Vault

Eight

I knocked on the front door and waited a few minutes before it opened and Chris smiled widely at me.

"Hey, they're in the living room," Chris smiled as he pulled me into a hug.

"Thank you," I smiled back as we pulled away.

I walked into the living room and saw Katie sitting on the couch next to Karl, while Karl was holding Tucker.

"Hey, come meet my son," Katie smiled when she heard me walk in.

I quickly hugged Katie, as this is the first time I've seen her in person in years. My smile only grew as I sat down on the floor in front of Karl. Tucker was absolutely precious.

"He's beautiful," I smiled up at Chris and Katie.

"I know, my godson is the best," Karl smiled.

I shook my head with a laugh as I gently ran the back of my fingers over Tucker's cheek. He reached up and wrapped his hand around my finger, holding it tight.

"It took twenty minutes when Karl was holding him the first time before he did that," Katie pointed out with a laugh, "he likes you."

"Babies and animals always like me," I laughed, "I don't know why."

"I do," Karl whispered.

I glanced up at Karl, surprised by his words, but didn't know what to say back.

"We should get going," Chris told Karl, "we have to meet Jimmy and Chandler at the warehouse."

Karl nodded before he smiled and handed Tucker down to me. I held onto him, cradling his little head in the bend of my arm. He was still so little and delicate, but he has pretty awesome parents to give him the very best life there is.

"We're meeting Maddy at the mall," Katie smiled at me, "are you ready to go?"

"Yeah," I smiled as I stood up and carefully sat Tucker in his carseat.

When we were ready, Katie secured the carseat into the car and we drove to the mall together. I was excited for a girls day, especially with Katie and Maddy. They are two of the best and most gorgeous women I have ever met, and it bums me out that I don't get to see them more often.

"So what's the plan?" I asked as Katie and I walked into the mall.

"Well, we're going to do whatever we want," Katie smiled, "that's the beauty of girls day. But Maddy and I insist that you at least look at some dresses for your birthday, just in case the boys decide to take you out instead of staying at home."

"Okay," I sighed playfully, "if you insist."

We laughed as we walked through the mall to make our way to the food court where Maddy was waiting for us. She squealed and hugged me tightly before she turned to Katie and hugged her as well. I grabbed the carrier from Katie and carried Tucker through the mall with us as we shopped. I knew how heavy carriers get after a while, so the least I can do is help her.

"Okay, which one do you like better?" Maddy asked as she held up two dresses.

One was a gorgeous black dress that would be tight and form fitting, and almost just looked like bands and straps. The other was a deep shade of blue and had one long sleeve, also looking like it would be tight and form fitting.

"Both are beautiful," I admit, "but the black one looks intimidating."

"Try it on," Maddy gushed, "please."

I sighed, but agreed. Maddy and Katie both sat down outside of the dressing room with Tucker while I took the black dress into the dressing room. I changed out of my clothes and into the dress. When I said it looked intimidating, I hit it right on the nose. It was beautiful, and surprisingly flattering on my body, but I could never wear this out in public. I took a deep breath as I stepped out of the dressing room and walked out to stand in front of Maddy and Katie.