Page 180 of Trust Me

Epilogue

Oliver

2 years later

“Honey, I’m home!”

I frowned when I was met with silence.

Ever since we moved into this place, I’d been picturing things: the dog, the floors, the roof, and yeah, even some little squeals from miniature versions of me and Dean.

It was early, I reminded myself. It was early when we planned out our future too, yet here we were, living it.

The back door creaked open. Dean swore when he tried to close it and it got stuck.

“This goddamn frame,” he grumbled. Deciding to leave it open, he closed the distance between us with a smile that still made my heart beat like there was a goblin with a frying pan trying to beat his way out of my chest.

“You wanted a fixer-upper,” I reminded him.

“Mm.” He wrapped both arms around me and pressed a firm kiss to my lips. “What you mean is that a fixer-upper is all we’ll ever be able to afford.”

“One day, we’ll have the money to buy a mansion. But I’ll still want to keep this.”

I looked at the peeling paint and slightly warped floors. They were a pain in the ass, especially for Lee’s wheelchair, which was why we were tackling them this weekend.

After we convinced Dean’s parents to sell their house six months ago, we’d all used the money to get this project. It had four bedrooms, which was perfect. One for them, one for us, an office for me and Dean to share, and a guest room—also known as the nursery. One day.

It was better for all of us this way. We were a little further outside the city because it was cheaper and it allowed us to be close to his parents. It satisfied Dean’s need to buzz around and make sure they were okay, plus the place was big enough to ensure we had our own space.

Maybe it wasn’t exactly what we’d pictured in that cab two years ago, but in my opinion, it was better.

“Is Remi still coming for dinner?” he asked.

I frowned. “No. He’s in Florida, actually.”

“Florida? Wait, don’t tell me it’s about that baseball guy.”

“It’s complicated,” I sighed.

“That’s not going to end well, is it?”

“I’ll fill you in later. But first . . .” I bit my lip. “I did a thing.”

Dean raised a brow, waiting for me to go on.

“Don’t be mad, okay?”

“Uh, alright.”

I opened the front door and grabbed what I’d left on the porch. There was a little whine that struck me right in the heart.

“Are you . . .” Dean stared at the crate with wide eyes. “Is that . . .”

Setting it down, I opened the door and lifted the puppy out of it. His droopy eyes and wrinkly skin that was too roomy for his little body made me melt.

“Say hi to your new dad, Kevin.”

Dean took him from me, still looking completely in awe. “I thought we agreed to wait.”