Together

23.

23.

It was a few days later and the backyard had been transformed into a play palace. There was a trampoline, a slide, a swing, a sandbox. The entire garden had had a makeover. Chris and Lizzie were very pleased with it. The girls could now play outside and since the weather had been beautiful all summer, this was convenient.

It was evening and the sun was slowly setting. Chris and Lizzie were sitting together in the garden and the children were in bed. Dodger lay further down in the grass, occasionally glancing toward Lizzie and Chris. Chris had poured them both a glass of wine and they watched the sunset in silence.

'Lizzie?' Chris cleared his throat. 'Yes?' Lizzie looked to the side. Chris sounded quite serious. "How would you like to officially move here?" He looked at her questioningly. 'Officially?' Lizzie swallowed. Chris nodded. "I know you have your house in LA but we are a family. These past few days have been the best days I've had in years." Well known Chris.

'Real?' She looked at him in disbelief. She was of course also happy with Jane and Maeve, but she found parenthood extremely difficult and at the moment she really did not see it as beautiful. Of course she loved her daughters and cherished the moments together, but she also worried about the children all day long.

Chris nodded. 'I'm not just talking about Maeve and Jane. I missed you too.' He said. Lizzie looked at him and smiled weakly. She had missed Chris too. She had to live without him for three years and they were the worst years of her life. From the moment they broke up, she was heartbroken and never healed.

She didn't know exactly what Chris meant by this either. Did he want her back? Had he missed her as much as she missed him? Why hadn't he let her know this earlier? She had been trying to get over him for three years and now he asked her if they wanted to officially move in together.

"Do you mean to ask if we are a couple again?" Lizzie asked. "Actually, yes." Chris agreed. 'I know it's all going fast and I also understand if it's going too fast.' He quickly added. Lizzie stared into space. And what about Robbie? Could she just end their relationship for Chris?

"Hey, if you want to take it slow, I understand. So much has changed in four weeks, but my feelings for you have never changed. Only now do I realize how stupid I was to let you go.' He placed his hand on Lizzie's.

"Chris.." Lizzie removed her hand. 'What? Did I say something wrong?' He looked at her worriedly. 'No, it's just all so double. I love you, I really do. I don't want to go too fast. This life is so new for both of us. I don't want to be in a relationship because that is expected by everyone. I want to be in a relationship with you because I love you and care about you."

'I understand that. Take your time and let me know when you're ready.' Chris said. Lizzie smiled. "I'm ready, but I want to take it slow." She replied. Chris smiled. "So you'd like to officially move here?"

Lizzie thought for a moment but soon nodded. She missed her things from home and since she was already here day and night, she might as well make it official. Plus, her sisters also lived in New York so she always had family nearby.

'Real?' Chris looked at her in surprise. He didn't think Lizzie would agree so quickly. Lizzie nodded. 'I'm already here day and night, so I think it's a good idea to move my things.' Lizzie explained. "Oh Liz. I'm so happy about that.' Chris gave her a hug of joy. Lizzie was shocked for a moment, but soon relaxed and wrapped her arms around Chris. It felt nice to have Chris' strong arms around her. After a while she let go.

"Then we should start arranging some things for the move." Chris said. 'Like what?' Lizzie asked. "A plane that can carry your stuff." Chris replied. 'Oh yeah. I don't have a lot of stuff, but it is indeed useful to have an airplane that can transport everything.' Lizzie said. 'Yes, how else are you going to get your stuff here? It's hard for us to walk.'

'That will be difficult, yes.' Lizzie giggled. "I'm glad you can laugh again." Chris said. 'Me, too.' Lizzie sat next to Chris and leaned her head on Chris' shoulder. Chris put his arm around her and together they enjoyed the evening sun in silence.