How To Save a Life

Chapter 6

"Where are we going?" Sam asks from the backseat.

"Far away from here Sammy. I was thinking Ohio. They have nice houses in a town I looked at." I reply, looking in the rear view. Sam was playing on his DS with Garth's head in his lap. The dog snores softly. I looked to my right. Cas played with google maps, trying to figure out the GPS.

We eventually find our way to Ohio after tireless hours of driving. Immediately, we find a motel and crash for the night. When I wake up, I hop onto the laptop to search for some kind of house we can afford.

Cas sets a coffee down beside me on the desk and rubs my shoulders. "Anything?"

"A couple actually! There's one here that's a 2 bed, 2 bath. Fully finished basement though it's only one story high. Semi nice sized yard but it's private, living room, and kitchen."

"Mm... That sounds fantastic. Oh my gosh it's in our budget!" Cas nudges me out of the chair. She scribbles down some thing on a pad.

"You think this might be the one?" I nod and she jumps up. "We should meet with these people!"

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And here we are, two weeks later, sealing the deal on a small town house, perfect for our dysfunctional family. Cas is currently switched over to the state college and I'm taking a few online courses. Sam is doing well in his new school and is making friends. Garth is doing great too! We have a dog bed and a shock collar so he doesn't leave the yard.

There's only one thing left in this little family that I would want more than life but it needs to be staged perfectly.

It's a warmish night, a little breezy, but nice.

I rented a canoe for Cas and I at this local park that's only about 15 minutes from home.

The cold stars glisten above and I smile at her. She's trying her best to make the paddles work.

"Cas, you know I love you right?"

She smiles widely. "Of course and I wouldn't question it."

"Well we are 22, adults now. Soon finished with college, have our own house, raising an 11 year old."

"Yes your point is?"

"Well..." I stand up and then kneel down, pulling out a box. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I want to ensure you that everything is perfect between us and I will love you always. Will you marry me?"

Cas smiled so hard I think her cheeks might explode. "Of course, Deanna! I- I have no words other than yes..."

"You don't have to say anything." I smile and press my lips to hers. We both stand in the canoe, smiling against each other.

Then the canoe starts tipping. We were careless about which way we were falling and now we splash into the water, laughing and splashing each other in the face. Her blue eyes shine under the mop of wet brown hair. My pixie cut falls in bangs over my face and I hold onto her, even in the water, not wanting my lips to leave here even for a moment.

"I love you so much..." I murmur, smiling again.

"I love you too..." She repeats and we eventually drag the canoe to shore, laying on the grassy shore, our hands clasped together.

"Cas...?"

"Hm?"

"Are you happy?" I ask, looking up into the stars.

"De, of course I am! How can I not be with you and Sammy too. You guys are my new family and I love you to the moon and back."

We head home after a couple minutes of drying off.

"Sammy! We are home!" I hang my jacket and walk into his room. He's already asleep, Garth laying beside him.

I smile and turn off the light, closing the door slowly.

I crept back into our room and slipped pajamas on. I shut the door to our room too, falling asleep quickly.