Chapter 68
CHAPTER 68
APRIL
M oving day.
Samuel, Dan, Caleb, Gabriel, Scarlett, and Seb, with Leah and baby Callum, directing proceedings from the corner. Harper turns up with a moving-in hamper filled with delicious treats and a couple of bottles of champagne.
“What?” she says, looking at her brother. “There are eight of us. One bottle will never be enough.”
Caleb shakes his head, and I laugh at the siblings.
“We’re supposed to be working,” he says, grabbing another box of something and thrusting it into his sister’s arms.
I look around, realising there are a lot of boxes being brought in. Especially seeing I lost everything I owned in the fire.
“Where have all these boxes come from?” I ask, grabbing the scissors and opening the latest one Seb has placed on the side.
Caleb looks at me, his gaze not quite meeting mine. “Caleb?” I say.
“When we went shopping, I made a note of all the things you liked—throws, pillows. And all the things you’d need. Pots, pans, coffee machine.”
I pull open the box and recognise the beautiful faux fur throw I saw when we were shopping. It feels more like a weighted blanket. I did not realise he saw me eyeing it up. Cal had been on his phone.
I drag the blanket out of the box and hug it to me. “It’s…” I stare at the thoughtful man in front of me. “Thank you.”
I’ve learned over the weeks and months to accept his gifts. It’s something he loves to do. I reach up and place a kiss on his lips. “I love it.”
His grin says it all. Twenty more boxes appear, each with their own surprise. Pillows for the sofa, another throw for the enormous bed, Caleb insisted on buying me as it matches his. His argument being he intends to stay over in comfort.
Plates, glasses, cutlery. The list goes on. Kat has sent an enormous bouquet delivered in a beautiful vase.
Enjoy your new home.
I included the vase, as I assumed you wouldn’t have one yet.
Looking forward to your housewarming
Kat xx
When I first met Kat, she was distant. But now. I may be ten years younger, but we’re becoming firm friends. Not something I’m used to. Girl friends have been few and far between.
Leah places the flowers on the kitchen island, while Gabriel and Caleb hook up the flat screen TV. The builders have incorporated all the cables into the walls, but the boys make themselves useful drilling holes and arguing about where each bracket goes. Watching the twins is hilarious, especially with Leah rolling her eyes every five minutes.
“Are they always like this?” I ask, stepping into the kitchen.
“Yes.” Is all she says laughing.
I walk into my bedroom to find the bed made up, my new throws and pillows skilfully arranged. Harper comes out of the en suite, jumping when she catches sight of me.
“Sorry,” she says. “I couldn’t resist. I love interior design and fashion. I thought I’d make it welcoming. Heaven only knows, you won’t want to be making up your bed after everyone finally leaves.”
I stare at the woman who’s three years younger than me. She and I could not be more different. She’s decked out in designer labels, likes to party hard, and lives her life through social media, yet there’s something about her.
“Thank you, Harper. I love it. I would never have thought to dress it like this. It looks amazing,” I tell her truthfully.
I would have thrown everything on the bed.
Harper grins, and I realise something. Her older siblings treat her like the baby of the family. But I suspect there’s a lot more to Harper Frazer than they realise.
“If you want to dress the sofa or anything else, please feel free. I have the flare of a gnat,” I admit.
“Really?” Harper says, as though not truly believing me.
“Really. Your brother has spoiled me, but I’m clueless. If you’re willing to help.”
“Absolutely. If you ever want a shopping companion,” she says. “Not that I’m saying there’s anything wrong with your clothes.” Her cheeks darken and I laugh.
“Harper, that would be great. I’ve never had a girlfriend to go shopping with.” I laugh .
Harper’s eyes widen in surprise.
“I spend all my time at the dance studio,” I explain. When she nods, a horrible thought crosses my mind. “I won’t be able to shop where you shop. My little business doesn’t pay that much. But I’d love to go shopping with you.”
“Done deal,” she says, coming forward and tucking her arm into mine. “It’s all about choosing appropriate items.”
It’s only then I look around and notice the knick-knacks on the sideboard. A photo frame with pictures of me when I was younger. Me dancing with Di. There’s even a picture of me with Sarah, from when I was a baby.
I break free from Harper’s grip and move to the chest of draws.
“Where?” I say, turning to find Caleb stood in the doorway.
“I wondered where you disappeared to,” he says, stepping into the room.
“I’ll leave you to it,” Harper says, heading for the door, touching her brother’s arm as she leaves.
“Where?” I repeat the question, picking up the photo of me as a baby.
“Sarah sent me some photos. She has an album from when you lived with her. I also spoke to Di. She gave me the ones of you dancing.”
A lump forms in my throat as I take in the photographs and their frames. My smile spreads when I see one of myself and Caleb. I remember the moment. We are lying on a picnic blanket in the park.
There’s another one of us with his family, taken at his mother’s birthday.
“You don’t have to keep that one,” he says, stepping up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
“Why?” I turn my head and stare into his eyes. “I love it. I may have to move these out of my bedroom, however… ”
“Excellent plan,” Caleb adds, scooping them up, leaving only the pictures of me and him on the chest of draws. “These can go into the living room.”
He drops a kiss on my nose, and I spin in his arms, wrapping my own around his neck. “This is wonderful,” I say.
“You can show me how wonderful later.” He drops a kiss on my lips, just as Gabriel barges in.
“Put her down,” he says, covering his eyes and making me laugh. “You have a houseful of people.”
We both laugh, Caleb’s arms still around my waist.
“The boys have arrived,” he says, as Caleb groans.
I look at him, half amused, half surprised.
“They wanted to wish you a happy housewarming,” Caleb says, looking apologetic. I step out of his arms and grin.
“Really?” I can’t believe how much love everyone is showing me as I make my way back into the main room.
“There’s the lady of the hour,” Tristan shouts, pointing to the three cases of wine he’s placed on the kitchen unit.
“I hope that’s the good stuff,” Caleb says from behind me, and I shoot him a look.
“Only the best for your girl,” Tristan says, winking at me.
I approach him and give him a hug.
“Thank you,” I say, trying hard not to let the emotion show in my voice.
He looks down at me and smiles, the warmth in his eyes, letting me know he’s here because he’s chosen to be.
“Don’t forget us,” Quentin and Xander say in unison, both holding presents wrapped with enormous bows.
I can’t keep the smile off my face as I approach them both, taking their gifts and giving them both a kiss on the cheek.
“She’s mine,” Caleb says, growling at his friends, while it’s my turn to smirk.
“We know,” they all say together, holding up their hands and laughing. Caleb’s possessiveness sending a warm fuzzy feeling through me. I experienced the same feeling when he was approached at dinner. I never thought I’d have possessive thoughts towards anyone. But where Caleb Frazer is concerned, he’s mine.
The impromptu housewarming party goes on late into the night. With no-one else living nearby, there’s no risk of my neighbours complaining. By the time Caleb and I fall into our new bed, I’m happy Harper had the foresight to make it up. I sink into its comfort and groan in delight.
“You’re only supposed to make those sounds when I’m touching you,” Caleb says, pulling me into his arms and spooning me from behind.
“And I do, but this mattress.”
Caleb chuckles in my ear. “That’s okay. You can moan at the mattress and me in the morning, but right now, I think we both need some sleep.”
“Deal,” I say, snuggling into his arms, my eyes drifting closed. “I love you,” I say, before the world goes dark.