?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” I say right before Chases gives my swing a big push causing me to squeal.

This has been the best Christmas ever and it’s not even over yet.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chase

It’s New Years Eve and we’re all sitting on the deck at Arden’s. The party is in full force downstairs. This party is tame compared to the last two Arden has thrown here, but we’ve been busy packing and getting ready for the move. We leave in three days.

Chad keeps the drinks flowing and a waitress keeps bringing up trays of food for us.

Everyone has been well behaved tonight. Except for a group of girls that tried to get up the stairs and refused to take no for an answer. Ralph had to put them in an Uber about an hour ago.

Yasmin and Ally are standing at the bar discussing drink concoctions with Chad. “Can we bring Chad with us?” Yasmin asks us. “I’ll miss his cocktails next year.” She pouts. Yasmin and Ally are both tipsy, and it’s rather amusing.

“You know I live in New Hope right? I own a pub there,” Chad tells the girls.

“What? Really? Why are you here?” Yasmin asks him.

“I like bartending at Arden’s parties. It’s always entertaining,” Chad says, winking at the girls. “Plus he pays well and it’s a good excuse to visit my older brother.” Chad nods towards Ralph and the girls turn around a little too quickly, almost losing their balance.

“You guys are related?” Yasmin says a little too loud. Rhys and I chuckle at the girls. I didn’t expect Yasmin to know, but surely Ally knew.

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