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Tori sighed. She was just about to say something else, but Miranda grabbed her wrist and pulled it back. This conversation was useless and wouldn’t get them anywhere. Miranda kissed her cheek. “And we will be eternally grateful to you for that.”
“And for moving the heavy crap.”
“That too.” Miranda walked in front of Tori, sending Tori a scolding look over her shoulder. “Because there’s no way Tori and I could move her entire apartment here without you.”
Siena looked over Miranda’s shoulder and pointed. “She learns fast. You could learn faster.”
“Shut up.” Tori broke the space between them, her arm over Miranda’s shoulder. “Let’s get this truck empty. I think the priority needs to be the girls’ room. We can set up the bunk beds when they come.”
“Bunk beds?” Siena stopped, frozen in space. “We never talked about bunk beds.”
“There’s no way to fit two beds, even twin beds, into that room. There isn’t another option.”
“I assume Harley will be on the top.” Siena had gone pale.
Miranda flicked her gaze from Tori to Siena and back again. She stepped around them, snagging the keys to the truck from Siena’s hand as she went. “I’ll let you two argue this out while I open the truck.”
She was never happier to be out of a conflict, and this was one she could gladly say she didn’t need to be a part of. The girls raced around Aili in circles until Miranda showed up. For the next three hours, they and all of Tori’s closest friends unloaded the truck and went back for a second and third load.
By the end of the day, Miranda was exhausted. Her feet hurt, her arms hurt, and all she wanted was a hot bath and a good night’s sleep. Instead, she was rounding up the girls to sit down at the table when the pizza was delivered while Tori and Siena built the bunk beds in the girls’ room. Tori was determined to have that room done before the end of the night, or really, before bedtime, which was fast approaching.
Siena and Tori worked through dinner, but Miranda brought them each a beer when the snippy comments escalated. When Rebel yawned, Miranda started their nightly bath routine, which Harley wanted in on instantly. They were going to have to figure this out with both kids in the house. That was the one thing they hadn’t done since they were together.
Finally, Tori came and found her, dragging Miranda into the girls’ bedroom to show off their handiwork. To say Miranda was impressed was an understatement. The girls’ room was completely finished. The bunk beds made, and two dressers side by side. Tori gave her a quick tour, ending with a kiss.
“I think this is going to work,” Tori mumbled.
“Think?” That same old panic started again.
“Know! I know this is going to work. What’s between us.” Tori kissed her again.
Miranda remained dubious. “Think we’ll get any sleep tonight?”
“I think we’re all going to crash after the excitement of the day.”
Miranda had woken up with Tori in her bed several times over the intervening months, but this would be different. This would mean so much more because Tori wasn’t leaving. This was her home as much as it was Miranda’s. And instead of panic at that thought, she was warmed by it. Clasping Tori’s hand in her own, Miranda kissed her cheek.
“Go get something to eat. I’m going to get the girls to sleep, and then you and I can talk.”
“Talk?” Tori’s brow furrowed. “That sounds serious.”
“We need a routine.”
Tori laughed heartily. “Oh, are you going to create schedules for everyone now?”
“Aren’t you the one who told me children thrive on routine?”
“I think that was Aili.” Tori walked out of the bedroom. “I’m going to tell Siena goodbye.”
Miranda watched her walk down the hall before heading back toward the bathroom. She got the girls out of the tub and brought them into their new room. It took longer than it should have to get them dressed for bed, because Harley barely let go of Rebel’s hand. This was going to be an adjustment for every single one of them involved in this little family they were creating.
The girls raced down the hall toward the kitchen to give Tori goodnight hugs and kisses. All in all, it took Miranda another hour to get the girls to settle into their new beds, and Harley ended up on the bottom bunk with Rebel pushed against the wall to keep her from falling. But they were both asleep, which Miranda was calling a win.
She dragged her feet as she went out to the living room, flopping next to Tori on the couch and stealing her beer for a sip. Tori pulled Miranda against her side. This was what she had wanted. Everything was fitting together well, and Miranda didn’t want to give this up, ever.
“What are you thinking?” Tori asked, tangling her fingers in Miranda’s hair.
“That I’m happy, and that this is exactly what I want.”
