The Claiming

Chapter Twenty-Three

We take about two hours to retrieve all our belongings from the motorhome and take them to our new apartment on the top floor of the furthest building back. Our room faces the pond in the courtyard, and it has a cute little balcony overlooking it.

When we enter the apartment, we immediately enter the living room with an open kitchen in the right corner near the balcony door. The place is fully furnished with modern-styled furniture. The kitchen area has a little island with barstools facing it. To the left is a hallway that leads to the bedroom and bathroom and a little sliding closet that contains the washer and dryer.

We don't have much to unpack since most of our household decorations are back in Bayfell. But at least we have some clothes.

Before Alice left us, she asked a bunch of questions so she could keep us in her records. She also told us to think about a date for our wedding. She told us it could be in the chapel, which makes me extremely happy. Of course, only Alec's family and Chance's family would show up, but that's all I want.

I slide the balcony door open and step outside. The sun shines, but the air is frigid. I hear Alec follow me, and then I feel his arms wrap around me from behind. "No cameras here, love."

I let out a sigh of relief, but then I realize what that means. "Not until we're married!" I laugh awkwardly.

He kisses my cheek. "I know that! I'm just letting you know. I checked around and made sure all the mirrors are real."

I cover his arms with mine around my waist. "I really like it here," I say. "Do you think we'll actually stay?"

"It'd be nice," he says. "We could raise a family here and not have to worry about their futures."

"Alec?" I say, turning to face him.

"Yeah?"

"Do you... do you still want to marry me? Because you're not forced to here."

Alec takes both my hands in his, holds them up between us, and entwines our fingers together. "Belle, I want to marry you no matter what. I love you, don't I?

I fall into his warm embrace. "I'm sorry that was such a weird question... I—" There's suddenly a knock on our door in the living room.

We head back into the apartment. Alec goes to answer the door. When he opens it, Riah comes barreling in sobbing. She runs and hugs me.

"Riah! What's the matter?"

After a couple loud cries, she points back at Chance standing dumbfounded in the doorway. "Ask him!"

Alec sighs and crosses his arms. "Oh, no. What did you do?"

"We went to go walk around, and this girl about our age smiled at us, so I smiled back and—"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" I say, glaring at him.

"Your pregnant wife doesn't see her smiling at both of you. She saw that girl smile at you, and you returned the gesture. Now, what does that look like?"

"Being friendly?" he offers, shoving his hands into his jeans pockets.

"Flirting, stupid. You looked at another girl with Riah right there with you!"

Alec bites his lip. "Bad move, man."

Chance passes into the living room and puts his hand on Riah's shoulder. "Riah... come on, babe. I didn't mean for it to seem like I—"

Alec and I both shake our heads for him to try again.

"I wasn't looking at her! I—"

Again, we shake our heads.

"Riah, I only love you. You got to believe me."

I let Riah out of my hug so she can face Chance. "We will discuss this upstairs. I just wanted a hug," she says with a dramatic sniff. She then storms out of our apartment, pulling Chance by the collar of his shirt with her.

When the door shuts, I look at Alec with wide eyes. Riah's tears stain my blue T-shirt.

"Please don't act like that when you get pregnant," he says, knitting his eyebrows together in fear.

I laugh a little. "I'll try not to. But remember—her hormones are going crazy and I'm sure she's starting to feel insecure. She's put on a few pounds, but don't say anything about it."

He nods. "I haven't even noticed."

"Good. Then maybe Chance hasn't, and then he won't screw anything up again."

Alec chuckles. "We can only hope."