Tied Together (The Cade Siblings Duology #1)

53. Alex

CHAPTER 53

Alex

Six Months Later

We’ve been back home for a few months now, and I don’t know how life could get better at this point. After Alana came back to the flat and we talked things out, we had a wonderful Christmas morning with Charlie full of presents, movie watching, and of course, cinnamon rolls.

We dated for a few months after we got home before we decided to move in together. It felt weird going from essentially living together, to being apart, and neither one of us liked it. We found an apartment near the office that has enough space for the both of us and we have a guest room in case Banks or my mom ever comes into town.

When we got home, we discovered that Brad wasn’t doing as great as he claimed in the money department, despite his fancy job, and had attempted to commit insurance fraud. He’s living it up in a six by eight foot cold room, so I don’t think I’ll have to worry much about him anymore.

Alana was able to reach out to her parents and speak with them about how their traveling has affected her. I don’t know if it was the best conversation they could’ve had, but I was proud of her for trying and opening the door.

I decided to get in contact with my dad and try to get some closure. It took a few calls, but I was finally able to get a hold of him. It was relieving and terrifying all at the same time. We’re planning to meet up sometime within the next couple months.

Alana has been killing it in her new role. She took Ian’s spot when he left and everyone has been so proud of the transition she’s made. I always knew she’d do an incredible job, I think she just needed to prove it to herself.

We’re about halfway through the year, and she’s already planning out the activities for this holiday season. We have a trip back to Paris planned for early December, and we somehow convinced Maura to let us stay in our small flat there in the building. It was still empty, by some miracle, and the timing just worked out.

I’ve been speaking with the building owner about possibly purchasing that particular unit, but nothing has been finalized yet. I think it would make for a great Christmas present this year though.

We’re discussing getting a dog and of all the things we’ve done together in the last six months, I think that is what Alana is most excited about. We’re planning on heading to the local shelter later this week to pick one out.

It’s been busy at work since we got home, but it’s felt great to be back in the swing of things. I missed my team and the routines I have here. I’m on my way into a meeting with Heather and Alana, but I stop by the break room first to grab her Diet Coke.

I enter the meeting room where they are discussing our latest issue, her first one as managing editor. The response was incredible and Heather has been singing Alana’s praises ever since.

I crack open the Diet Coke and set it on the table in front of her, then place a chocolate square next to it.

“Thanks, honey.” She leans over for a kiss, and I oblige. She’s become way more comfortable showing affection in the office, and I love it.

Heather was extremely receptive when we told her about our relationship. She seemed to have even been expecting that we might be delivering that news, and I wonder how much she picked up on before we left. Perhaps the selection of the two of us was intentional in more ways than one, not that she’s ever said that to me outright. I’m thankful regardless.

We start the meeting and I get lost in thought as I watch Alana run it seamlessly. She is so incredible and I find myself in awe of her daily. Her strength, bravery, and beauty are astounding, and I will keep telling her that every day of her life.

On our way out, we stop by Cami’s desk and make dinner plans with her and Charlie. I’ve also become a regular at Angel’s and I’m honored to be included in the weekly dinners now.

I follow her into her office and shut the door behind me. She gives me a scolding look before I’ve even made a move to kiss her and I laugh.

“What? I haven’t even done anything.”

“You don’t have to. I can see it in your eyes.”

I take a step forward and she takes one back. I take two, she backs up two. Eventually I rush her and catch her around her waist, pulling her into me and kissing her deeply.

“Stop,” she says halfheartedly. “I have so much work to get done. You can’t distract me. Plus you’ve got work to do too,” she says, and gives me her best I’m your boss and you do what I say look.

“Okay, boss. Whatever you say.” I kiss her one more time for good measure and start to head out.

“Alex.”

I turn back towards her. “Yeah, sunshine?”

“I love you.” She smiles.

“I love you too.”