Chapter 17
Seventeen
Emma
For the rest of the week, Caleb spends time with all of us.
My children adore him, and Noah’s thriving having his father around.
The time flies by and before we know it, it’s time for us to go to Chloe’s barbecue.
I seem to be the only one who’s nerves are eating them alive.
“I’m so nervous,” I say.
“It’s just Chloe.”
“She knows how bad our breakup was, though.”
Caleb reaches for my hand. “And we’ve moved on from that. Trust me. She’ll be over the moon to see you, and she’s going to love meeting your kids. My parents can’t wait.”
I nod, and he guides me to his Ute. Noah follows in his car with the others, and I’m pleasantly surprised to find it’s not a long drive at all.
Chloe’s house is beautiful from the outside. A large two storey white wooden house, with a large verandah running around the outside.
Caleb pulls up the driveway and parks.
“Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
Behind us, my kids all get out of Noah’s car, and we gather around Caleb.
“Just follow me. I can hear noise coming from around the back, so I’m guessing Hunter’s fired up the barbecue. Have you all got your togs?”
A succession of nods makes me smile. Caleb was very clear that they could all go for a swim. The girls are strong swimmers thanks to their old school having a swimming pool. Jason’s had some lessons, but he has his water wings.
Caleb also assures me there are plenty of people to watch over him.
“Come on, then.”
He slides his hand into mine and gives me a reassuring smile.
We walk up the front path and veer off to the side of the house. Caleb opens the side gate, ushering us through, and I draw in a deep breath.
This is scary.
Chloe doesn’t frighten me, but Caleb’s parents do. They must hate me for not telling Caleb about Noah earlier.
But I have to face them sometime.
Chloe’s face lights up and she walks toward me with open arms. “Emma. I’m so glad you’re here.”
She gives me a quick hug before looking over my shoulder. “And these are all yours?”
I grin and turn to point at the kids. They’re all huddled together and looking around this gorgeous back yard. Jason’s eyes light up at the sight of the pool.
“Noah’s at the back, but I’m guessing you could pick him out. Next to him is Bailey, she’s the eldest girl, then Kiera next to her, and Jason in the front.”
She gives my forearm a squeeze and walks toward them. “Hi, guys. I’m Chloe—Caleb’s sister. I’m so glad you’re here. Over by the barbecue is my husband, Hunter, and my boys, Braden and Xander, are already in the pool.”
“Hi.” The two teens in the pool wave at us all.
“I’ll take you on a tour of the house so you know where the bathroom is, and where you can get changed if you need to, and then you can get in the pool for a bit before we have something to eat.”
Kiera claps her hands together. She’s always been the more aquatic one of the lot.
Chloe leads us into the house and gives us a quick run through of where everything is before leading us back outside.
“You okay?” Caleb meets us in the back yard and gives my hand a squeeze.
I nod. “She’s lovely.”
“Told you there wouldn’t be a problem.” He kisses my temple. “She could be a good friend to you if you let her.”
“I’m not good at letting people in.”
“I’m not asking you to let her be your best friend straight away. But you two could build a friendship.”
I lean in against him, and he wraps his arm around my waist. “I’d like that.”
“Caleb, Mum and Dad are here. Can you sort out drinks? I need to change Eve’s nappy,” Chloe calls.
“Sure thing, Chlo. Emma did you want a drink?”
“I … sure. Orange juice if there is one. Or something fizzy.”
“I’ll sort it.”
Caleb disappears inside the house, and I draw in a deep breath before I approach the barbecue.
“You must be Hunter.”
Hunter looks up and smiles. “Hey, Emma. How’s it going?”
I suck in a deep breath. “Good. We’re getting there.”
Hunter nods. “Glad to hear it. Caleb’s a good man. I’m glad you found each other again.”
I look down at my feet. “Me too. I was a bit scared of coming to see Chloe.”
He chuckles, and I raise my gaze. “Chloe’s glad you’re seeing each other. She just wants her brother to be happy.”
Shifting my gaze across to the kids, I can’t help but smile. They’re already splashing away in the pool. Chloe’s twins are sitting at the edge of the pool, all of them talking and laughing, having more fun than they have in years.
Caleb crosses the grass, a beer in one hand, an orange juice in the other, and a big grin on his face. He hands me the juice and hooks his arm around my waist. I lean my head on his shoulder.
“They’re so happy,” he says.
“It’s so good to see.”
“Good to see you two are happy too.” Hunter winks at me and raises his beer.
Caleb clanks his bottle with Hunter’s. “It’s a start. Anything that makes Emma happy makes me happy.”
He gives my waist a squeeze.
I love this. And I think I love him all over again.
It’s almost impossible not to.
I was so scared when he found out about Noah that he’d reject the rest of us, but all he’s done is take us all under his wing.
Chloe and her parents emerge from the house as one of Chloe’s boys enters, and Chloe walks straight toward me, slipping her arm in mine and leading me away from the group.
“I thought you might like a moment before Mum accosts you.”
I frown. “She’s not happy?”
“She’s over the moon about Noah, but I also thought that Caleb should introduce him.”
I nod. “That’s a very good idea.”
“I’m so glad you’re here. Caleb’s happier than I’ve seen him in a long time,” Chloe says.
I bite my bottom lip. “I was so worried that he’d be angry.”
“Oh, I think he was.”
My eyebrows rise.
Chloe smiles. “He didn’t give me details, but he said you’d had a rough time. Caleb’s not the type of man to make a situation worse. Besides, I think he sees a possible future with you and he’s not about to trash that—not when you’re the mother of his child.”
Tears prick my eyes.
“I’d really like us to be friends. I know you used to live here, but I can imagine you don’t know many people. Let’s change that.”
I meet her gaze, and her blue eyes are so kind and gentle.
“I don’t know anyone here. Caleb and I were so lost in each other when we were in high school, and I didn’t … couldn’t keep in touch with anyone.”
She nods. “That’s what I figured. I was lucky when I moved back. It was around the same time as the school reunion, and I met up with someone I went to school with. When you’re ready, I’ll introduce you.”
“Thank you.”
She touches my forearm. “It’s no problem at all.”
“No, I mean for being patient. I’m still adjusting to the freedom I have in this life. And you’re not pushing me.”
Her eyes widen. “Was it that bad?”
“My late husband was very … controlling. I didn’t get an opportunity to have any friends outside of the house.”
“Oh, Emma. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s over now. And I’m here. Your family couldn’t be more welcoming.”
She gives me such a gentle smile. “I’m so happy you feel that way. I think when we were younger five years was such a big gap between us, but now it’s hardly anything. Regardless of what happens between you and my brother, I’d love to be friends with you.”
I smile back. “That sounds good.” Shifting my gaze to the pool, I chuckle. “I’m not sure my children will want to give up your pool that easily anyway.”
She laughs. “It’s one of the reasons Scott and I loved this house so much.”
“Scott?”
Her cheeks go pink. “He was the reason I bought this house. We used to love it when we were younger. He told me once he was going to buy it and we’d live happily ever after in it.”
“I’m so sorry you lost him.”
It’s her turn to well up. “So am I. But Hunter and I have a beautiful family of our own now, and I couldn’t be happier.”
“You really do. Caleb showed me a photo and your girls are gorgeous, but I might have to keep an eye on my girls hanging out with your boys.”
Chloe laughs. “Braden has a girlfriend, and I’m not sure Xander would be interested in anyone still in high school now he’s at university.”
“Whew.” I swipe my hand across my forehead. “But seriously, it is so good that your boys aren’t that much older than my girls. They need to make friends too.”
“Now we just need to find some children around Jason’s age. A couple of the women in my friend group do. We’ll get there.”
I grin. “We will.”
“Mum, Hannah’s woken up.” One of the twins exits the house and calls to Chloe.
Chloe smiles. “I’ll be back in a few. Just gotta go and get my girl.”
“No worries.”
Caleb’s mother locks gazes with me. I look away, but she walks toward me.
I guess this is it.
“Emma,” she says in a warm tone, the last thing I expected.
“Mrs Baxter.”
“Your children are all beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
She smiles so widely that I’m not sure I can read what’s coming next. “And Noah is wonderful. Thank you so much for letting us meet him.”
“You’re welcome.”
She takes my hand in hers and gives it a squeeze. “Caleb told us about your father. We wouldn’t have been happy about you two having a baby that young, but we would have been there for you.”
And now I’m welling up again.
“Now we have a second chance, and you’re all family now. If you want us to be,” she continues.
“I think I’d like that very much.”
Caleb’s mother opens her arms and I hug her. “I’m so sorry for everything you went through, Emma. But we’re all here for you now.”
It’s all I can do not to sob on her shoulder.
This is what I always wanted—acceptance and love. Not fear and judgement.
I’m not sure if that’s really what would have happened all those years ago, but I’m not sure if it matters.
We’re all together today and been welcomed so warmly I don’t ever want to leave.
When we get back to the cars, I’m barraged by questions.
“When can we come back for another swim?” Jason asks.
“I’ll have to check with Chloe.”
“Can we come back next weekend?” He pushes, and I smile at how enthused he is about being here.
“We’ll see. I’ll be speaking to Chloe during the week.”
“Xander’s so cute.”
I roll my eyes at Bailey’s declaration.
“Him and Braden look the same. Duh,” Kiera says.
“Yes, but Xander’s single.”
“He’s our cousin now.” Kiera snorts.
“He’s not even related to us.” Bailey gives her sister a push.
“Stop it, you two.” I exchange an amused glance with Noah.
This is real.
This is family.
And I wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the world.
“Mum, are you coming home with us, or is Caleb giving you a lift?” Noah asks.
“I’ve got her.” Caleb’s voice comes from behind me. “I need a word with your mum, so I’ll drop her home.”
“Ooooh,” Bailey and Kiera chorus.
“Behave you two.” Caleb points two fingers at his eyes and one back at the girls.
They laugh and get into Noah’s car with Jason.
I shake my head.
“Come on, you. Let me get you home.”
He opens his passenger door for me, and I climb into the cab of his Ute. Once I’m firmly buckled in, he closes the door and rounds the truck, getting in beside me.
It’s a quiet drive home—not that it’s very long, but …
“What was it you wanted to talk to me about?”
He pulls up outside the house.
“I have an idea for next weekend.”
I tilt my head toward him. “I’ve already been asked if we can come back here for a swim.”
He laughs. “I’m sure Chloe won’t have an issue with that, but I’ve got something better.”
“Like what?”
Caleb’s eyes light up. “Well, I know that none of you have been out to do fun things together, and the aquarium is right on Marine Parade.”
I grasp his arm. “Oh, Jason will love it.”
“That’s who I was thinking about. The girls are more capable of being out and about being older and while I’m sure they’d love to come, it’d be really good for Jason.”
I search his eyes and find nothing but sincerity.
Leaning forward, I press a brief kiss to his lips.
He smiles. “What was that for?”
“For thinking of Jason. It’s a wonderful idea, Caleb.”
“He’s a part of you. I’ll always think about him and the girls.” Caleb cups my cheek. “This is our chance to make something of us when we never got to before.”
He leans in and kisses me softly.
“Come and see me during the week. For coffee.”
Caleb cocks an eyebrow. “Only coffee?”
“For now. Taking things slow.”
He grins. “That’s fair enough. One day at a time.”
My heart leaps.
He gets it.
He respects it.