Ransom's Redemption (Chris Evans Fancast Fic)

Chapter 12: Bye-Bye, Tink

It has been the hardest week, ever.

I worked my hours at Clockwork Orange, and then drove to a penthouse apartment in the city to do Fiona's niece's room. It was an actual four hours a day, the first being to see the furniture and do a sketch of the background, the next to do the outline which was actually a longer day, and then painting everything in.

I am really proud of this.

"This is so beautiful."

I turn to see Fiona standing there, again in my old sweater from college.

"Thanks," I can't help but grin. "How on earth are you guys keeping this from her?"

"She is still in her old bedroom."

"The nursery?"

"Yeah."

"Wait a minute," I frown, thinking things through. "Little Ella would not be expecting a little brother or sister?"

Fiona laughs. "Brother, I think."

"She thinks that she is sharing?"

"And is a bit bothered by the idea, yes."

"So she thinks this room might be for the baby?"

Fiona laughs outright now. "Yes!"

"Then she's gonna love this," I smile. "Is it possible for me to see the unveiling? I'd love to see her reaction."

"I think we can do that."

I look around. "This gives me ideas for when I have kids."

"You're thinking about kids?" Fiona asks. "You've not even gone down the aisle!" She swallows hard. "Are you two-"

"No!" I put my hands up, but then chuckle. "Not yet, anyway. We do want to start a family pretty soon after, though."

"You're serious," Fiona's expression looks upset and somewhat concerned. "You are really serious about her."

"Of course I am," I frown, still smiling. "I know we don't have the same background, but we have a history and our feelings grew over time."

"If you hadn't gone to jail, would you feel this way?"

Wow, she does get to the point. "I have always loved her, Fiona. Even when you and I dated, when we were together, you would get upset about our connection. And I would tell you you couldn't understand. Honestly, I didn't. It took going through this to see it for what it was."

Fiona's eyes glisten and I feel a lump in my throat. "And I wasn't there." She whispers, stepping closer. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay, no hard feelings." I remember her always caring about image-what everyone thought.

"I should have stood by you."

"No one really did, you were in good company—"

"Except her."

"She knew I wouldn't purposely commit murder, and she didn't care what anyone thought."

"She just cared about you."

"Yes."

"But does she know you?"

"It's been almost five years, Fi," I shrug. "do you?"

She gasps as if I hit her. "You really want to do this, then?"

"Yes, I do." I show her my ring. "This means more than you know."

She stares at it. "It looks like steel."

"But it means so much more," I tell her, shaking my head.

"Ran—"