Finding Home in Redemption

Chapter Nine

When I first moved in, I decided I wanted the spare bedroom furnished in case Pop wanted to stay over. He had only stayed over twice, once when the weather was bad and a few weeks prior when I hit my head.

With Aaron and Dog moving in, I was thankful I'd thought to fix it up.

The room had a queen-size bed with a basic black comforter, a nightstand with a lamp and a dresser with a small television sitting on top. We walked into the room, and I could feel Aaron's tension.

"Feel free to put your things away. Some of your shirts are already hanging in the closet," I said pointing to what he'd left with me for work.

"Listen, I'm sorry I got so frustrated earlier," he said.

"It's okay. I shouldn't have kept pushing you; I should be the one apologizing."

" I reacted horribly, but I was serious about those conditions, Bentley."

"I know you were." I moved to leave but stopped and faced him. "I'm glad you're here."

"I am too," he said.

Before I could talk myself out of it, I walked toward him and wrapped my arms around him. My cheek rested against his chest, and I squeezed so tight I could feel his heartbeat. After a few seconds, Aaron's arms came up and pulled me even closer to him. I had to clear my throat before I could speak. We released each other, and I backed away.

"I forgot to tell you, Sam and I are going shopping in the city. I'll probably be leaving after breakfast, but I'll be home around 5:00 P.M., tomorrow."

"Is there anything you want me to do tomorrow while you're gone? Like, laundry or something?"

"Well," I said. "You could put up some of the Christmas decorations if you want."

"Christmas? It's still November!" he said laughing.

"I know, but if I put them up now, I can enjoy them throughout December and then put it all away on New Year's Eve. That's what I always do."

"If that's what you want me to do then I'll do it. Just show me where everything is before you leave. Are you sure you don't have specific places for everything?"

"Nope, you can put it anywhere, and I won't care. Pulling everything out is my least favorite part, so this is perfect."

"Alright, well, goodnight Bentley. If you hear me moving around, it's just me taking Dog out so don't get scared."

"Okay. Goodnight Aaron. Goodnight Dog," I said.

I sent Sam a text telling her I'd be ready to go at 9:00 A.M., and I set my alarm before getting in bed. I was so thankful for the blessings I had received that year. I started thinking about Sylvia from Bucking Bandits and felt a twinge of guilt since I'd not been over there for a few days. I fell asleep thinking about how I could convince Pop to close Cooper's for lunch one day, so everyone could eat there.

When I woke up, I went to the restroom, showered and then got dressed in my most comfortable leggings, teal sweater dress, and boots. I curled my hair, put on a dash of makeup, and I was ready to go.

Aaron was sitting at the kitchen table with a coffee cup, watching the news while Dog was eating food out of his bowl in the foyer. I smiled to myself and let the new feeling wash over me.

"Let me grab you a cup of coffee," Aaron said as he stood and went to the kitchen.

"Thank you," I called out to him. I walked to the closet in the foyer and started pulling boxes out. It was the only place I had room for my Christmas decorations, and since it was the only holiday I decorated for, I had quite a bit of stuff. I heard Aaron laugh and turned to find him leaning his back against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.