The New Separation (Book 2)

Bonus Chapter

This used to be the epilogue to The New Kid before I decided to write The New Separation. I hadn't realized it was still sitting here, unplublished, so I figured why not share it now?

Techincally, this takes place before the epilogue. Enjoy!

Elliot

I had just let myself into the house when the small child came running out of nowhere. I caught her just as she was about to trip, although she probably didn't notice the danger she was in as she was giggling the whole time.

"Hi, Uncy Elly," Ashley said, hugging my neck.

"Hey pretty girl. Where are your daddies, huh?"

I started walking towards the kitchen of my brothers' house, hearing the sound of voices coming from that direction. Ashley either hadn't heard my question or chose to ignore it because she didn't answer me at all.

But she didn't have to say anything, because in the next second, Jackson almost ran right into me, having just barreled around the corner without looking.

"Oh, thank god," he sighed, taking his daughter from my arms. "I heard the door close, then realized she was gone. I thought she left again."

I laughed. "Child-proof your doors. Or keep a better eye on her. Jeez, with four dads, you'd think someone would be able to keep her in the house."

"Shush. You try having twins and see how that works out for you." We started moving towards the kitchen. "So how have you been, Elliot? You know, since the last time we saw you."

"Kinda nervous, for later."

Jackson smiled. "You'll be fine."

"What if he says no?"

"He'd be stupid to. But then again, he is a Whitaker..."

"Are you talking about me?" a voice said from further in the house.

I let out a small laugh as we walked into the kitchen completely. "No. The other Whitaker. You know, the one I'm dating?"

"Soon to be engaged to, right?" Josh asked, walking into the kitchen with his son on his hip. Logan looked like he had just woken up from a nap.

"God, I hope so. We've been dating for so many years already. I think it's time." I went over to grab my nephew. He had to be my favorite, out of the two of them, although I'd never say that out loud, too afraid of what Ashley would do to me. She was kinda scary for a two and a half year old.

"Leo just texted me," Jackson said from behind me. "He and Colton are on their way. They'll be here soon."

I smiled just as a text came through on my own phone, which was probably Colton relaying the same information. I couldn't wait to see him again, even though it's only been a couple days. He played soccer professionally, which required him to travel across the country sometimes for games.

The only reason I didn't pick him up from the airport like usual was that Leo worked over by there anyway, so he offered, especially because we were both coming here for an impromptu barbecue to celebrate his win.

Okay, no. That's not the reason and everybody except Colton knew that. Tonight was the night I was going to propose to him, and, having asked my brothers for advice, they wanted to be there when I asked. I gave in, but stopped the guest list at just the four of them, plus their two children, who couldn't have not been invited. I didn't want the entire family here when I asked, it would just be too many people. Besides, Colton and I will be able to tell them all together, if he says yes.