Ch. 16

After looking through the house one more time, Danny and I both had decided that it was time to go back to Rafe's. There was no point in us staying at the house at the moment. We had nothing there. We both needed to pack, and we wanted to break the news to everyone. We were excited.

When we got back to Rafe's, I had noticed Emily's car in the drive way. I didn't think anything of it. I just assumed she was there to see Red. When we walked in the house, though, it was quiet. Too quiet. I could smell food cooking in the kitchen. Someone was cooking spaghetti and garlic bread. My favorite. Danny walked in right behind me. I gave him a curious look.

"What's going on, Danny? I can smell the food, but it's like nobody's around. Usually there are people everywhere."

He just shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know. Let's go find out."

He grabbed my hand, and led me to the kitchen. As soon as we got in the doorway, there was something waiting for us.

"Surprise!"

Mine and Danny's faces had shock written all over them. Why would there be a surprise party? It wasn't Danny's birthday, and it was too late for mine. The table was already set. There were only four place settings. Red and Emily must not have been there. There was a big bowl of noodles on the table, a bowl of sauce, a container of parmesan cheese, and a plate with garlic bread. There were also four wine glasses, and a bottle of wine. Evelyn and Rafe both walked over to us. Evelyn had first pulled Danny into a big hug, and Rafe pulled me into one. Then the roles were reversed. When they both finally pulled away, Evelyn was the first to speak.

"Congratulations on your new home, you two. We are so happy for you. When Rafe told me what was going on today, I had to plan something for you guys."

Evelyn had the biggest smile on her face, but it kind of fell some. I didn't know what she was thinking. I knew she was happy to be living in the boys' child hood home. There was something else, though. I didn't want to bother her with it. I knew she would tell me. My grin, however, never faltered. I was on cloud nine at the moment. Evelyn started tearing up some. Rafe just rolled his eyes, and took Danny to the table. They were ready to eat.

"Evelyn, what's wrong?"

I brought her in for a hug, and she just shook her head. She had her hand up to her mouth.

"I'm sorry. Emily and Red already had plans. I just wish they could've been here for this milestone in you guys' life."

I burst out laughing. Danny and Rafe did too. It was the silliest thing to be crying over.

"Evelyn, it's okay. It's really nothing to get so worked up over."

Evelyn smiled, and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"I'm sorry. It's just these stupid pregnancy hormones. Earlier today, I cried because I forgot to wash the dishes."

I just laughed again. I led her to her seat at the table, where Rafe was waiting with her chair pulled out.

During dinner, we all talked about the new house. Evelyn was very anxious to see it, and for us to move in. Probably because she wanted to use the pool. Evelyn was talking animatedly to me. She was so excited.

"So, when you get off work tomorrow, Alyssa, I can come over and help you pack. Maybe Emily can come, too? Oh, and we have plenty of boxes in the barn you can use to pack your things up. Oh, and you need to tell your landlord that you'll be moving. Oh, and…"

It was like that for quite some time. She was just rambling on and on. I smiled politely, and listened intently to her, though. I knew she meant well.

"Oh, and of course, the boys will be doing all of the heavy lifting.

Rafe and Danny both stopped dead in their conversation, and raised their eyebrows at her. They hadn't agreed to anything, yet.

"Don't worry, you guys, with the way we're going to be packing this week, you won't have to worry about anything until this weekend. Well, maybe except for you, Danny."

Danny just grinned wildly, and put his arm around me. We both had to work all week. They were starting their new job, and of course, I had to return to the book store. Emily had the day off tomorrow, so Ms. Leslie was going to be there.

"Well, I propose a toast."

It was Rafe that spoke. I could tell he was happy for the both of us. I could see by the biggest smile on his face. I hadn't seen him smile like that since he had come home to Evelyn from coming back from the dead.

"To Danny and Alyssa, on their new home, and their new beginning. And, to Danny and me, for starting that job tomorrow."

We all smiled and clinked glasses. It was a very special night of our lives. This was a new start, for all of us. Not only were Danny and I moving in together, but this was the first time in a long time that Danny and Rafe weren't going to be under the same roof together constantly. It was a bitter sweet moment for them, but they both knew that it was for the best. They both were about to start families together.

After dinner, Rafe and Evelyn stayed in the kitchen to clean up. For the first time, Danny took me upstairs to see his bedroom. It was cleaner than I could have ever imagined. He must have had some serious OCD for how clean it was.

"So, what do you think? I already brought some boxes up, and had already started packing, but I could use the help. Is that ok with you?"

I looked around the room some. Yea, there were only a couple boxes that were full, but he didn't have much. He had a couple personal items and his clothes. That was about it.

"Rafe and Evelyn both said I could take the bed. They want to keep the rocking chair. You know; for the baby. I figured, your bed is more comfortable than mine, so we can put this in one of the spare rooms."

I nodded. It was a good idea. I mean, it wasn't like we'd have much company actually staying the night. But, you never knew when you might need an extra bed.

"Okay, Danny let's get started."

We packed all of his personal belongings first. He had books, some pictures, and a small radio. That was it. That only took like ten minutes. We moved on to his shoes. All of his shoes were under his bed.

"I swear. For a man, and someone who just got here from a different time period, you sure do have a lot of shoes."

Danny looked at me with a confused look. I was holding a pair of sneakers. Well, two pairs actually.

"So what? A man can't have shoes?"

I just laughed, and put the shoes in a box. When I did so, Danny walked over to me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I rested my hands on his shoulders, and he gave me a long, slow kiss. He pulled away slowly.

"Thank you for helping me. I know I don't have much, but I promise, I will give you the world if I can."

I blushed. He always had something sweet to say. I gave him another kiss before pulling away.

"Danny, I told you before, and I'll tell you again. I would do anything for you."

He just smiled at me and gave me one more kiss.

"I know, but I love you, forever."

"I'll love you always. Now, what do you say we finish packing?"

Danny laughed, and pulled away.

Before nine o'clock, we had all of his stuff packed. We left a couple pairs of jeans, one pair of shoes, and a couple shirts out for the week. He was going to be getting uniforms at work tomorrow, so that was all he needed. We kept the boxes in the room. Tomorrow, he would take them over to the house, and start unpacking what he could.

It was getting late. We both had to be up early in the morning, and I didn't want to leave.

"Danny, why don't you come back to my place tonight? I'll miss you being there."

He sighed and raked his hand through his hair. He was in a dilemma. He wanted to come with me, but he knew he needed as much rest as he could for his first day at work. He wrapped his arms around my waist.

"I promise, after this week, everything will be different. It's easier if I stay here tonight. I'll be riding with Rafe and Red to work tomorrow. Once I get my own car, things will be a lot different. I won't have to rely on them anymore. I promise, I'll come help you as much as I can this week. I've got a couple other things I have to do, though. I have a few ideas on how I can surprise you. Not just that, if I came to stay with you tonight, I have a feeling we wouldn't be doing much sleeping."

He winked at me. I knew what he was implying. He was right. I also knew that if we didn't slow down on it all, I would be in the same situation as Evelyn. I didn't want that. I just sighed at him.

"Fine, but since I helped you, you better help me pack."

He pulled me into a tight hug, and chuckled.

"You've got a deal."

He walked me to the car and opened the door for me. I just came up with a brilliant idea. I had the biggest grin on my face. He leaned me against the car.

"What is it?"

My grin got even wider.

"You know how you're always surprising me?"

He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Yeah?"

"Well, I'm going to do the same for you."

He gave an exasperated sigh.

"Alyssa, whatever you plan on doing, don't. You're all I need. You don't have to do anything else for me."

"Fine, whatever you say."

I wasn't going to listen to him. This was something I desperately wanted to do for him. It was something he needed. He wrapped his arms around my waist, and looked me square in the eye. His eyes were so full of love.

"Be careful. Call me when you get home. Try not to strain Evelyn too much tomorrow."

I just laughed. He was being a worry wart again.

"Don't worry. I'll call you, and Evelyn will be fine. I love you, always."

Danny opened my door for me before giving me a big hug and a soft kiss.

"I love you too, forever."

I went home that night with the biggest smile on my face. Wednesday, Danny would have the surprise of his life. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face.