CHAPTER 24

KYLE

One Year Later

The faint smell of sawdust and old paint has become oddly comforting. The houseour house-is a patchwork of stripped wallpaper, scuffed floorboards, and half-painted walls, but it's beginning to feel like home. Notebook in hand and sleeves rolled up, Julia navigates the space with a sense of ownership. She's unstoppable.

Penny's voice rings out from the kitchen, fussing over her baby, Ava, who gurgles happily in her carrier. Chase leans against the counter with a bag of snacks and a smug grin.

"Cheers to the bravest neighbours in town," he says, gesturing grandly around the room. "Or the craziest, depending on how you look at it."

"Definitely the craziest," Julia teases, scooping Ava into her arms. "But at least we'll be the coolest aunt and uncle around."

"You're already spoiling her," Penny says, watching Julia cradle Ava. "She lights up every time you walk in the room. You two are naturals."

"Some of us were born for it," I add, winking at Julia, but she just rolls her eyes playfully.

From an overhead cabinet that's barely hanging on by a nail, Penny pulls out four mismatched wine glasses while Chase wrestles with the stubborn cork. Penny pours the champagne and raises her glass, nodding to Julia, then me. "To fresh starts, and to the people who make them worth it."

"To drywall," I mutter under my breath, but Chase hears me and laughs. Julia nudges my ribs with an elbow, and scorns in jest.

Penny passes each glass, offering Julia's last. She shakes her head. "None for me tonight."

Penny pauses, her brow arching. "No champagne?"

Julia shrugs. "Not tonight."

Penny glances my way, curious, but doesn't push. Instead, she raises her glass again. "Well, to new beginnings."

The toast carries warmly through the kitchen, and soon Chase packs up Ava while Penny lingers behind, leaning against the counter.

"You two have something good here," she says wistfully. "It feels solid. Real."

I glance at Julia, who's busy jotting something in her notebook as if Penny's comment wasn't meant for her. But I know she heard it.

"Yeah," I reply. "I think we do."

The house is hushed and peaceful without guests, the quiet settling over everything like a soft blanket. Julia mumbles about cabinet hardware and light fixtures while flipping through her notebook. I clear the empty glasses from the counter, watching her from the corner of my eye.

"You're relentless, you know that?" I say. "Not even one night off?"

She looks up, smirking. "Someone's got to keep this project on track."

"Well," I say, stepping closer, "as your loyal assistant, I feel compelled to remind you that you can't fix everything in one night."

She arches a brow. "Not everything. But enough to make it ours."

I study her for a moment, the light from the kitchen catching the determination in her eyes. Julia doesn't just fix things-she transforms them. It's not just this house or the community; it's me, too. Somehow, in all her chaos and charm, she's made me want more than I ever thought I deserved. She made me want her.

"You know, Jules, one day, I'd like us to make this official."

She stills, eyes narrowing. "Make what official?"

"This," I say, gesturing between us. "You and me. The whole thing."

Her lips curve into a slow smile. "That's ambitious."

"I don't think so," I counter, stepping closer. "You've made me a better man, Jules. I just want the chance to prove I can keep up with you."

The teasing disappears, and her expression softens. "One day," she says low but certain. Then adds, "But you have to finish this kitchen first."

I laugh, pulling her into my arms. "Deal."

Silence fills the house as we stand there. Her head rests against my chest, and I can't help but think about the future-not just the house, but everything that comes with it. When she pulls away, her hand lingers over her stomach for just a second. Though small, the gesture fills me with quiet hope.

"You know," I murmur, brushing a kiss against her temple, "I think this place might actually be perfect."

"Not yet," she replies, her voice steady and full of promise. "But it will be."

And I know then that together, we're crafting more than just walls and paint-we're building a life, a family, and a place to call our forever home.

If you enjoyed Kyle and Julia's story, please check out my previous novella, 'Chasing You'. It follows Penny and Chase's second chance at love, and how they got together after Kyle left Penny at the alter on what would have been their wedding day.