Author note:

A quick bit setting up for some for some changes in the future. Please drop a note if you enjoyed.

CH 54-Making Plans

Clay joined Emma, Jason, and Mikey for a late dinner after accompanying them to Mikey's hockey game. Jason had taken the boy home to clean up while Emma and Clay stopped to pick up pizza.

They were all sitting at the table discussing the game when Jason cleared his throat to get their attention.

"Hey, I wanted to talk to you guys about a conversation I had with the realtor this week."

"Realtor, Dad? I thought you weren't putting the house up until summer."

"I wasn't Em. But I just put out some feelers to get an idea of what it should be listed for, stuff like that."

Everyone had stopped eating now and was fully focused on Jason.

"Anyway, she mentioned a few things around here that need to be addressed before I could put it on the market. I know I've let a lot of things go since…well, since your Mom…"

He let the words lie and took a long pause. Clay broke in.

"Hey man. I'll help with whatever you need."

"Thanks. I appreciate that. But… that wasn't really the reason I wanted to discuss this with all of you. Uh, the realtor also mentioned that she might already have a buyer lined up."

"What, already," questioned Emma.

"Yea. It's an officer with a young family that is getting reassigned here. They can't move until April. That gives me some time to get things fixed up around here."

"But, where will we go," Mikey asked in a small voice.

Jason laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. "That's why I needed all of you here son. There are a couple options. I could rent a place for us until Em graduates and then you and I can look for a more permanent arrangement before you're off to school. Or," he looked at Clay and Emma. "Emma could go ahead and move, and we can find our place now."

Clay took Emma's hand in his and turned to speak directly to her. "Sweetheart you know that I'd be thrilled to have you move in sooner, but it's up to you. I want whatever you want."

"I guess it's your call Em," Jason told her.

Deciding everyone's future mad her uncomfortable. She addressed her little brother.

"Mikey, what do you think?"

"I guess if we really have to sell the house, it would be nice to see my new room and stuff before I move."

He swung his head to look at Jason. "Can I still finish the year out at school?"

"Of course. I'll find a place in the school district. And Em, if you decide to move, we don't need to say anything. As far as your school is concerned, you'd still be living with me."

"Well then…" she squeezed Clay's hand. "I'd like to move into the apartment with Clay."

"I thought you might say that. I'll let the realty company know we're on board with an early sale. And maybe they can help Mikey and me find a place."

Having a clear plan seemed to relieve much of Mikey's anxiety about selling the house.

Emma could hardly believe that she would be moving in with Clay permanently in just a couple months. As hard as letting go of the house was going to be, starting the next chapter of her life with Clay was exhilarating.

After dinner Mikey headed to bed. The three adults discussed more plans and details regarding the house and Emma's upcoming move. Finally, Jason too went upstairs and left Clay and Emma alone in the living room.

"You sure this is what you want Emmie?"

She snuggled against him and could hear his heartbeat.

"Yes. I'm absolutely sure. Are you?"

He held her close. "Honey, you have no idea how happy it makes me to know how soon you'll be with me."

They sat quietly for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.

"It sounds like I'll be moving a couple weeks after Spring Break." She sat up to look at him. "Do you think you could move some of my things while I'm gone, if I got it packed up?"

"I've been thinking about that Em."

"About what?" She hoped they weren't about to have another disagreement about her going down to Florida with Hannah and Jeni.

"I've looked at the dates, and my Block time off overlaps with your break. So, what if I went with you?"

"Wouldn't that be boring for you? Hanging out with the three of us?"

"I was thinking I could ask Lopez to come with."

"Do you think he would?"

"A free trip to Florida, why not?"

"You know I don't need a babysitter."

"I wouldn't be baby sitting you. I would be there just in case. And, maybe we could sneak in some time for just the two of us while we're there."

She knew this meant a great deal to him. Laying a hand on his chest she replied.

"That sounds like a great plan."

"Good. You talk to the girls and I'll check with Vic. If it's okay with everyone, I'll see if I can get a room at a hotel close by."

"You don't need to do that. We are renting a condo. There should be room for all of us. It has three bedrooms anyway. We were each going to get our own. If the girls don't mind, you and I can share, and they can share so Vic has a room."

"They don't have to double up. Lopez would be happy to sleep on a couch. We've had much worse accommodations. And…if it makes them uncomfortable for us to share, I can grab a couch too."

"They'll be fine. There's no way I'm going away with you and sleeping in separate beds."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Talk to the girls first and we'll go from there."

"I'll text them right now."

He was relieved that she seemed excited and not annoyed by his plan.

"Thank you Em."

"Hey, I'm actually going to get the best of both worlds, a vacation with the girls and time with you."

"And then, when we get home, it'll just be a couple weeks until you move in."

She kissed him deeply before responding. "I can't wait."