Chapter 26: home sweet home.


Several weeks later Zach and Rebecca take Natasha for a drive in the suburbs just outside of Las Vegas.

This is a nice neighborhood, why are we here?

Rebecca found a house that looked promising, we're here to take a look at it.

We're house hunting? That's so much fun! How did you have time to find this Rebecca?

I just checked every couple days. With the specific things we were looking for the list of potential houses was limited anyway. Looks like we're here.

They walk through the house and have a look around.

What do you think mom?

It's amazing. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a big kitchen, a living room with a fireplace and a nice backyard. I would buy it if it was up to me.

I thought that you would like it.

Zach reaches in his pocket and hands her the keys.

Good thing too, because it's yours.

Are you serious...?

I signed the papers earlier this week.

Natasha reaches out behind her for the coach and slowly lowers herself onto it.

Sorry... I need a second.

He crouches in front of her.

Do you need Rebecca to listen to your heart?

Rebecca gives him a light slap against the back of his head.

Not funny, this is a big deal.

Zach... this is too much.

No it's not, you took care of me by yourself for almost two decades without complaining. This is nothing less than what you deserve.

I don't know what to say.

Thank you Rebecca for finding the perfect house?

Yes, thank you... you did amazing as always.

I do my best. One last thing... do I tell her? Or are you going to?

Go ahead.

Ok. What did you think of the house next door?

I didn't take that close of a look at it. It seemed similar, maybe a bit bigger?

You're right, it has one extra bedroom.

That would have been too much.

Good thing that it's ours then.

Wait... what?! We're neighbors?

Yup. Thats why it was relatively easy to find these houses, not many newly built houses next to each other on the market so it stood out immediately.

I can imagine... it must have been so expensive!

That's not important. It's a long term investment, I plan on living here for a while.

Come here you two.

Zach winks at Rebecca after Natasha finally let's go of them.

I'm surprised she didn't ask why we would need the extra room.

I assumed that it would be for when Lisa comes to visit.

At first. Rebecca had a different idea though.

I was thinking that eventually, after we get married and I graduate... I want to have two babies. And with you as our neighbor we have a babysitter next door.

Oh! I didn't even think about that!

Calm down mom, that's not going to happen any time soon.

It's still exciting, when do we move in?

Should be next week. All of the furniture is included by the way.

Rebecca nudges Zach.

If you need any more Zach will assemble it for you.

Thank you for volunteering me...

You're welcome. Let's head back for now.

That evening Zach and Rebecca sit down for a video call with Lisa and Elle.

Hello ladies, how is California?

Lisa practically pushes Elle to the side.

Everything is fine here! Ruby isn't here but she says hello. How are things in Vegas?

Great, we bought two houses.

Ok big spender.

One for us and one for mom. They're next to each other so we can have the wedding in the backyards.

Elle can barely contain her excitement.

When is the ceremony?

We don't know yet, but Rebecca wants to ask you something.

I want you two and Ruby to be my bridesmaids.

Elle answers instantly.

Of course!

Lisa? What about you?

Sure? I don't know what I would have to do though.

Just stand next to me and Elle, that's pretty much it.

I can do that.

Elle is looking away from her in an attempt to hide that she's laughing.

What are you laughing at?

I'm finally going to see you in a dress, I never thought that I would see the day.

Don't get used to it.

Zach can't help but smile at seeing them interact as a couple.

You two are so cute together. Before we go, Marcus is going to be my best man...

Elle interrupts.

Obviously, is Nika going to be there?

Of course she will be there.

Great, I really want to see her again.

One last thing, she's not going to be a bridesmaid... because she's pregnant.

Elle gasps loudly.

Holy shit! Sorry, I wasn't expecting that.

Lisa burst out laughing.

That's the first time I've heard you swear.

I lost my composure, sorry.

Don't be sorry, I like it. You don't have to be miss perfect all the time.

Zach wraps up the conversation.

Alright lovebirds, we're going to go. We'll let you know when the big day is.

Ok, say hi to your mom for me.

I will, see you soon.

Later that evening Zach and Rebecca get ready for bed and lie down next to each other.

So cute to see them together like that.

Zach nods in agreement.

I'm happy that Lisa has finally stopped holding herself back. I never realized that she was struggling so much with that part of herself, it always seemed to me like she was "fine" with it.

People don't like facing their true self, it can be a scary thing. You were always there for her, that's the most important thing.

And Elle did the rest. She's in a good place now, my mind is at ease.

Well said, you'll make a great dad... in a couple years.

Planning ahead, are you?

A bit, I still have some time left to coach you.

I see what you did there. Tell me if you need any help "planning".

So now you're excited huh? But not tonight, I'm tired.

Zach spoons her and starts playfully kisses her.

Who's being funny now? Goodnight.

Comment