Taken for granted (Zach Top)

0.07

* 2 weeks later

Lord this headache will take me out. I rub my temple, and stop scratching Zach's head that's in my lap. causing him to take his eyes from the tv up to me.

We are all in Washington at Zach's parents house. His birthday is tomorrow and he wanted to celebrate with his siblings and family.

"What's wrong sweetheart?" Zach tucks my hair behind my ear. Cheyanne is by my feet and looks my way.

"Nothing my head hurts so bad." I squeeze my eyes close.

Cheyanne's eyes squint, "damn Kate, this is like your 8th headache in like 4 days."

"I know. It's getting pretty aggravating. Maybe it's just a small migraine."I throw my head back. "I'm going to try and take a nap. Hopefully it goes away before dinner tonight."

I lean to kiss Zach's lips and he frowns. He sits up and I head to Zach's room. I love Washington. It's just so beautiful out here.

Zach's room is full of all kinds of memories from his childhood. Pictures, instruments, trophies. Just a small glimpse of who he is and what he did growing up. Gosh I could cry. Who would've thought I would have been able to get to know this great man? I look at the photos that are hanging on the wall, one catches my eye. Him and Kenzie smiling ear to ear in front of the lake house in their winter suits.

Although Zach hasn't lived here in years, it still caused a pit in my stomach. This is the first time he's been home since the divorce. I look at the other photos and the same big smiled Zach where on all.

"You know, that photo at the lake house was the day of me and Kenzie's first fight." Zach startled me. I turn and he is leaning against his door frame with his hands tucked in his pocket. "She told me she didn't want kids. And that kids would have ruined her life."

I walk up to him and grab his hand. I close the door and bring him to lay on the bed with me. He lays on his back and I cuddle to his side. His hand finding mine that's wrapped around his body, and his other is scratching my back.

"I grew up wanting a child to call my own. And she knew that. Hell, even my neighbors knew how much I wanted my own child one day. I'm not even sure what brought the conversation up, but she told me I was crazy for even thinking she would want a child. What hurt the most was that it was in front of my friends. We of course started fighting and she said she was breaking up with me since I didn't want what she wanted. I guess I told myself I was fine without kids, just so I could keep her."

"You shouldn't have to change yourself or what you want in life for others Z. You are who you are and if someone doesn't value you, then they aren't made for you." I say as I feel my eyes get heavy.

"I know Katie. The fucked up thing is that I would give up every single thing in my life to keep you around. That's not even just dating. If one day you decide to not love me anymore, I would be okay with being friends. As long as it's you." He leans down to kiss my head.

"Stop trying to make everyone else happy. Choose yourself for once."

"I did. It was the best choice I've made yet."

I stay quiet. Just replaying his words in my head. "Kate ann?"

"Yes?"

"I love you. I want it to always be you. When I found her with him, I said I would never fall in love again. Especially never get married again. I don't say that if it comes to you. I loved you from the moment my eyes met yours. I didn't realize it until I was given a moment to feel okay with it. I would do this all over again 10xs again to love you."