“Don’t let it bother you, El. If he wants to help us out, let him. It’s not like he’s hurting for cash. My mother would string me up if I made him take it back. Just spend your time decorating it the way you want it.”

The idea of decorating a place of our own is exciting. It’s a lot to take in for the short time we’ve been back together. When has anything gone according to plan with me in my life? Never. Why start now?

The idea of finally being happy with Micah and us moving forward is like a dream come true. The only sad part of this dream is living my life without my parents in it. That part hurts.

“Why the sad face, beautiful?” He asks me, nudging my chin up with his finger so our eyes could meet.

“Nothing, forget it.” My lack of a smile says it all.

Using his finger, he slides my hair from my face. “Not happening. Spit it out, El.”

Wiping a stray tear, I try to shake my sad thoughts away. “Just thinking about my parents missing out on all of this. Growing up, I always looked forward to having them by my side in every facet of my life Micah, and none of it will ever happen. I now see them for what they are, and it kills me. To realize how much hatred they have for me, it’s not love, it's sick.”

After dinner we ended up sitting in his room. Needing a breather, I go walk back to the living room. I’m sick of crying and I need to get the idea they would be a part of my future out of my mind. They won’t be there for me, not anymore. They stopped the minute they found out I was pregnant. A switch had flipped with them. I no longer held the same value in their eyes. I was pushed aside. Just like baby Michael, I was also swept under the rug.

I notice Matt sitting on the couch watching TV. I decide to sit next to him, he always could make me laugh…and right now, that is exactly what I need.

“Hey sweet pea,” he can see my tense expression. “Oh no, what did my brother do now?” Of course, he thinks it’s Micah’s fault.

“No, not your brother…this time,” I say with a smile. “Let’s just say my parents suck. I’m the outcast and need to come to terms that they will never be by my side. They will miss out on all the beautiful things my life will bring.” Placing my hand on his knee, he covers his hand on top of mine. “It’s not a great feeling.”

Taking a moment to let what I said sink in, he takes me by the shoulders and crushes me to him in a bear hug. I relish the comfort this crazy Taylor boy can bring me, he’s the brother I’ve never had.

“You will be okay El, they are the ones who will miss out. You have your nutty boyfriend, my parents, and of course me. Now having me in your life, has got to rank right up there with number one.” His sense of humor holds no bounds.

Of course, I agree with him. “Don’t let your brother know that,” I say laughing.

“Lips are sealed, baby.”

And just like that, presto, my mood goes from sad to delight. Noticing movement out of the corner of my eye, I glance up to see Micah standing against the wall, watching us with such a sweet smile on his face. He enjoys the fact his brother and I get along so well. Sneaking a peek over Matt’s shoulder at him, he winks back to me. My love for that man takes my breath away, to see him so strong and right in front of me is a magnificent sight.

I mouth the words, “I love you.” Then give him a wink of my own.

Walking toward us, he sits with us. We spend the next hour watching whatever we can find. Relaxed, we all sit back laughing and talking like lifelong friends. It’s a great way to pass the time, being here with the Taylor brothers is just what I needed. The rest of the night, not one time did I think of my parents.

MICAH’S DRIVING US to our new house today so I can get a look at where we will begin our future together. Arm out the window, he’s bopping to the music like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Me? I have one leg bouncing and I’m so nervous, I have to wipe my clammy hands on my pants. It’s not so much I’m worried I won’t like it, in fact, just the opposite. I’ll love it because I’ll be with him. The fact is his parents will be there, and facing them after all this time terrifies me.

As we pull up to the house, the lightness in my heart gives way to my wide grin. My pulse is racing, the house is beyond magnificent. The view reminds me of what you may find on the cover of magazines. I smile instead of speaking because Micah keeps asking me what I think. Wow.

It’s slightly larger than he let on, it has arched peaks above the front door and second story windows. Two stall garage is trimmed in black which accentuates the incredible dark tan color of the house. There is an incredible winding walkway from the driveway to the front door. Noticing the color of the front door, I laugh and look over at Micah’s beaming face. It's then he raises his eyes, and I know what may have sold him on this particular house. The front door is a beautiful shade of red. A nice match for his beloved Chicago Blackhawks. My man is a sports nut, lucky for him so am I. Yet, another reason we get along so well.

Holding my smile, I shake my head, noticing his parents are here. They open the front door to welcome us. Excitedly, I take Micah’s hand walking to greet them. The quiver in my stomach is not helping my nerves.

“Hello sweet girl, come on in and see your new home.” His mother Skylar greets me like we’ve been friends forever. No awkwardness at all, she takes me in for a hug and walks us through the door. She’s just as beautiful as Micah. Both of Micah’s parents are tall, light hair and blue eyed. No wonder they have good looking children. Micah and his dad share a few hugs and laugh following us inside.

Letting go of his son, David gives me a hesitant nod. “Hello Elsa, I’m so happy for the both of you.”

Really! Nervously, I rake my hands through my unruly hair. “Thank you so much.” It’s barely a whisper, but I’m too busy swallowing more than usual. Damn nerves.

Wanting to avoid a conversation I know is coming, I look around the house, keeping my attention occupied on anything but them. My first impression is Wow! The inside is decorated with modern fixtures. Wood floors, gray, granite counter tops, and top of the line stainless steel appliances. A dream kitchen to cook in, yeah, I could see me baking up a storm in here for sure. Micah and his parents are busy chatting, so I continue exploring. A large brick fireplace is the central focus point in the living room. Even better, the fireplace has large bookcases on each side of it. Enough room to put my favorite books, note to self, need to buy many more books.

Walking behind me we venture up the staircase to the second floor. Each of them are pointing out different features they think I would like, it’s odd I’m the last actually to view the house. In all honesty, I love everything about it.

Micah stands out in front of the doors to the master bedroom, it has two doors that are currently closed. The gleam in his eyes tells me I’m in for a treat. Opening them one at a time, he says, “this is the best room in the house, babe.”

I raise my eyebrow at him, only to have him return it with a sexy grin.

Opening both of the doors, what I notice first is the view from the big, wrap around windows. The house backs up against a wooded area. The back yard is fenced and large, a great place for a dog and someday children. Okay, not letting my mind even think of kids. The attached bath is so big it’s ridiculous.

“Holy crap, this is insane, Micah.” Everywhere I look, it keeps getting better. This room is so large, it’s amazing. Heck, I could even put a couch in here. That’s how big it is.

“Great, isn’t it?” The sparkle in his eye says it all.