Page 170 of Ink Me Three Times
“Come on,” I finally say, getting to my feet. “I’ll give you the grand tour.”
“Alright, show me what you’ve got,” he says, sounding a little more like himself.
He stands up a little too quickly, trying to keep up, but there's a hesitant look on his face. The door to this new life hasn't opened wide for him yet, but I'm determined to show him that it can.
I lead him through the house, starting with the living room. It’s nothing fancy, just a big, open space with mismatched furniture, some half-finished artwork on the walls, and Pickle lounging on the couch, as usual, as if he owns the place.
“You’re still not getting a real bed, huh?” Jesse teases, nodding toward the couch where Pickle's sprawled out happily.
I laugh, shaking my head. “That boy sleeps anywhere. You know that.”
We move to the kitchen next. It’s bright, with an island that Freddie always insists on sitting at. The shelves are lined with mismatched mugs, and there’s a corner where Timothy’s been leaving unfinished projects. Pieces of wood he’s been carving when he has time to kill.
“This place definitely feels... homey,” Jesse remarks, eyeing the half sanded boards. “I think I might actually be able to get used to it.”
We move down the hall toward the nursery, and my chest tightens just a little. This room has become a symbol for everything I didn’t think I could have. The walls are painted in soft pastels, and the giraffes are, well... ridiculous. But they’re somehow perfect for what this place is: messy, surprising, and real.
“Wow, giraffe wallpaper in the nursery?”
I roll my eyes. “Don’t ask. I don’t know how he convinced me either. But it’s growing on me.” I give him a pointed look.“You’ve got a better idea for the nursery, feel free to step up. Otherwise, let it go.”
He chuckles under his breath. “No promises.”
We stop at the cribs, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. For all the mess of our lives, this room is the one thing that’s really, truly perfect.
“This place is something else,” Jesse says quietly, his tone softening. “You really do have a family here now, don’t you?”
I glance at him, surprised at the vulnerability in his voice. There’s no judgment, no sarcasm. Just... understanding.
“Yeah,” I say, nodding. “It feels like we’re starting to get it right.”
We stand there for a moment, just taking it in, the stillness of the room, the tiny little cribs that are about to hold our babies, the giraffes on the wall that will always make me laugh no matter how many times I see them.
Jesse shifts uncomfortably, his hands shoved in his pockets. “It’s not perfect, though, right?”
I look at him, realizing for the first time that he’s not just talking about the house. He’s talking about everything.
“No,” I say, the words coming out softer than I expected. “It’s not perfect. But I think that’s okay. I’m okay with it.”
He nods, looking around one more time. “I’m glad. I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but... I think you’re doing alright.”
It’s the first time in months that Jesse’s actually said something like that to me without the weight of disappointment or anger attached.
“Thanks,” I say, my voice rough with a mix of relief and exhaustion.
“I’m still not sure about this whole... thing,” he says, his hands back in his pockets. “But I’m trying.”
I stop in my tracks, my heart stuttering at his words. “That’s all I can ask, Jesse. That’s all any of us can ask for.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
Timothy
The day finally comes.
I don't know what I was expecting, but I certainly didn't think I'd be this damn nervous. I’ve dealt with everything in life, my fair share of chaos, emotional mess, and unpredictable shit, but watching Ivy clutch her belly and breathe through another contraction is unbelievable.
I’m supposed to be the calm one, the steady hand. Yet here I am, scrambling through the living room, my hands shaking as I try to locate the damn hospital bag.
