Stay {BWWM} C.Evans

Chapter 9

Author's Note: Rated R for some sexual references, allusions to domestic violence, and some medical content and language.

"Money's transferred."

"So that's it?"

"That's it." Elaine, their realtor, placed a golden set of keys in Simone's hand with a wide smile. "Welcome home."

Simone managed to hold back her happy tears until after the woman pulled out of the driveway, then lifted Tyler into her arms and placed a dozen kisses on his little cheeks.

"MOMMY EW!"

She laughed out loud and kissed his head before setting him down. The key slid into the front door lock and she took in a deep breath.

A fresh start. She just wished Chris could have been there to share the moment with her. He was half way around the world preparing to shoot the Avengers.

"Mommy, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, baby. I just...I just wish Chris was here, that's all." She hid her sadness behind a wide smile. "You ready to step into our new house?"

"Yes!"

Simone slid the key to the left to unlock it, then pushed the door open.

"I was wondering when you guys would get here."

She dropped the keys to the floor, and Tyler took off. "DADDY!"

Immediately, Simone was in tears and Chris caught Tyler in his arms then jogged towards her, bringing the brunette into his embrace. "Shh, shh...Monie, baby. It's alright." He buried his face into her onyx locks. "I missed you both so much,"

"I thought you were gone for three weeks." Simone said, wiping away her tears.

"I'm here for four days, then I gotta go. I wanted to surprise you." He smiled. "Do you really think I'd miss this moment?"

"Daddy is this our house?"

"Yes it is. This is where I'll come home to. No more going to my house or Mommy's house. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Go explore while I talk to Mommy about boring stuff."

Tyler took off up the stairs and Simone gave him a faint smile. Once more, she was pulled into Chris's arms, and he rocked her a bit to comfort her.

"I sold my living room furniture because I liked yours better, and it matches the house better." She told him and Chris nodded, rubbing her back and looking at the empty house. "Where do you wanna sleep tonight?"

"Well my apartment is empty because I sold it." He chuckled. "Why don't we all get a hotel room, huh? That'll be fun. That way the moving team can go through your place and start early without waking you up."

"Okay," Simone nodded, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I'll text my assistant to do it." He pulled his sleek black iPhone out of his pocket and sent off said text while Simone began decorating the house in her head. "Do you have to work tonight?"

"Four hour shift." She answered distantly.

"Simone, what's going on? Something's wrong."

"There's nothing wrong."

"Yes there's something wrong, I can tell. What did I do?"

"You didn't do anything."

"Obviously I did. I thought you'd be happy I was here."