And don't you know, it's a beautiful new day

 

Chili shook her head. She hoped she'd nipped this in the bud with Rafe. She'd hate to shatter his flattery, but he might never figure out she was way too old for him. She could hear him now asking, "How old?" Then him cheering a big YES with a high kick.

Of course, there was Axton to figure out. Not that he was nearly the Romeo, and she'd at least met up with Em. They had a lot of catching up to do. Like how was it living in Japan and married to an Airman all those months? How could she have left him? But Chili had questions for Em too. It was mind-boggling to think that her shy and artsy friend from high school was a lesbian. Not that anything was wrong with that, but she'd never have guessed.

"Can't you just be there for him?" Em was practically telling her to let Axton move in with her. Chili shrugged it off. She could at least be his friend, but now he wanted her to go out with him.

His text startled her when she least expected it. Her face tensed and she yelled back at the phone, "What for?"

Well, at least no one was around but Dory who was in the back prepping lunch. Axton said it would be just a fake date. He was doing an art project with someone and they were having a celebratory cookout and he didn't want to go alone. 

"All right." She texted back and he sent her a  happy face emoji. About then the door jingled and customers were arriving for an early lunch.

Gage felt for sure it was over with Nora. It felt like he was living with the ice queen lately. Sure, she was a happy camper with Alec. Getting school clothes, and going to meet his teacher. Gage didn't have time for any of that, but he'd finally made time for the two of them. After all, Alec was back in school.

Gage was having a terrible time trying to figure out what it was with Nora. "What did I do this time?" He cut to the chase after they ordered the burgers that Alfie gave a ten and two thumbs up.

She sighed heavily. Nora looked so sad. There was always more papers and more meetings to go to about the adoption. It felt like an endless paper trail and he was mortified that so much was asked of her and her past. 

If he'd been the one adopting Alec it would just be senseless. He watched her hug herself. 

"I just wish-" She started then he stopped. Gage looked at her as if he wanted to do something big, but he did have his post office job. He was working. She did find him a job, and he was happy with it. He was.

"What?"

He watched her press her lips tight. "I remember before I met you..."

It was then he couldn't tell if she was laughing or crying. "I..I just wanted you to be the one. Alfie talked about you so much. I thought I knew. I really did, and then..we met and you made me feel.." She raked back tears then.

Gage looked around. What were they doing here? Maybe they should leave, but the drinks came and he put a straw in her Sprite and she finally managed a sip.

"Look, I was so sure you deserved better. Sometimes, I still feel that way."

"But why would you think that?" There were still slow tears escaping her eyes. He gave her a napkin.

Now his throat was parched. He knew now that she knew everything about him.

"I never wanted your pity," Gage shook his head, no. "But I think after all this time, I know what true beauty is now." He tried his best to smile. "I always thought you were beautiful and confident. But you're so much more to me." He knew she was the strong one. All this time she'd managed to do everything by herself. She'd bought a house. She knew more about putting together shelves than he did. Honestly, she was amazing. If they got through this meal, they were going to talk about the future.