Where We Call Home (Faircloud #2)

Chapter 22

Twenty-Two

27 weeks pregnant

Baby is the size of a head of cabbage\

Rhodes2324 Wants To Start A New Game With You

TheoTheGreat09 played DIVA for 9 points

TheoTheGreat09: diva is a female version of a hustler. FYI

Rhodes2324: Okay, Beyonce.

TheoTheGreat09: Rhodes… you know more than Zach Top and Toby Keith? SHOCKED

Rhodes2324: I can see you smiling right now. You’re sitting right next to me if you forgot.

TheoTheGreat09: How could I when your phone volume is on max watching stupid videos?

I looked utterly ridiculous—pun totally intended. I agreed to go to the Halloween party with Rhodes. Well, not together, but at the same time, in the same car.

I’d been living with Rhodes a full week at this point, and I could only think of one complaint: he cared about nothing.

It was refreshing to be with someone as laid-back as I was. Our personalities meshed effortlessly, and we got along better than I could have hoped. He’d never admit it, but I knew he secretly enjoyed the shows we watched every night. Without fail, he’d come home, ask, “What are we watching?” and plop down on the couch after dinner. He’d stay there until I inevitably dozed off, nudging me awake just enough to guide me to bed.

Being six, almost seven months pregnant, and trying to fit into spandex was not a smart plan. After mindlessly scrolling, I saw this cute costume idea on Pinterest and thought I’d at least give it a shot.

Rhodes had been pestering me for days, practically begging to know what I planned to dress up as for Halloween. I wasn’t about to tell him. The last thing I needed was for him to copy my epic idea or try to match me.

I wiggled into the black-and-white fabric, the stretchy material snapping lightly against my skin. When I turned to look in the mirror, I was no longer myself—I was a full-on pregnant cow.

The spandex bodysuit I found online was perfect, arriving just in time. I’d added my own flair: pink udders for my belly and a headband with floppy ears I’d hot-glued on. Using eyeliner, I drew a cute cow nose and a few other facial details to complete the look.

That was the beauty of Halloween—you could be whoever or whatever you wanted. It was the one time of year when looking completely ridiculous or insanely hot (or both) was socially acceptable.

The weather was warm, so my tattoos were on full display. The black ink that wrapped my arms in intricate florals and vines added an extra layer of personality to the costume. Honestly? I felt pretty damn good.

Spinning around to get the full view in the mirror, I smirked. My ass looked amazing, even in cow print. Feeling cute gave me the confidence boost I needed to tackle the night ahead.

The thought of seeing Aspen and Penny still made my stomach twist, but Rhodes had been right. I needed to do this—for myself and for my baby girl. My insecurities about past friendships didn’t matter anymore. I couldn’t let the ghosts of my childhood hold me back.

Running a hand over my belly, I smiled at the thought of her. What kind of mom would I be if I didn’t show her how to stand her ground?

A quick glance at my phone told me time was ticking, so I gave myself one last once-over in the mirror. Satisfied, I strutted out of the bathroom with as much confidence as my swollen feet could muster.

At that exact moment, Rhodes’s bedroom door flew open, and he stepped out, taking up the entire doorway with his broad frame.

“Absolutely not,” I said immediately, shaking my head as I took him in. “Nope. This isn’t happening.”

He was dressed as a damn farmer—plaid button-up shirt, straight-leg Wranglers, and a cowboy hat perched on his stupidly perfect head.

Rhodes took one look at me and burst into laughter, doubling over with his hands on his knees. It was the kind of laugh that made his whole body shake. I couldn’t tell if he was laughing at my costume or at the sheer irony of us unintentionally matching.

“What are the odds?” he wheezed, straightening up and wiping his eyes. “Looks like we planned this.”

“One of us has to change,” I said, glaring at him. “If we show up like this, people are going to get the wrong idea.”

“I’m not changing,” Rhodes said with a shrug. “This isn’t even a costume. These are just my regular clothes.”

“Do you know how long it took my pregnant ass to squeeze into spandex?” I shot back. “Way too long, Rhodes. Way too long.”

He stepped closer, the scent of his cologne wrapping around me as his ruggedly handsome face hovered just inches away.

“Well, we’re at an impasse, Honey.”

I groaned, throwing my hands in the air as I stomped to the kitchen to grab my purse and slung it over my shoulder. He wasn’t going to budge, and frankly, neither was I.

“Let’s just go before I change my mind and decide not to go at all!” I called over my shoulder, walking toward the door.

Rhodes followed, a chuckle rumbling in his chest. Neither of us was going to win this battle, but at least we’d get the party started. Yee-fucking-haw.

I purposefully kept my distance from Rhodes, hoping that if we stayed far enough apart, no one would notice the unintended theme. A girl could dream, right?

But, of course, that dream shattered the moment we stepped into the barn. Mac noticed immediately.

“Y’all plan this?” he asked, pointing between Rhodes and me with a mischievous smirk.

“I was dressed first!” I blurted.

“False,” Rhodes interjected smoothly. “I’ve been ready all day. I wore these jeans and boots to work.”

“Yeah, well, squeezing into this spandex suit took longer, so I win.”

“Did you win, D-I-V-A?” Rhodes teased, drawing out the letters in his deep voice.

“Okay, let’s pause the very obvious flirting,” Mac cut in with a laugh, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “Let me show you what we’ve got so I can get back to drinking.”

Mac was dressed as the Joker, complete with slicked-back green hair and makeup that nailed the creepy smile. The tailored purple suit and a cigarette tucked behind his ear pulled the whole look together.

“Thanks, Mac,” I said as he led me toward the tables stacked with food and drinks.

The barn was packed, far more crowded than I’d expected. I scanned the room, looking for familiar faces. The main area was decked out with cobwebs and fuzzy spiders, bats hanging from the ceiling, and skeletons propped against the walls. Red lights cast eerie shadows over everything, setting the perfect Halloween mood.

This had Aspen’s touch all over it.

“The rest of the gang is over in the far corner,” Mac said, giving my shoulder a friendly pat before turning to Rhodes. “Catch you later, cowboy.”

Mac disappeared into the crowd, and I timidly approached a pitcher labeled ‘blood’ on the drink table. It was hard to tell what was spiked and what wasn’t, but I was craving something fruity.

“Want me to taste it and check for alcohol?” Rhodes’s deep voice tickled my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. The speakers were loud enough to shake the walls, forcing him to lean in close so I could hear him.

“Please,” I said, stepping aside as he grabbed a red solo cup. He filled it with just a splash, tipped it to his lips, and smirked.

“Straight juice. No alcohol,” he confirmed, then filled the cup to the brim and handed it to me.

I took a sip and was immediately hit with nostalgia. It tasted like childhood—like trick-or-treating in neighborhoods with the best candy, hoarding juice barrels and king-sized Snickers bars like treasure.

Rhodes reached down, grabbed a beer from the cooler, and popped the top on the edge of the table with effortless ease.

Hot. My ovaries were practically doing backflips.

“You ready?” he asked, his voice low and close, his lips brushing against my ear again. Goosebumps spread down my arms as I nodded, my voice caught somewhere between a squeak and a hum.

“Mhm,” I managed, taking a step in the direction Mac had pointed out earlier.

I needed to get this conversation over with before everyone else got too drunk—or before I backed out entirely.

As promised, the group was gathered in the corner, chatting and laughing. My stomach dropped, nerves twisting into a knot.

Boone and Aspen were the first I spotted. They were dressed as Bo Peep and her sheep—Aspen in a sweet pink dress with a scandalous neckline, and Boone covered in cotton balls, sheep ears perched on his head.

Penny caught my eye next, dressed as a slutty black cat in a faux-leather spandex suit even tighter than mine. Bless her soul—I had no idea how she planned to get out of that thing later. Judging by the way Mac was leaning against the wall, openly ogling her, I suspected he’d be the one helping her out of it.

Even Logan was here, which surprised me. He wore a simple lion’s mane and a yellow T-shirt, whiskers and a pink nose painted on his face.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to move forward and join the circle.

“Theo! Rhodes!” Penny squealed, rushing over to hug me. Her warmth and excitement hit me like a tidal wave, and guilt twisted in my chest.

She had no idea what had been weighing on my mind, which pointed to how ridiculous my worries had been or how oblivious she was.

Penny’s hug was tight and genuine, her vanilla-scented perfume wrapping around me like comfort.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” she whispered, pulling back slightly to beam at me.

“Me too,” I said softly. I really had missed her.

Aspen quickly swooped in, nearly knocking Penny aside to hug me next. The love from my friends was overwhelming, and for the first time in weeks, I felt truly welcome.

“I’m glad you made it,” Aspen said sweetly.

“Can I talk to you two for a second?” I asked, glancing between them.

They nodded immediately. I tapped Rhodes on the arm, handing him my drink.

He leaned down once more, his voice a low murmur against my ear. “I’ll be right here.”

I squeezed his arm in acknowledgment, then grabbed Aspen and Penny by the hands, leading them to a quiet corner by the hay bales.

“Is everything okay?” Aspen asked, sitting beside me on one of the bales.

“No,” I admitted, my voice trembling slightly.

Penny’s eyes widened, her face suddenly pale beneath her whiskers. “Is the baby okay?” she asked, her tone tinged with fear.

“The baby is okay,” I reassured Penny quickly, seeing the panic flash across her face. “This isn’t about that. It’s me. I haven’t been feeling great mentally. I should’ve brought it up sooner, but I didn’t, and that’s on me.”

I paused, taking a deep breath when neither of them spoke. “I’ve felt excluded lately. It’s like you guys didn’t want to include me or plan things I could do, and it really hurt.”

Aspen’s eyes dropped, her face falling under the weight of guilt.

“I’m so sorry,” she murmured. “That was never my intention. I thought keeping things normal would help. I didn’t even think about it like that.”

“Hell, I didn’t even know about this party. Rhodes told me, and it was embarrassing to realize my two best friends didn’t even think to invite me.”

“I texted the group chat,” Aspen said, her brows furrowing as her head tilted to the side.

Had she? My memory flickered. I’d opened their messages but hadn’t replied in weeks. In my anger, I probably skimmed over everything without really reading it. And let’s be honest—if Rhodes hadn’t nudged me, I wouldn’t have come even if I knew.

“I haven’t checked the group chat in a while to be honest. I stopped answering, did none of that concern you either?” I asked, my temper beginning to flare.

The silence must have spoken volumes because Penny stepped closer, her expression softening. “You’re always so independent. I thought you wanted space.”

“That’s the problem,” I mumbled. “Just because I’m independent or like to do things on my own doesn’t mean I don’t want to feel loved or included.”

Aspen recoiled slightly, inhaling sharply.

I wasn’t trying to be harsh—I was being honest. I’d convinced myself that staying silent would protect my peace, in reality, I’d been protecting theirs. All the while, I’d been at war with myself, harboring these feelings and letting them fester.

“Is that why you stopped answering us?” Penny asked gently.

I nodded. “I was throwing a tantrum. I felt like no one cared, like you all expected me to stay the same person I was months ago. But I’m not. I can’t be.”

“I’m so sorry,” Penny said, her voice trembling as she reached for my hand, just like she had the day I told them about my pregnancy over tacos.

“I should’ve known better, should’ve said something,” Aspen added. “I thought I was doing the right thing, but I see now I wasn’t. I didn’t know how to approach it and I’ll own that. I’m sorry, too.”

I wouldn’t tell them it was okay—because it wasn’t—but I accepted their apologies. If they could take responsibility, then I had to as well.

“I messed up too,” I admitted. “I should’ve said something sooner. But it’s hard. Really damn hard.”

“Can I hug you?” Penny asked, arms already open.

I laughed softly and nodded. “Of course.”

“Wait! I’m joining!” Aspen declared, diving in to make it a three-way hug.

Rhodes was right—talking to them dressed as Little Bo Peep and a cat made it all feel a lot easier. This was the conversation I’d needed for weeks.

“I’m sorry I shut down,” I added, squeezing them tighter. “Feelings aren’t my strong suit.”

“Boo!” Penny said with a playful pout. “I should’ve pushed harder. I should’ve known something was off.”

Aspen nodded. “I’m just glad we are talking about it now. I knew something was wrong but I didn’t know how to bring it up.”

“I am too. Let’s promise to speak up from now on,” Penny said, holding out her pinky.

Aspen and I hooked ours with hers in unison. “Deal.”

As we pulled apart, my eyes drifted across the barn to Rhodes. He stood with the guys, laughing and grinning in a way that made his whole face light up. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he tilted his head back to laugh harder.

The flutter in my chest was warm, almost dizzying. I’d done this for me but it was because of him .

“I knew it!” Penny gasped, covering her mouth with one hand and pointing at me with the other.

“Knew what?” I asked, my voice pitching up as I quickly looked back at her.

“You and Rhodes,” she accused, her tone dripping with glee.

“Oh, shit!” Aspen cackled. “I called it!”

“It’s not like that,” I stammered, waving my hands defensively. “We’ve gotten really close after he offered to let me live with him. It’s just until I find my own place after the baby is born.”

“YOU’RE LIVING WITH HIM?” Aspen and Penny shouted in unison from across the circle.

“Shh! Keep it down!” I hissed, glancing around the barn.

“For how long?” Penny asked. “And how do you keep your hands to yourself? I saw the way you just looked at him. I don’t know if I could either.” She wiggled her eyebrows up and down. “Oh my God! Does he walk around shirtless?”

“What is it with you and sexualizing everyone?” I laughed, shaking my head. Penny had always been like this—first about Boone, and now Rhodes.

“Ugh,” she groaned, dramatically flopping her head forward. “I’m always horny, okay? I’m living vicariously through my friends until it’s my turn.”

“Um, hello? The Joker over there has been eyeing your boobs like they’re his last meal,” Aspen pointed out, nodding toward Mac.

Penny bit her lip, twirling a strand of hair. “He was, wasn’t he?”

I grinned and shook my head. “We’re not talking about Rhodes here. Not tonight.”

“Fine,” Penny sighed dramatically. “But you owe me answers.”

Talking to them had lifted a weight off my shoulders. I’d stepped out of my comfort zone and spoken up about how I felt, and it felt good—empowering, even.

The past few weeks had taught me so much about myself and the people I cared about. Without Rhodes’s gentle push, I might’ve let my insecurities destroy friendships with two women who’d changed my life.

They’d saved me when I first arrived in Faircloud, and I knew they’d keep saving me for years to come.

And as for Rhodes... I couldn’t quite push him away, no matter how hard I tried. Maybe I never wanted to.