Long Road Home

by Kate Stacy

  That’s shot to hell now.

  “Oh crap! Let’s get you cleaned up.” She stands quickly and leaves the room with Elijah in tow.

  My eyes follow her until she’s out of sight.

  I discreetly adjust myself, thankful that the table is blocking her parents’ view.

  Now isn’t the time, but my dick doesn’t care. Seeing her curves, knowing she’s wearing nothing beneath her clothes has my mind going places it really shouldn’t right now, given the situation.

  Her mom, who introduced herself as Marie when I arrived, takes this time to introduce me to her dad, Patrick. We talk for a few minutes while we wait for her to come back. They both thank me for ensuring her safety last night. They both get a bit emotional. I understand, though. Hailee is their only child. She’s lucky to have parents that love her so much.

  My parents wouldn’t have cared.

  Hailee walks back into the room at the same time that there’s a knock on the door. Marie stands to leave the room. “That must be Madalyn and Jaxson.”

  While she goes to let them in, I turn to Hailee, noticing that she’s wearing an oversized hoodie now. It doesn’t stop me from knowing what’s underneath, but maybe now I can concentrate on the reason I came over.

  She doesn’t need me perving on her right now.

  “I left Elijah in the other room with some toys and cartoons. I figured it would be easier for everyone to talk without his interruptions.” She returns to her seat at the table.

  “You’re probably right, but I don’t mind him interrupting. He’s adorable.”

  “He knows it.” She laughs, turning her attention to the entrance of the kitchen. Madalyn comes rushing around the corner and makes a beeline for Hailee, giving her a huge hug.

  “I’m so glad you’re alright, honey.”

  I can see that she has tears in her eyes as she pulls away from Hailee and sits next to her.

  Jaxson and Marie come into the room and everyone exchanges hellos.

  Hailee looks around at everyone and sighs. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. Last night feels like a bad dream.”

  She’s fighting the urge to cry again.

  I’m fighting the urge to pull her into my arms.

  It felt so right to comfort her last night.

  Madalyn puts her arm around Hailee’s shoulder, pulling her close. “We’re all here for whatever you need. Our spare room is full of a ton of junk right now, but I’ll spend the rest of today cleaning it out, so we can set it up for you.”

  “Mads, no.” She sighs. “I think we’ll just stay here for now and hopefully I can find another available apartment that I can afford. I don’t want you to go through all that for me.”

  “You know we don’t mind, dollface. You didn’t ask for this to happen.”

  Patrick walks around the table, puts his hands on her shoulders, and squeezes. She tilts her head straight back to look up at him.

  “Baby girl, you know you can stay here as long as you need to, but they do have more space at their house.”

  Her eyes fill with tears. “I know. I just don’t want to be a bother.”

  Jaxson isn’t having any of that. “Bullshit. You’re family, Hails. We take care of family.”

  This makes her tears spill over. “I know.”

  I’ve been silent so far, but I can’t stand to see her cry over this anymore.

  I speak up. “There’s another option.”

  Everyone turns to look at me in question, but it’s Hailee that quietly asks, “What other option?”

  “You and Elijah can move into my house.”

  “We can…” She takes a breath. “Wait...what?”

  I almost laugh, almost. So damn cute.

  “Move into my house. It’s the perfect solution. I have more than enough room and I’m barely ever home.”

  I notice the grin spread across Jaxson’s face, but he stays quiet.

  “Oh wow. I...umm...I can’t ask you to do that.”

  I chuckle. “You didn’t. I offered. Honestly, it would be nice to have someone there. The house just sits empty while I’m on the road.”

  She’s still completely surprised. “That’s a really, really generous offer, but I barely know you.”

  I open my mouth to respond, but Jax beats me to it.

  “Hails, look at me.” He doesn’t continue until she does. “I’ve known Drake almost my entire life. He’s one of the best people I know. Consider it. Really consider it. You know I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”

  Mads is silently agreeing and Hailee doesn’t miss it.

  “Hailee...it’s not a bad idea.” Her mom gets her attention with this and her eyes go wide.

  “Mom! You want me to move into a house with a man I just met yesterday?”

  “Well, he’s being extremely generous. Besides, Jaxson trusts him, and I trust Jaxson.”

  She opens her mouth to speak but quickly closes it.

  She looks around at everyone. Each person gives her a smile and an encouraging nod. I wait patiently to see what she’ll do.

  After a few more seconds she turns to me with a shy smile.

  “When can we move in?”

  DRAKE

  We all stay awhile longer, discussing everything and making plans.

  Hailee decides to spend a week at her parents’ apartment to give us a bit more time to get acquainted, but also to let Elijah get used to me. Little does she know, this gives me plenty of time to put some things into motion to make things easier for her.

  The women decide to head out to do some shopping. Hailee and Elijah both need new clothes and some other things. Jaxson and I are going to stick around with Patrick to keep an eye on the little man.

  This presents the perfect opportunity to pull Jax and her dad into the little plan I’ve been working on in my head. Once the girls leave, I don’t waste any time in explaining what I want to do. They both love my idea, so they agree to meet me tomorrow with their better halves, so we can get things started.

  We all meet at a little diner in town for lunch. After giving the waitress our orders, we don’t wait to start our discussion.

  I ask Madalyn what they took care of yesterday, so we can work around what she already has.

  “Hailee only got the basics. Just a few outfits each and toiletries.”

  “Fair enough. We can take care of everything else.” I pull out a list that I made last night, but before I can go any further, Madalyn jumps in.

  “I have no problem helping you...because I love Hailee like a sister and I think what you’re doing is really sweet, but she doesn’t like feeling like a charity case.”

  Her mom agrees. “Mads is right, hun. That’s why she didn’t want to stay at their house. She doesn’t want to be a burden.”

  I think for a second before speaking.

  “I’m just gonna put it all out there—so y’all know where I stand. I know I just met Hailee, but I like her. A lot. She’s an amazing girl. I know that she hasn’t been treated right in the past, but that’s over now.”

  I take my hat off, running my fingers through my hair. “I won’t lie—I want to be with her, but that’s not what she wants right now. I have to be okay with that. I felt this immediate connection with her, and I won’t ignore that.”

  The waitress comes back to bring our food and we all thank her. Once she walks away, I know I need to continue.

  I sigh, wetting my lips while trying to find the words I want to say. “I have this overwhelming need to take care of her and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I know that she’s fiercely independent, but she just lost everything. I have the means to get the things she needs for her and Elijah. If she gets mad, so be it. I’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

  I take a deep breath, hoping I didn’t just fuck up. I put it all out there for not only our best friends but her parents too.

  “Damn.” This comes from Jaxson. He’s grinning, shaking his head. “I knew you were into her, but you’re so far g
one.”

  I chuckle. “I won’t deny that.”

  Madalyn is smiling with tears in her eyes. “You’re gonna be good for her, I know it.”

  Hailee’s parents haven’t said a word, so I turn to them. “I know you just met me, and I thank you for putting your trust in me when it comes to your daughter. I just want what’s best for her and Elijah.”

  Her dad nods once and says, “I knew I liked you. Hailee needs someone just as stubborn as she is to fight for her.”

  Everyone laughs.

  I’m glad that the tension at the table broke.

  “Now everyone knows where I stand. We’ll get all this done,” I lift the list from the table, “and I’ll deal with Hailee—however she reacts.”

  Patrick chuckles. “Your funeral. Don’t let her shyness fool you. My girl’s a spitfire.”

  “I don’t doubt that. I can handle it.”

  I can handle anything she dishes out.

  Gladly.

  “What do you need from us, hun?” Marie has been mostly quiet, but I can tell she’s on board.

  “I’m going to give you my credit card—”

  “Shopping!” Mads bounces in her seat, which makes me grin. Her reaction reminds me of Elijah’s reaction to donuts.

  “Yes, shopping. I’d like for you two ladies to get them both whatever you think they need. Clothes, shoes, bedding, toys...seriously, whatever else. If you think she would need or want it—buy it. You know their sizes and her style better than I do, so I’ll let you handle that.”

  “I’d really like to help pay for some of this.” Patrick starts to pull out his wallet, but I stop him.

  “No sir, please. I wouldn’t be doing this if I couldn’t afford it. I want to do this for her. I know I can’t replace everything, especially the keepsakes I imagine she had for Elijah, but I can do everything possible to make sure they have what they need and are comfortable in my house. Money isn’t an issue.”

  Jax nods in agreeance. He knows I’m good for it.

  I make pretty damn good money driving and I don’t have many expenses. I also have my inheritance from my grandfather that I haven’t touched. I could quit my job today and live comfortably for a long time.

  I work because I love what I do.

  “Alright, son. I’ll let you have it. What are your plans for me and Jaxson?”

  “I want to get the two bedrooms in the house set up for them. Fresh paint, new carpet, new furniture...the works.”

  “Easy enough. We can handle that.”

  “Anything else?” Jax asks.

  “Electronics. I know she’ll need a new computer for her classes. I also want to get her a new e-reader. The house itself could use a few things. I don’t even have a TV in there since I’m never home.”

  “Done.” Jax rubs his hands together, grinning. “Let’s take care of our girl.”

  I smile. Not our girl. My girl.

  I like thinking of her as mine.

  She already is—she just doesn’t realize it yet.

  We enjoy the rest of our lunch while we talk more about the things that need to be bought. Madalyn gives me some ideas for paint and furniture colors. She also tosses out ideas for a theme for Elijah’s room. A theme. I would have never thought of that.

  I didn’t know that was even a thing.

  Then again, I have practically no experience with kids.

  After paying for lunch, Patrick insists on riding with me back to my house so he can see where we need to get started. Jaxson plans to follow. We’re going to measure the rooms before heading out to buy paint and order furniture.

  Marie and Madalyn head off to get some shopping done, agreeing to meet at my house later. I don’t want Hailee to know what we’re doing until it’s completely done, so everything they buy is going directly to the house where she can’t stumble upon it.

  That’s a week of secrecy, but I think we can pull it off.

  I just hope she doesn’t kill me for this.

  HAILEE

  A week ago, I thought Grayson getting married was the worst thing that could possibly happen.

  I couldn’t have been more wrong.

  The fire took all of our material possessions. We didn’t have much, but I worked hard for every single thing we owned.

  My blood, sweat, and tears.

  I earned it all on my own.

  I’ve wanted so much this past week to just give up, but I can’t. Elijah deserves better than that. I deserve better.

  I stood on my own two feet after walking away from my relationship with Elijah’s father. It’s time to brush it off and do that again.

  Today is the day that Elijah and I move into our new home.

  Drake’s home.

  My parents took Elijah out to lunch to give me time to get our stuff settled without worrying about keeping an eye on him. They’re supposed to bring him home in an hour or so since it won’t take me that long. We don’t have much.

  According to the directions that Drake gave me, I should be there in just a few minutes. I haven’t seen his house yet. I have no idea what to expect.

  I spent the last week in denial, completely avoiding the situation. It’s not like there was much I could do anyway.

  I had to take a leave of absence from my classes, but my professors and advisor were really understanding about my situation. I have been working every day at the bakery.

  Life had to go on. I need the money, especially now.

  Things were tight before the fire, but I have to start all over.

  Drake has come by a few times to hang out. He was supposed to go back to work days ago, but decided it would be best to stick around to make sure we settled in.

  I shouldn’t have been worried about giving Elijah time to adjust to him. He adores Drake and gets excited whenever he’s around. I guess it’s me that has to adjust. I like when he’s around, too. Maybe too much.

  The road that enters his property is lined with trees, so I don’t see the house until I drive around a small curve where the landscape opens up.

  Holy shit. I’m really going to live here?

  The house is gorgeous. It’s old, but it’s obvious that it’s been well-maintained. It’s a large, single-story ranch style home—a beautiful combination of stone, wood, and glass. There’s a huge porch that wraps around one side and a large, raised stone patio off to the opposite side.

  A large, detached garage sits to the left of the house. I can’t possibly miss the huge semi-truck parked in front of the garage. Elijah will love that. Drake’s Ford looks so small parked next to it.

  I’m still taking in the details when I come to a stop in the gravel drive. Drake must have heard me pulling in, because he’s opened the door and is leaning against the frame with his arms across his chest.

  How does a man look so damn good in jeans and a t-shirt?

  I take a deep breath, reaching for the door handle.

  Here goes nothing.

  Drake makes his way to my car as I’m getting out. By the time I close my door he’s right beside me. I’m comfortable enough with him now that I give him a hug in greeting.

  “Hey, darlin’. Welcome to your new home.” He looks down at me and smiles.

  He’s not wearing a hat for the first time since I met him. His hair is almost black, cropped on the sides and longer on top. It’s disheveled, like he’s been running his fingers through it all morning.

  Hell, he probably woke up like that.

  “I can’t believe this is your house. It’s gorgeous.”

  “Glad you like it. Where are your bags?”

  He follows me to the trunk of my car. I open it and he grabs the two small duffle bags. I close my eyes with a sigh before shutting the trunk. It’s sad that our possessions fit into two bags.

  “Follow me, darlin’. If you like the outside, you’ll love the inside.”

  I follow him up the path leading to the front door. He opens it and sets the bags down inside, holding an arm out to gesture for me to
enter. I walk in, my body brushing against his as I pass. The simple touch causes a flutter in my belly, but I ignore it.

  I stop inside, barely hearing him close the door behind me, and I look around.

  The main part of the house is completely open. The entrance leads straight into the spacious living room. The kitchen is to the left, separated by a large island set up with bar stools on the outer side. There’s a hallway to each side of the main area.

  Drake walks straight into the living room, so I follow. He points to the left and explains that the master bedroom, his room, is that way along with the master bath. He takes my hand, leading me to the kitchen to look around.

  I’m pretty sure my jaw is hanging open as I turn around in a circle.

  “This is like...my dream kitchen!”

  He laughs at my excitement. “I’m glad it’ll finally get some use.”

  “You don’t cook? How can you have this incredible kitchen and not cook?”

  I don’t even think about my words. I’m too mesmerized. This kitchen is heaven for me. The appliances are updated, but it still has that overall country feel to it.

  “Hey now.” He chuckles. “I can cook. I just don’t do it a lot.”

  I just smile as I continue my exploration.

  Drake points out a small enclosed room that sits opposite the kitchen. “Laundry room. Brand new washer and dryer, plenty of room for storage.”

  He opens the door to let me peek inside. “I moved all the cleaning stuff from the kitchen and put it in here where it’s out of reach of little hands. We just have to make sure to keep the door closed.”

  “Thank you. It was really sweet of you to think about that.”

  “Of course, darlin’. I want you both comfortable and safe here. We can do any other kind of childproofing you need. Just say the word.”

  Where did this man come from?

  I don’t know how I got so lucky to have him walk into my life at exactly the right time.

  “I assume our room is that way?” I point toward the hall on the opposite end of the house.

  “Rooms, but yeah. Let me show you.” He takes my hand again, leading the way.