Chapter 59 Ours
CHAPTER 59: OURS
JACE
T he last month has been a whirlwind of sorts. After Lacey and I put in an offer, the sellers accepted it, and we started the moving process. I also started at the CFNAWC. Most nights, I spent over at Lacey’s. Poppy was at Logan’s, so it was nice to have a place to ourselves. We fell into a rhythm together, and if it’s any indication of what life will be like with her at our own place, I can’t wait to see how our future plays out.
Walking into our new home, I find her and most of our friends sitting on the floor of the kitchen. Moving boxes surround them. A stack of Bruno’s pizza boxes are piled high on the island. Poppy insisted we could not celebrate move-in day without champagne, and Lacey agreed. It feels surreal seeing all of our friends sitting in our kitchen.
“The house is gorgeous,” Gray says, sipping her champagne.
“A reading room?” Wren asks. “Talk about a dream come true.”
I walk over, fill a paper plate with pizza, and grab a glass of champagne. Lacey stands and joins me. She wraps her arms around me from behind and rests her face against my back.
“The movers are gone?” she asks.
“Yep, I tipped the driver and they headed out.”
“I can’t believe it’s all ours,” she says. I spin around to face her.
“Ours,” I repeat her words, leaning down to kiss her. She smiles against my lips.
“Have I told you I love you today?” she asks. “Because I like really fucking love you.”
“I like really fucking love you too.” I kiss her again. “Should I kick ‘em out?” I whisper in her ear.
“Later,” she winks. “I’ve got big plans for later.”
“Deal.”
“Careful you two,” Poppy says. “We don’t need the residents gossiping about another hickey on Lacey’s neck.”
Wren, Gray, and Poppy all burst out laughing.
“I swear for being over eighty, those women have the vision of a toddler,” Lacey laughs. “That was a month ago and they’re still talking about it. 307 was offering me advice last week about how to properly cover one with makeup.” She shakes her head.
“She’s so funny,” Wren says.
“I think she and 330 are talking about moving in with each other, too. I heard the office ladies talking about it the other day,” Gray says.
“If they end up getting married, we better be invited,” Wren adds.
“Right?” Lacey smiles.
She sips her champagne and laughs when Tanner says something stupid. She’s wearing a T-shirt that she insisted on buying me. It’s dark gray and on the front it says “Nice Tits” with two small titmouse birds sitting on a limb. Her black leggings hug every bit of her long legs. Her hair is pulled out of her face. She looks so happy. I walk over and grab my camera off the top of one of the stacks of boxes. I pull it to my eye and capture her happiness, telling myself I will do whatever it takes to make her this happy every day, for the rest of my life.
“Where’s Chloe?” Logan asks, sitting down next to Poppy.
“Ava’s sick, so she couldn’t get away,” Gray says.
“Ava?” Donovan asks.
“Her little girl,” Wren says.
“I didn’t know she had a daughter,” Enzo chimes in.
“Yeah. She’s super cute and absolutely wild in the best way,” Gray smiles. “Dad’s a piece of shit and long gone, so when she brings something home from daycare, Chloe’s on her own.”
“That’s a shame,” Donovan says. “I was happy y’all brought her to the wedding. She’s a lot of fun.”
“Oh yeah, Chloe’s a blast when she lets loose,” Gray agrees. “She was bummed she couldn’t be here, but she’s going to try to help with Logan’s move.”
“When exactly is the move happening?” Tanner asks.
“Next weekend and I expect you all to be there to help,” Poppy laughs.
“And what will I get for helping?” Tanner teases.
“Pizza and champagne,” Poppy deadpans.
Tanner grumbles something under his breath.
“What did you say, T?” Logan asks.
“Nothing, happy to help you move.”
“Speaking of moving. How’s the roommate hunt coming?” Logan asks.
“It’s not,” he says. I don’t miss Wren’s eyes shooting toward Lacey and then back down to her plate.
“If only we knew someone who needed a roommate,” Lacey says, staring very obviously at Wren.
“Right?” Tanner says, oblivious to what my girl is suggesting. “All of you assholes,” he points at all the guys in the room with a mouth full of pizza, “are happily paired off and there isn’t anyone left to take my spare bedroom.”
“Doesn’t have to be a guy. Wren needs a—” Lacey begins.
“So, how’s married life?” Wren asks abruptly, cutting off Lacey and looking toward Enzo. “I know we keep saying it, but your wedding was stunning.”
“What about Wren?” Tanner asks.
“Nothing,” Lacey recovers, sending her an apologetic look. “Just that she won’t be at Logan and Poppy’s next weekend. Right?”
“I didn’t know you couldn’t come,” Poppy says.
“Yeah, it’s my brother’s birthday,” Wren explains. “Sorry. I thought I mentioned it.”
“It’s okay.” Poppy offers her a smile. “How are you liking your new job, Jace?”
“It’s incredible,” I say. “I was nervous about having to manage people, but the group of photojournalists I’m overseeing are extremely talented and I can already tell they’re going to make my job a lot easier.”
“That’s great,” Enzo says. “So, are you traveling anytime soon?”
“No.” I shake my head. “There’s no need. Part of my team is currently down in Florida studying the sea turtles nesting there, and next week they’ll switch out with a few of the people who have been home. I’m working on setting up our next projects.”
“And you’re okay with that?” Logan asks.
I pull Lacey into a tight hug and kiss the top of her head. “Honestly, I don’t miss it at all. I’ll definitely have to do some small trips down the road, and those will be fun, but I know I made the right choice. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
Lacey squeezes me tight before letting go. The conversation continues and I let the happiness I’m feeling wash over me. There is a lot we need to do, but it can wait until tomorrow. For now, I want to enjoy our friends and my girl.
I clear my throat and everyone’s eyes shift to me. “I’d like to make a toast of sorts,” I begin. “I’m not very good at this sort of thing, but I wanted to say thank you for your help today.” I put my arm around Lacey’s shoulders. “It means so much to the both of us to have all of you here, so thank you for putting up with us the past few months. I’d like to think it was all worth it.” I raise my glass and everyone sips their drink.
We finish off the pizza and the last of the champagne before everyone leaves for the night. I close the door behind Tanner, the last of our friends to leave.
“Ready for bed?” Lacey asks, standing at the top of the stairs. Her leggings are gone and she’s wearing only my shirt.
“Where are we going to sleep tonight?” I ask.
“Come and see.” She smiles.
I walk up the stairs and into our bedroom. The bed frame and box spring are leaned up against the wall, and our mattress is in the middle of the room. To my surprise, it’s covered with sheets and a blanket. Two pillows sit at the head. Rose petals are scattered over the blanket. Fake candles are scattered around the room, giving the illusion of real ones.
“What’s all this?”
“I wish I could take the credit, but apparently it’s a housewarming gift from our friends.”
“They did this?”
She nods, laughing. “There’s even a note.”
“What does it say?” She hands me a folded piece of paper and I open it.
You’re welcome.
Love,
The Tortured Therapists Department and S.H.I.E.L.D.
“Bunch of assholes,” I laugh, setting down the note.
“Yeah, but they’re our assholes,” Lacey says smiling. I wrap her in my arms and pull her into me. Her body relaxes against mine. “You know I’m not very tired,” she admits, flashing me a wicked grin. “You?”
“Not one bit.” I pick her up, causing her to let out a shriek. Climbing onto the mattress, I lay her down.
“I love you, pixie.”
“I love you, too, J.”