Because You're Mine

CHAPTER FIVE

                                                       Beckett

It has been a month since the day I showed up at Millie's apartment. After I made sure she was good to go I forced myself to walk out her door. I bought a house outside of town, right on the lake. I could have bought a house in town but I wanted a little more privacy. I bought this house with the life insurance my dad had set up for me if anything was to ever happen to him. Unfortunately this home is a reminder that I lost my dad in order to have this luxury. I try not to dwell on that thought too much. Because I know my dad planned everything to assure I would be okay.

When I bought this place I knew renovations were a must. This place was a little dated. The first area of the house I worked on was the master bedroom and bathroom. I'm a big man, I need space when I'm getting ready. I took out the old garden tub and replaced it with a porcelain claw foot tub. The shower made me feel like I was standing in a box so I replaced that with a double shower. Shower heads on both ends of the shower and one big one in the middle. There is a bench seat on the back wall. I'm not even going to lie and say I wasn't thinking about Millie when this bathroom plan came about. I met with the contractors a few days after I met her. The bedroom is bright with neutral colors. The walls are bare. I haven't decided what I want for the space yet. One day when Millie moves in she can add her magic touch and make it more than what it is. Maybe that's presumptuous of me, I just know she will be here with me one day.

I'm sitting here on a late Saturday afternoon nursing a warm beer, guess I'm done with that. I lean over and set it on the table when I feel the vibration of my phone. I was hoping it was a blue eyed woman who I can't get out of my head. We've talked every single day, even on the days I stop by her shop.

"Hey, Ma."

"How's my boy?" I can hear the smile in her voice.

"I'm good Ma. How are you doing?"

I try to hide the disappointment in my voice. It's not that I didn't want to talk to my mom, I was really hoping it was Millie. Tyson invited me out for drinks tonight, he's been a good friend and co-worker since I moved here.

"You know I'm good son. Everything good with work? Meet anyone?" She lists her questions eagerly.

"Everything is good at work, and I meet people all the time." I laugh at her huff.

"Beckett James, you know that's not what I meant."

With a reluctant sigh I continue, "Actually, I have met someone, her name is Millie. I've been getting to know her a little bit. I met her about a week after I moved here. I haven't asked her out yet though. It's complicated."

I give her a minute to respond but she doesn't so I continue.

"She's the chief's daughter, not to mention my partner's sister."

"I see. So what are you going to do about that situation?" she replies in her mom voice.

"I'm not sure yet, Brooks doesn't have an issue with me asking her out, however chief Brooks may not feel the same."

"Well son, it sounds like you need to talk to the chief and uncomplicate things."

"You're right. Listen, I need to go, I'm meeting Brooks at the tavern in an hour and I need to shower."

"I love you Beckett, call me soon."

"I love you too Ma, thanks for listening.

I sat on the couch a little while longer replaying the conversation with my mom. She's right, I need to uncomplicate things. It's not like I need permission to ask Millie out. I want to talk to her dad out of respect because he is my boss. I can't afford to jeopardize my job in any way.

I look down at the phone still in my hand and realize I sat there longer than I meant to. I have about thirty minutes to shower and head to the tavern. I stand and toss my phone on the couch and head for the shower.

I make it to Willie's Tavern with five minutes to spare, good, I hate being late. I spotted her as soon as I walked in. She is sitting at a high top table with Tyson and Maggie, Maggie in between the two. I head towards the table and take the empty seat between her and Tyson. I play a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"This is a nice surprise, Tyson didn't mention you were meeting here too." Not that I'm complaining. I can't think of a better way to spend my evening.