by Twyla Turner
“No, not recently.” Chase blew out a harsh breath. “As part of my healing process, when I was going to AA and trying to accept my mom’s death, I went to see him. He was still a mess, but I needed to forgive him, in order to get over what happened. And in forgiving him, I was able to forgive myself for not being there for my mom.”
Day’s eyes became glassy with emotions. “I’m so proud of you, Chase. You’ve come such a long way. It couldn’t have been easy.”
“Yeah, it was a rough couple of years. But I did it.” Chase leaned forward and slid his hands across the table. He grasped her hands and clutched them tightly. “Day, I want you to know that I will always be there for you and Lyric. Even if things don’t work out between us, I would never walk out of your lives. And I promise you that I’ll never put either of you through, what my father put my mom and me through. I’ll be who you need and who I want to be.” Chase said earnestly.
“I never had any doubt. And you already are.”
~~~
The next two weeks Chase courted Day like they were in their twenties again. He took her out every chance he got. They even had dates with Lyric. A couple of times after they had put Lyric to bed, they made out on the couch and dry humped as if they were teenagers though he never took it further than that. Every night he’d walk her to her bedroom door like it was the end of a date and kissed her goodnight before going to the spare bedroom. Day was about to explode with sexual frustration, but the sweetness of the daily romantic gestures were enough to hold her over.
Tonight was New Year’s Eve and they were staying in with Lyric. Her mother, their only babysitter, was out on a date with a handsome older man she’d met in the fresh produce section of the grocery store. Day was perfectly fine with staying in with her family. Who at the moment, were in Lyric’s bedroom cooking up some scheme that they wanted her to record. She shook her head at the thought of Chase and Lyric. The two had become thick as thieves and she loved every minute of it.
“You two better hurry up before you miss the countdown!” Day shouted up to them.
Suddenly from out of nowhere music started playing from unknown speakers and Day quickly pressed record on Chase’s phone. Lyric ran out of her room dressed in a pretty white dress that Day had never seen before. Behind her, Chase walked out in a tux. At the top of the stairs, they broke out into a choreographed dance to the song I Think I Wanna Marry You.
Day’s mouth dropped open as Chase dramatically dropped to one knee in front of Lyric and she just as dramatically covered her mouth with her hands in pretend shock, and then flung her arms around his neck. As they mimicked a proposal during the chorus. He then picked her up and they danced down the stairs in time to the music. Day rapidly blinked away her tears, trying to clear her vision so she could keep watching them.
At the bottom of the stairs, Chase placed Lyric back on her feet and they continued their adorable routine. They spun, twirled, and bopped comically. At the end, Chase lifted Lyric up once more and then ran and slid across the floor on his knees stopping in front of Day. Their arms spread wide. Then Chase reached into the interior pocket of his tuxedo jacket and pulled out a little black box.
Now it was Day’s turn to cover her mouth with her free hand in surprise. The phone started to shake in her hands, ruining her short-lived film career. Chase put Lyric down and she happily took the phone and started filming her parents. He brought up his right leg so that he was on one knee and looked Day directly in her eyes.
“Daylen Daniels, from the moment you looked up at me on that school bus twenty-five years ago, I somehow knew that you’d leave an indelible mark on my soul. Then you held my hand and gave me support during a difficult moment in my life and then I knew for sure that you’d always be my best friend. And at fifteen, I no longer saw you as just my best friend. I saw you as the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. At nineteen, you consoled my wounded heart by giving me the most precious gift a man can get from a woman and in return, I gave you mine. And at twenty-two, you were there for me during the best/worst day of my life. I pushed you away after that and it was the biggest mistake of my life. But now that you’ve let me back into your world, I will be the best friend, the man, the lover, and now the father that you’ve always needed me to be. Not a day will go by without you hearing the words ‘I love you’ from your husband…if you’ll have me?” Chase finished earnestly.
Day couldn’t breathe, she was so overwhelmed. She could barely even make out his face, her eyes were so blurry with tears.
“This is when you say ‘yes,’ Mommy,” Lyric whispered loudly.
Day and Chase burst out laughing.
“Yes…YES!” Day shouted as she launched herself into Chase’s arms.
They hugged and kissed as shouts of Happy New Year came from the TV. Chase pulled back and slid a stunning princess cut ring on her finger. Day looked down at it in awe.
“I picked it out, Mommy. It’s a princess diamond.” Lyric informed her.
“It is! And you did such a good job, baby. I love it, but I love you more.” She pulled her in to kiss her soft cheek.
“Wait. There’s one more thing.” Chase said, reaching into his pants pocket. “I don’t think it’s official just yet.” He pulled out two very familiar bracelets and slid them back on her left wrist. “I’ve held onto these for five years. This is where they belong.”
Through watery eyes, Day looked down at the old scuffed and faded bracelets. The silver ID bracelet with Pretty Day inscribed on it. And the white leather braided bracelet with the infinity symbol and their initials entwined in the braid. Day touched them lovingly, everything in its right place. It may have taken them twenty-five years to get it together. But they were right on time.
~~~
They put Lyric to bed after their eventful evening. It had taken a little while because of her excitement over learning that she’d be a flower girl in the wedding, but she’d finally settled in. Chase walked Day to her bedroom door.
“Now that I’ve made plans to make an honest woman out of ya, may I come in? Chase teased.
“Thanks for asking, but I’d never keep you out.” Day said raising a sassy brow.
Chase growled deep in his throat as he walked her backward into the room and shut the door firmly.
“Let’s make another one,” Chase suggested as he rubbed his palm over her soft tummy. “I wanna watch your tummy grow. Feel the baby kick. And run to the store in the middle of the night, when you want pickles and ice cream.” Chase ticked off in between soft kisses on her neck.
“Mmm…as long as you get up in the middle of the night and change poopy diapers.” Day moaned as he caressed her nipples through her shirt.
“Woman, I’m retired! I’ll gladly be a stay at home dad.” Chase proclaimed.
“Ooo…keep talking dirty to me!” Day giggled as he tossed her on the bed.
“I’ll do the laundry.” Chase crawled onto the bed.
“Yes…”
“I’ll go grocery shopping.” He pulled down her pants.
“Keep going!”
“And cook you dinner after a long day of playing.”
“Oh God, yes…”
Chase lowered his head between her thighs and then made her moan in earnest. Wrapped in each other’s arms, right where they were always meant to be. They knew that this time they’d get it right, because this time they would do it together.
Epilogue
August five years later…
Laughter and voices filled their house, as children ran amuck and adults sat around having a few drinks and talking on the deck out back. They had been in their new house for a year now. They’d remained in the city for Day’s work, but with Lyric, soon-to-be four-year-old Chance, and one-year-old Aria. The other house had become way too small.
They loved Lincoln Park, so they’d stayed there and found something bigger to accommodate their family. The new house was great for hosting parties like the one currently in full swing.
; Day and Chase wanted to keep with the theme of their little family and decided to get married August the year he’d proposed. They’d chosen to get married on the 6th. The day after Chase’s birthday, so that every year they’d celebrate their three birthdays and anniversary all at the same time.
Day had been very pregnant on their wedding day, to say the least, considering that she was due the following month. And as promised, Chase doted on her and took care of Lyric as Day waddled around tiredly. He was in awe of every step of her pregnancy, and he documented everything. There were times that Day had threatened him with bodily harm, whenever he put his phone in her face to take another pic or record another video. And it was no different when she’d gotten pregnant with Aria. They’d named their baby boy Chance because he was their second chance baby. And Aria kept in line with the musical theme for the girls.
Both the girls looked like their father. Fair-skinned, blonde hair with green-flecked, light brown eyes. They were outgoing like him, as well. But Chance was the male version of Day. His huge curls were jet black, his eyes chocolate brown, and his skin a warm caramel. And just like his mother, he too was shy around new people and large crowds. Chance had also made himself the unofficial protector of his baby sister.
Day looked out the kitchen window and spotted Chance holding Aria’s hand, as she clumsily walked around the backyard on chubby little toddler legs. She was at that stage where she wanted to walk around and touch everything. And with the party going on, there was plenty to keep her fascinated.
The party was for Lyric’s ninth birthday, Chase’s over-the-hill birthday, Day’s final year in her thirties, and their fourth wedding anniversary. The house was on full with Day’s Symphony friends and colleagues, Chase’s old teammates, neighborhood friends, and all their kids. Day’s mom was there with her new husband, as well as Ben McCoy.
It had been a slow road, but Chase and his father had finally made amends after so many years of being estranged. Day didn’t know it at the time, but Ben had seen her and Lyric at her mother’s house next door. The minute he’d seen Lyric, he knew that she was his granddaughter and that is what made him decide to get clean. He wanted to be a part of her life.
One day, shortly after Chase had proposed, they had been over at Pat’s house, when a knock sounded at the door. They all had been floored when Pat opened the door and Ben stood there. Chase probably wouldn’t have given him the time of day, if it wasn’t for Lyric’s sweet little voice asking who Ben was. Ben had told her that he was her grandpa and the rest was history.
Since Daylen’s father hadn’t been in her life, he definitely wasn’t in Lyric’s, so the little girl was excited to finally have a grandpa. And she latched onto him like a life-preserver. That summer, Ben and Chase bonded while they rebuilt the treehouse into an oasis fit for a princess.
Day’s career with the Chicago Symphony had flourished. Recently, the Symphony had recorded the musical score for a Hollywood movie and some television shows. They also traveled all over the world to perform at concerts. Sometimes she was able to bring along the whole family and other times, Chase stayed at home with the kids.
His post-pro career was doing great as well. Chase’s endorsements alone could take care of the whole family and Day wouldn’t have to work again, if she didn’t love her job so much. Especially, since Whitney had gotten remarried to some unlucky soul, and Chase didn’t have to send her alimony checks anymore. He’d also started a summer football camp for troubled youths. Something pretty near and dear to his heart, after the difficult childhood he’d had. And he was currently involved in talks with his old team about the possibility of being Chicago’s Offensive Coordinator. Chase was still on the fence, though, not sure he was willing to give up his family time to coach.
They had suffered through a lot over the years, but finally their careers, love, and family were all in sync with each other. And they took the opportunity to enjoy every second of it.
As Day enjoyed the soft, warm breezes coming through the kitchen window, she felt arms wrap around her waist that had become a bit thicker after three babies. Much like the rest of her, unfortunately. Not that her extra weight kept Chase from finding any excuse to touch her or pull her into the bedroom and have his filthy way with her. He loved every inch of her extra lumps and bumps.
Chase kissed her neck softly and looked out the window with her, as their kids played outside with their friends. He nuzzled his nose against the sensitive skin behind her ear and then nipped at her playfully.
“Oh, would you stop!” She smacked at him. “We have a house full of people and kids. I don’t need you mauling me in front of them,” Day scolded him.
“Like they don’t know. I’m never too ashamed to carry you over my shoulder like a caveman up to our room.” Chase remarked, bringing up a time when he’d done just that when they’d had a houseful of guests.
“Terrible!” Day grumbled good-naturedly.
“Do you think Lyric really liked her gift?” Chase asked.
The gift was the locket his mother used to wear, with pictures of her and her mother and of Chase as a little boy. He’d waited till Lyric was old enough and responsible enough to take care of it, before deciding to give it to her. Day had seen the emotion in her daughter’s eyes when she’d opened the gift and Chase had gruffly explained the meaning behind it. Lyric had touched it almost reverently before he had clasped it around her neck. Day knew that she’d take good care of it.
“She loved it, Chase.” Day reached up to cup the side of his handsome face, reassuring him. “She’s gonna cherish that locket for the rest of her life.”
“Thank God!” Chase breathed. “I was worried she’d flip out because I didn’t get her a cellphone or something.”
“She’s a pretty thoughtful kid. You didn’t have anything to worry about.” Day smiled up at him.
Just then, they heard a commotion outside and they both turned to look out the window. A kid that looked like the average bully shouted something at Lyric and pushed her down. Day gasped and Chase straightened up, ready to do battle.
“What the f…” Chase started as he began to turn to walk out the kitchen.
“Chase, wait!” Day stopped him, grabbing his arm.
“Hell, no! Some brat isn’t gonna come to my house and push around my kid!” Chase said indignantly.
“No, look!” Day pointed out the window.
A cute boy that had to be about ten-years-old walked up to the bully and punched him in the gut. Day and Chase’s mouths fell open in shock. As the bully rolled around on the ground, the little hero walked over to Lyric and reached down to help her up. Lyric brushed off her party dress and wiped at her wet eyes. The boy looked at her sweetly, saying something to her to make her smile. Then he reached for her hand and they walked away towards the swing set, hand-in-hand.
“Oh, hell no!” Chase started to walk outside once more.
“Stop that! He’s the kid of our new next door neighbors. They’re so cute. It’s like us when we were little!” Day pressed a hand to her chest, overcome with déjà vu.
“Do you realize the thoughts he’s gonna have about her in only five years?! No, I have to stop it now, before it gets to that point.” Chase turned towards the door.
“Chase McCoy, you better not!” Day shouted, her tone was the same she used with the kids. It did the job and Chase stopped in his tracks. “You leave those babies alone! If someone had of stopped us, we wouldn’t be standing here right now. And I happen to love my life.” She reprimanded him, putting him in his place.
Chase stuck out his bottom lip worse than Chance did when he was in trouble. Day walked up to him and kissed the protruding lip. He smiled grudgingly and then wrapped his arms around her tightly. Chase laid his head on top of Day’s, as they looked out the window.
Lyric and her new friend swung together on the swing set as they talked. Chance held Aria’s hand as she followed a butterfly, flitting from flower to flower in the backyard.
&nb
sp; “We do have a great life, don’t we?” Chase commented happily.
“Perfect.” Day sighed.
“It only took us forever.”
“Forever is what I’m counting on.”
The End
Acknowledgments
Again I’d like to thank Se’Quasha and Cosalyn for letting me bounce ideas off of them. For sharing my love of Henners. And for just keeping me sane in general.
I’d like to thank Nadia, for always helping me out with beta-reading and your input. You’ve been so wonderful as I’ve put out each book.
A special thanks also goes out to my girl Patrice for giving me input that I never even think of. You have probably saved me from unwanted harsh critiques that would’ve never crossed my mind. And from being too redundant. Those damn rosy cheeks! Ha!
I’d like to give a shout out to my incredible readers. You ladies keep me going. Your support warms my heart.
Also, all the amazing authors out there that I have started communicating with…you ladies are an inspiration. I love how supportive you ladies are. Especially in a community that can be so awful to each other. I’m so glad to have connected with you.
And last, but certainly not least, my amazing parents, family, and friends! I love you so much. Thank you, mom and dad, for putting up with me during this interesting journey. Thank you, Aunt Mary, for being one of my greatest champions. And thank you to my friends that though you may not have read every book I’ve put out because you’re incredibly busy. But many of you still have been so supportive and encouraging. I love you all!!!
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