Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 21~

~Raelyn~

~March 19th, 2022~

We woke up on a beautiful march morning and had a little bit of fun playing with his hot wheels and watching Star Wars before we got dressed to go meet Colby 's roommates at the trap house. My heart fluttered with a mix of nerves and excitement as I rifled through my wardrobe, looking for the perfect outfit.

The morning sun spilled through the blinds, casting a warm glow over the room where Blake, was bouncing with anticipation.

"Mama, are we going to meet Colby's friends today?" Blake's voice was a mix of curiosity and delight.

"Yes, sweetie, we are! And I want us both to look our best," I replied, holding up a pair of dark jeans and a floral corset top with some nude wedges.

"What do you think about this one for me?" Blake nodded with approval, his eyes wide. "You're gonna look like a princess, Mom!" I chuckled, ruffling his hair affectionately.

"And what about you, my little Jedi?" Together, we chose a little Mandalorian shirt and some jeans for Blake, with some Nike tennis shoes.

Blake put his arm up, pretending to be a jedi. Just then, there was a soft knock at the door. It was Colby, with a smile that could melt hearts.

"Ready to conquer the day?" Colby asked, his eyes meeting mine. I felt a warmth spread through me as he stepped closer and planted a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"We're almost set. Just need to grab our lightsabers," I joked, gesturing to Blake's playful antics. Colby laughed, walking over to Blake, and lifting him up high on his shoulders.

"And every jedi needs a sidekick. Think I can be yours for the day, buddy?" Blake giggled, nodding enthusiastically. "Yeah! You can be master Colby!"

The room filled with laughter and chatter as we got ready, the atmosphere light and filled with the love of a family that was not bound by blood, but by the bonds we chose to create. With one last look in the mirror, I felt ready.

Not just for the day, but for whatever life had in store. Holding Blake's hand in one and Colby's in the other, I stepped out the door, ready to meet the rest of the gang with my two favorite boys by my side.

~

As we drove to the trap house, the car was filled with Blake's infectious laughter and the soft hum of the radio. Colby was at the wheel, occasionally glancing back to share a smile with Blake, who was safely buckled in his car seat, his eyes wide with wonder at every new sight.

"Mama, will there be snacks? I'm a little hungry," Blake piped up, his small hand reaching out to hold mine.

I squeezed his hand gently. "I'm sure we can find some yummy snacks when we get there. What are you in the mood for?"

"Chocolate chip cookies!" he exclaimed, and I exchanged a knowing look with Colby.

We both laughed, the sound mingling with the soft tunes from the radio. "Chocolate chip cookies it is, then," Colby said, smiling at Blake through the rearview mirror.

~

Our conversation drifted to the friends we were about to meet. My heart swelled as I thought about the girls I already knew and loved, Katrina, Devyn, and Tara, and how welcoming they had been when I first arrived at the university. I was eager to see how the boys, Jake, Corey, and Sam, would be.

"Colby, what are your roommates like?" I asked, a curious smile playing on her lips.

Colby's eyes lit up. "Oh, they're a bunch of characters. Jake's the joker always has a prank up his sleeve. Corey's the chill one, and Sam, well, he's like the dad of the group, always looking out for us."