Serendipitous [Joe Burrow]

Chapter 16

Chandler opened the door to her apartment. It was quiet so she knew Katie wasn't home. She knew she should have texted her before she came over but part of her wanted it to be a surprise. If she hurried she would be able to stop by the shop and say hi to her. Chandler felt bad for being off from her receptionist job but Katie said she understood. Joe needed someone to help take care of him. With his parents living two hours away, it was hard for them.

Chandler walked into the room grabbing another one of her duffle bags. She started looking around her room for anything she thought she'd need. Joe's recovery time wasn't something that needed to be rushed so she didn't know how long she'd be staying at his house. Chandler shoved the last items into her bag as she heard the front door open.

She slowly walked out to the living room. Katie stood at the counter with her back to the girl. "Surprise!!" Katie screamed in fear as she turned around to see her friend standing there.

"Jesus! You almost gave me a heart attack!" Kate yelled as she grabbed her chest.

"Sorry!" Chandler laughed.

"I didn't even know you were coming here today," Katie said.

"I wanted to surprise you," Chandler said, "So surprise!"

"It's good to see you," Katie said pulling her into a hug.

"It's good to see you," Chandler said, "We haven't been apart this long in like 5 years."

"How's Joe doing?" Katie asked.

"He's all right. Obviously still down about being out the rest of the season. But he's doing well at physical therapy. He's there right now."

"I'm glad to hear that," Katie said.

"So what have you been up to since I've been gone?" Chandler asked. Katie's smile quickly dropped.

"You can't be mad at me," Katie said. Chandler furrowed her brows at the girl.

"Why would I be mad at you?" Chandler asked.

"Because I've been keeping a secret from you," Katie said, "But in my defense, I want to wait and tell you in person."

"Okay. What is it?" Katie held her hand out showing the most beautiful engagement ring Chandler had ever seen.

"You're engaged!!" Chandler yelled, "Oh my god, I'm so happy for you!! You have to tell me everything!"

"Well, Miles took me out to a really fancy restaurant for our anniversary. The food was delicious and everything was absolutely perfect," Katie said, "After dinner, we walked home. As we were walking by this beautiful garden he stopped me to tell them how much he loved me. Then he got down on one knee and proposed!"

"That sounds so romantic!" Chandler said, "I can't believe you kept that from me for almost two weeks!"

"It was honestly the hardest thing I've ever had to do," Katie said, "But I wanted to wait and see your reaction in person.

"I'm so happy for you!" Chandler said pulling her friend into a hug.

"Thank you. I haven't been able to stop staring at my ring."

"I don't blame you, it's gorgeous!" Chandler said looking at the ring again, "So when's the big day?"

"We haven't decided yet," Katie said, "Honestly though I'd rather just go somewhere beautiful and elope."

"Honesty that's the dream," Chandler said, "No one but you and the love of your life. Then if you wanted you could have some sort of party when you got home."

"Yeah. Miles and I will have to talk about it," Katie said glancing at her phone, "I actually have to get back to the salon. I wish I could stay longer."

"It's all right. Joe should be finished with therapy soon," Chandler said, "I should probably be getting back over to the facility."

"We'll have lunch soon, okay?" Katie said.

"Yes! I'll text you," Chandler said giving her another hug, "I'm so happy for you!"

••••

Chandler sat on a bench waiting for Joe to finish up his therapy. She was so incredibly excited for Katie and Miles. There was no doubt they were perfect for one another. "Hey," a guy said walking by, "You're Chandler right?"

"Uh yeah," Chandler said.

"I'm Ja'Marr Chase," the man smiled.

"I've heard so much about you," Chandler said, "I'm glad we're finally meeting."

"Same here," Ja'Marr smiled as he sat next to Chandler on the bench, "Are you waiting for Joe to finish up?"

"Yeah. He should be done any time now," Chandler said.

"How's he holding up?" Ja'Marr asked, "I mean I've asked him and I know what he says. But I can't help but think he's just trying to put on a brave face."

"He actually has been handling it well," Chandler said, "I do think some days are harder than others. I haven't known him for that long but I can tell how much he loves football. I think he's sad that he can't finish his first season."

"Yeah. We're all missing him," Ja'Marr said. He glanced down at Chandler's stomach. She was sitting with her hands on top of it. "I was shocked when Joe told me he was going to be a father."

"Yeah. I think it caught both of us off guard," Chandler laughed.

"I don't think I've ever seen him happier than the day he told me," Ja'Marr added, "Joe's had a lot of success in his life, a lot of things to be happy about. But when he talked about being a father it was like he radiated happiness." Chandler couldn't help but smile to herself hearing Ja'Marr speak.

"I think he's going to be a really great dad," Chandler smiled.

"Me too," Ja'Marr said, "And I think he picked a nice girl to go on this journey with. Don't get me wrong I liked Olivia, but she could be a little much and selfish at times. Joe needs someone calm like him. Someone who is there to support him through anything."

"Yeah, I met her once. Let's just say she was not happy to see me." Chandler said making Ja'Marr laugh.

"Well I'm glad Joe found someone," Ja'Marr said.

"Oh we're not dating," Chandler said.

"Yet," Ja'Marr said. Chandler opened her mouth to explain that she and Joe were just taking it one day at a time. Their only plan was to raise their daughter, not get into a relationship.

"Hey," Joe said as the door in front of them opened.

"Hey," Chandler smiled as she stood from the bench.

"Hey, man," Ja'Marr said standing as well.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Joe said.

"No problem. Ja'Marr kept me company," Chandler said.

"Yeah. It's about time I meet the girl you're always talking about," Ja'Marr said making Joe laugh.

"Well we better get you home," Chandler said, "You need to rest."

"Better listen to her," Ja'Marr said, "This girl knows what she's talking about."

"I'll see you later Ja'Marr," Joe said.

"See ya man." Chandler grabbed Joe's bag slinging it over her shoulder as they walked out of the facility.