Page 107 of Anti Player

We head into the building and buy our tickets to the observation deck. Lucky for us, we are the only ones in the elevator so we take our time kissing, as Kaleb’s hands grab my behind firmly. We break apart when we reach the top.

It’s windy up here so it’s good we are both wearing jackets. My jacket is a light fabric fall peacoat that hits my knees, which is nice because it keeps most of me covered. We walk around holding hands. The view is spectacular. We take a couple of selfies and then single shots with the city in the background. There are other people walking around up here too but we find a corner that is more secluded, and we look out onto the city. Kaleb stands behind me with his arms wrapped around my waist and his chin on my shoulder.

“I want you and Asher to move into my place,” he announces, surprising me. “I know I only have a two bedroom, but you’d be in my bed and Asher can have his own room. We can decorate it any way he. . .”

I spin around and kiss him before he even finishes the sentence.

“I’m guessing that’s a yes.” He laughs.

I nod, bobbing my head. “That’s a yes.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Kaleb smiles. “We can get Asher a babysitter. I know Ellie and Connor use one for Syd. You’re going to be back to school and I won’t be around as much as I want to be. It would help you out.”

“I can’t ask you to do that, Kaleb,” I say, pulling away a little. “You know I can’t afford that kind of thing.”

He uses his forefinger to tilt my chin, just so I can look him in the eyes. “Whatever I have is yours, my body and my soul, my money too.”

I giggle like a schoolgirl. “That’s very kind of you. I love you so much, Kaleb. I didn’t know this kind of love existed.”

“I didn’t know either, Maddie. I didn’t even know I wanted to settle down until you came into my life. I pretty much thought I was going to die a bachelor,” he jokes laughing, and I smack him in the chest.

“You’re such a fool.” I laugh.

“A fool who is so crazy, deeply, madly in love with you.”

“Right back at you, Kaleb. I’m sure Asher is going to love to move into your place,” I say to him.

“I’m going to love having him there. I never saw myself as a father. After the father I had, I just felt like there was no point to having kids, but Asher has pulled on all my heartstrings from day one. I love that kid like crazy. I just feel so protective of him.”

My heart grows just a little bit more. I didn’t think it was possible to love this much and here Kaleb goes and pushes my boundaries, making me love him even more.

EPILOGUE

It’sChristmas Eve and Skylar and Liam have invited us over to their beautiful new home for a Christmas dinner, along with Brett, Henry, Mom and her boyfriend, Will. Connor and Ellie are also here with Syd. The rest of the gang are with their families or out of town visiting family.

We all pack into my van except for Brett, who said he would be arriving soon in his own car since he was the last to shower because Mom, Will, and Henry are staying with him.

We arrive to Skylar and Liam’s house. It’s absolutely stunning. We’ve been here before for dinners and playdates with Crew, but the way Sky has decorated for the holidays is out of this world. There is a mix of pearl, red, and green decorations that shine. There are candles, candy canes, garlands, and stockings everywhere, but it’s her tree that takes my breath away.

“I’ve never seen such a pretty tree before,” I say to Sky.

“Thanks, I didn’t have a tree growing up so I kind of like to go all out,” she explains.

“Our tree was pretty simple, but I can’t complain,” I say, giving Mom a small smile.

“You have a beautiful home,” Mom says to Sky.

“Thanks for joining us, Ms. Noble, the more the merrier,” Sky chimes in.

Liam introduces himself to Will and Sky offers everyone some spiked eggnog. The kids get the nonalcoholic version, which they say is gross and the adults laugh. We take a seat in the living room while we wait for the guests to arrive.

Ellie gushes over the tree and she and Connor hug everyone. We introduce them to Henry, Mom, and Will.

Sky’s friends arrive next. Amelia and Eden, who I have met a handful of times already.

We all sit around the table, but we don’t start dinner because we are waiting for Brett. Just as Mom says, “I wonder what is taking him so long,” the doorbell rings and my brother walks in with a huge bag of gifts for the kids.

“For a guy bent on being a forever bachelor, he really is good with the kids,” Ellie leans into me and says.