One thing for sure

 

Axton finally got around to bringing Chili to Emily and Liam's. He knew it was a long time coming. Lord knows, Emily nagged him endlessly at work, while he made sure she never picked up a child. After all, she was so close to having her baby.

"What do you mean, you're overdue?" Axton winced. How long could she go on? He thought she should be on maternity leave already, but like Liam said. "Oh, she's got a mind of her own."

It only left Axton with a chuckle, "I hope my Emily's not like that-" He found himself saying, but then stopped. She wasn't his, and it made him almost teary-eyed that he had said it. Chili gave him a pat on the back as if she was there for him.

She'd brought a homemade tray of veggies and Greek yogurt dip. It was perfect for the backyard occasion. Emily seemed pleased about that. He was glad Emily was happy to know Chili.

They went off to the kitchen. Of course, he wondered what they were talking about. He hoped Emily wasn't giving her the third degree. Liam assured him that his Emily thought Axton was the best co-worker of the year.

"Oh, right," he laughed. "She's on my case about something all the time." He shook his head, took a soda and sat in the shade while Liam turned steaks.

"Well, she does have a way about her that can turn off just about anyone but a toddler or a baby." Liam shrugged about the matter. "I know her parents are still surprised we got together." He then told him the house was her parents. "I know we're lucky. The place has got some good bones, but a lot can go wrong with a house."

Axton agreed. Yes, he lived in an old house too, and was always expected to be the handyman. "But Yuki probably knows more about the place than I do. It usually takes both of us to fix things and then Em will call somebody who used to fix the place and well, sometimes we need them too, but not always."

Honestly, he didn't see himself leaving Em and Yuki's anytime soon.