There was only one thing on my mind: I was ecstatic to be home.

I spotted a familiar face in the window. Rory's eyes widened and she quickly disappeared behind the curtain once she realized I had caught her. I made my way towards the front door, surprised to see it open before I was able to knock.

"Uncle Carter!" she greeted me with a happy squeal.

"Oh, hello there," I said, dropping my bag on the ground so I could scoop the girl up into my arms. "Did you miss me?"

She nodded her head, wrapped her arms around my neck as I made my way into the house.

Noticing the darkness of the room, I looked at her. "Hm, now isn't this odd? Where is everyone?"

Rory leaned closer and whispered, "turn the lights on," into my ear.

"These?" I asked, playing along.

She nodded.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Uncle Carter!"

Flicking the switch, the light fixture flickered a couple of times before the room was illuminated.

"Surprise!" The familiar faces of my family shouted from the dining room table with a large Welcome Home Carter banner hanging behind them.

I turned to the girl in my arms. "Did you know about this?"

"No!" she squealed out in a fit of giggles.

Dad had already made his way into his favourite chair - the old brown leather recliner that was positioned in front of the television - and had turned on the game. Pretending as if the issue at hand was not happening was how it went with him. I could not fault him for always deciding to cope this way. It's not like knowing where I had been for the past six weeks was easy on him. Or anyone around me.

"Hey, Pops," I greeted, clasping my hand against his shoulder.

"Good to have you home, kid," he said with a faint smile before his attention went back to the game.

Ma was next to greet me. She was the complete opposite with her emotions; it was easy to read how she was feeling. And just like every other time, the flow of questions quickly tumbled from my mother's mouth.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling great, Ma."

"Did you sleep enough?"

"I did."

"Are you hungry?"

"No, I'm okay."

"Are you sure? I can make you something quick."

"I'm not hungry, Ma. I ate before I left."

"Okay, but if you change your mind-"

"I'll let you know," I said. "Thank you, Ma."

She gave me a tight-lipped smile in response - something she did whenever she was trying to hold back her tears - and waved her hand dismissively. "I'm okay," she said quietly as if predicting the exact question I was about to ask. "I'm just thankful that you're home and safe."

"Why would Uncle Carter not be safe?" Rory asked, pulling on a strand of my hair. "Did you not have fun on your trip?"

I cleared my throat. "I did have fun."

"You need a haircut, Uncle Carter."

"I guess I could use a trim. Do you know of anyone who could help me out?"

"Why don't you ask-"

"Rory!" Aidan quickly got up from his spot and shot his daughter a look.

The little girl in my arms looked back towards me and pursed her lips. "Oops!"

I placed her down on the ground. "What are you hiding from me?"

With a nod of approval from her Dad, she stepped forward and whispered, "There's another surprise!"

I raised a brow. "There is?" I asked, following the direction her hand pointed towards.

As my eyes found their way to the figure standing in the kitchen doorway, it was as if any lingering anxiety that I had from leaving the facility and coming home had been released. I didn't know what it was about seeing her that always filled me with such a sense of peace and calmness, but I never wanted to lose that feeling.

It felt surreal walking towards her; it was as if my body was pulled towards her with some type of magnetic force. The last thing I expected to come home to was her. I was worried it would be a few more weeks before we could make our schedules work. Yet, here she was; standing in the house I grew up with, along with the rest of my family. Her being here felt... right. Like she was a missing puzzle piece that was needed all along.

"Hi," she whispered.

"Hi," I repeated, unable to contain my smile. "What are-"

TJ stepped forward, tossed her arms around my neck and pulled me in for a hug, silencing my words before I had the chance to finish my sentence. My hands sprawled across her back as I held her close. This was the first time I had been able to touch her - let alone see her in person - in six weeks.

Six fucking weeks.

It was hell and back to get my mind to where it was now.

But seeing her and being able to hold her close made it all worth it.

There was no fear inside me anymore. She had seen me at my worst and stood by me through it all. When I looked at her, there was nothing that clouded my vision. No dark thoughts came to life and tried to steer me away from her. All I saw was TJ.

Tyler-Jane Roberts. The one I loved.

Her face was nuzzled into the crook of my neck. "I missed you."

"I missed you too." I pulled my head back, raising a hand to cup her cheek.

I missed everything about her; how her green eyes focused on me, the rose-coloured tint that appeared on her cheeks, the way the corner of her mouth would twitch upwards.

Her smirk - the one that made me weak in the knees every time - appeared. "I would tell you to kiss me but I think we should wait until we are alone."

"Agreed," I said, letting my thumb graze gently across her cheekbone. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to surprise you so..." she smiled at me before uttering a quiet, "Surprise!"

Her eyes glossed over. I could tell she was fighting back the urge to let a single tear escape by the way her bottom lip was trapped between her teeth and how her nails were digging into the palm of her hand. If it weren't for all the others in the room, I would have become an instant sobbing mess the moment I saw her; reciting the speech I had prepared to thank you for everything she had done these past few weeks. However, aware of the fact that we were not alone left me to ask the only question that came to mind.

"How have you been?"

She stifled a laugh. "I've been fine. How about yourself?"

"A lot better, actually."

"I'm sure you have a lot to say about your... vacation," she dragged out the code word, "but, how about we talk about it after?"

"I'd like that."

TJ stepped to the side. "Come on, Rory. You have to finish decorating your cake."

"A cake?"

Rory made her way towards TJ and took her hand. "Me and TJ made it! But no stinky boys are allowed in the kitchen!"

That comment earned an actual laugh to escape TJ. How I missed hearing that sound. It was one of the many reasons why the past six weeks had felt a tad duller; her laugh brought a brightness that I could not put into words. As the two of them walked into the kitchen, I noticed the way Rory's hair was fixed into a braid with a pink ribbon tied around the end.

"Those two have been thick as thieves," Aidan commented. "I swear, since TJ showed up, Rory completely forgot that I'm her actual parent. I think the kid is trying to replace me."

"Well, you are a stinky boy, so I can understand why she might be hatching a plan."

Aidan scoffed and reached forward to ruffle my hair with his hand - something he knew I hated yet still did it every time I showed up. "You're looking good, little bro. I think this is the best I've seen you in a long time."

"I feel good," I said, surprising myself by how honest those words were. It had been quite a while since I had said I felt good and meant it, versus forcing myself to believe I was. "How's everything been around here since..."

"Your vacation?" he asked. "Normal, all things considered. Ma was frantic at the beginning but once you moved here, I think that helped since she could visit you and all that."

"And Dad?"

Aidan looked at the man who had begun yelling at the television over a call made by the referee. "He just pretended like you really were on vacation. But, that's just how he is."

"Any news about the surgery?"

"No. He ended up calling the Doctor a fucking idiot over the cost and stormed out."

"What? I have all of the cost covered."

"I know," Aidan said. "He hated that guy already so, to be honest, it was only a matter of time before he cursed him out. Long ass recovery after a risky surgery - it just wasn't worth it to him. But, Ma got him an appointment to see someone else. They're going tomorrow morning."

"Well, that's good, at least."

Aidan clasped his hand against my back. "Don't worry. He'll get what he needs. I think he's gotten used to it now that he's not in a rush."

"He can't live forever with all that pain."

"Agreed. But, we're also talking about the guy who needs the same codeword Rory does when we talk about where you were for the last few weeks."

The sound of giggles and sprinkles pulled my attention towards the kitchen. Rory sat on the counter, shaking the container as if her life depended on it. TJ winced at the pile of colourful sprinkles that were now dumped onto the cake, but quickly covered it up with a smile as the little girl looked up at her.

Placing her down on the ground and picking up the cake, TJ returned into the room, with Rory trailing behind her.

"You did all of this?" I asked the girl as she climbed into her seat. "You did a great job, Rory."

"I know!"

TJ put the cake down on the table and looked over at the giggling girl. "Excuse me, Miss Rory, but I think you should try that again."

Rory blinked her large brown eyes at me. "Thank you, Uncle Carter."

"You're welcome, kid."

TJ began to distribute the slices of cake to each person at the table before she picked up a plate and brought it over to where Dad was. She stood by the chair, listening to him rant about why the current referees were ruining the game - the same speech that my brother and I had heard for years. I watched as she nodded along, smiling and adding in a comment here or there.

"Dad likes her," Aidan commented from beside me.

"He does?"

That was shocking information. Normally, Dad did not tend to care for anyone new.

"Have you ever seen him talk about sports with anyone besides the people that live in this house?" Aidan swallowed a forkful of cake and dropped his voice to a whisper to add, "Between you and me, I think it's because of how supportive she was while you were... on vacation. Just because he hates talking about it doesn't mean he's not aware of who is there for you."

I stole a glance, surprised to see Dad chuckling in response to something TJ had told him. "Never thought I'd see the day he got along with someone he just met."

"Ma loves her, she gets along with Dad, and well, Rory obviously adores her. I'm worried the kid's going to try and sneak in her suitcase or something," Aidan said. "I think you have found yourself the one, little brother."

The one. I knew I felt it in my heart to be true. There was something about hearing it from a person like my brother, someone who I trusted so dearly, that made it feel that much more impactful. I didn't have to try and steer the conversation in this direction and pry until I received the type of response I was looking for. He had said it. All on his own. 

Shit. Why did that frighten me the way it was? 

"I think you're only saying that because you like the cake and you get free babysitting."

He scoffed. "I bet within a year the two of you will get hitched."

Any type of response failed to come to mind over his statement. Instead, all I was able to manage was a slightly dropped jaw and widened eyes.

"Oh, come on, do you really think I'm crazy for thinking that?"

No, I think I'm crazy for thinking you could be right. "A bit, yeah. What's the rush? We're happy with the way things are. Besides, I think we're too young for that right now."

Aidan shrugged as he licked the icing off the back of his fork. "Maybe. But, when you know, you know. I mean, look at Mom and Dad. They got married young." He gestured to our parents who sat next to each other, making conversation with TJ. "Imagine if I had told you I think it's going to happen in six months - which I do, by the way. You probably would have shit your pants."

"What are you two whispering about?" TJ sat down at the head of the table, with me on one side and Rory on the other.

Aidan chuckled. "Just busting my brother's balls, that's all."

"That's not true!" Rory squeaked. "Daddy says Uncle Carter is going to get married to-"

"Rory!"

"What!" She turned to TJ. "He wants to marry the cake."

Aidan and I released a simultaneous breath of relief.

"Marry the cake?" she repeated with a raised brow. Picking up a fork, she used the utensil to swipe some icing off my plate. "Is it that good?"

I cleared my throat and forced a smile. "Yeah, it's, uh, really good. You don't want a piece?"

"Your mom has been stuffing me with food since I got here. I don't think I'd survive another bite."

Rory tugged on TJ's arm. "Can we finish our show now?"

TJ leaned forward, wiping icing off her cheek with a napkin. "Don't you have school tomorrow? I think you need to ask your Dad first."

She turned to her father and pouted her bottom lip. "Please, Daddy!"

"Alright, one episode. But go get ready for bed first," he said as Rory scrambled out of her chair. "And brush your teeth!" he called out after her, "I'll be checking!"

With the help from Ma, Dad got out of his chair. "I guess I should turn in too," he announced as he grabbed hold of his walker and began to make his journey towards the hallway. "Goodnight."

Ma followed alongside Dad while Aidan got up from the table to check on Rory, leaving TJ and me alone for the first time in six weeks.

"You look good, by the way."

"I feel like I've heard that a lot recently."

TJ placed her hand on mine. "I just mean you look like yourself," she said softly. "When I look at you, I feel like I'm seeing you again."

Hearing those words sent a shot of pain through my heart. It wasn't her fault it had that reaction; I was only reminded of how I had been towards her the last time we had seen each other. "TJ... I am so sorry-"

The sound of tumbling feet running down the hallway silenced the rest of my words. Rory ran back into the room wearing a pair of matching pink pyjamas with cartoon dogs and went straight towards TJ's side. "I'm ready!"

"I can see that. Teeth brushed?"

She vigorously nodded her head.

"Okay. Let me just clean up and-"

"I'll do it," I told her.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. Go enjoy your show."

TJ grinned as she got up from the table and took Rory's awaiting hand before she was pulled away by the child. As I collected the plates from the table, the two of them had made their way onto the couch with Rory snuggling into TJ's side.

Making my way into the kitchen with the collection of plates, I placed them down on the counter and began to scrape the excess cake into the bin.

"Aren't they sweet?" Ma's voice cooed as she walked in with the cake in hand and searched the drawer for plastic wrap. "Rory really likes her. She talks about her all the time."

"Maybe it's a thing quiet, reserved people do. Find each other and instantly connect," I teased, rinsing a plate and putting it in the dishwasher.

"Well, I'm happy the two of you found each other," Ma said. "She's a sweet girl. Plus having her around for the past while has been an amazing help."

"What do you mean past while?"

"TJ arrived... Thursday -no, she came four days ago, so, Wednesday."

"She has been here that long already? Why?"

"Call it a mothers intuition," she said, before quickly adding, "It just seemed like she needed a bit of a break from something and she mentioned how much you seemed to enjoy it here. So, I told her that since she was already coming to surprise you, she was more than welcome to come a few days earlier if she wanted."

"I hope she's alright," I spoke my thoughts out loud as I glanced back towards the living room.

"I'll be honest, she worried me a bit when she showed up," Ma said. "And, before you get all worried, I knew to keep my mouth shut about it but she did look quite thin."

"She mentioned you've been stuffing her with food since she arrived."

Ma wiped down the countertop. "Cooking keeps me busy and I have been making a lot of food. Plus, you know your brother can eat like a cow some days. So, I said she could eat whatever she wanted - but there was no pressure - and she appeared to enjoy it. Three meals a day she's been having."

My ears perked up hearing that. Her relationship with food was one I was still trying to navigate; how to be aware of it without overstepping my boundary. There were days when she was better than others - but it was still something I was worried about.

I closed the dishwasher shut. "Thanks, Ma... well, for everything but also for keeping an eye out."

"Of course, dear," she said. "Now, I should head off to bed because your dad and I have to get up early for an appointment. Don't you stay up too late, alright? Let yourself enjoy your first sleep at home."

"Yes, Ma." I gave her a goodnight kiss on the cheek and headed over to the couch.

TJ held her index finger up to her lips as I approached, signalling to be quiet. I glanced down and noticed Rory had her head in TJ's lap and was already fast asleep. I sat down next to her and put my arm over her shoulder.

"Can I ask what we're watching?"

She bit back a laugh. "You can, but I don't think I have an explanation. I still don't know why all the vegetables can talk and break out into song... but it's her favourite show."

TJ rested her head on my shoulder and snuggled into my side as Rory continued to sleep soundly. I, on the other hand, was trying to determine what had happened to the cartoon tomato that made him mad at - apparently, his best friend - the carrot.

If I didn't know any better, this television show would have made me convinced that I was high on something.

Aidan returned near the end of the episode - where I was no way near understanding what was going on between these vegetables - and scooped Rory up into his arms. He mouthed "goodnight" to us and took his sleeping child to bed.

TJ yawned and slowly got up from her spot. "It's so quiet in this house at night. I feel like you can hear everything."

"Yeah, we better be careful," I teased as I joined her side. "I guess we should head off to our room now too." Extending my hand for her to take, I raised a brow at the sudden hesitant expression that washed across her face. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," TJ forced a smile that faded almost as fast as it appeared, "I mean, no." She paused, sinking her teeth into her bottom lip. "Carter... I have to tell you something." 

hoping life can chill out so I can get back to posting regularly 

<3 BUT have a great week <3