"

"Home"

I wake up to something small and fuzzy on my head. I can hear a purring sound and know it's Shortcake cuddling with me. Madz must have brought her in for me.

I carefully roll over and pull her to me. "Hi sweetie. You are so so cute." I nuzzle into her fur and pet her. Her purring continues and I get up.

Again it's super early in the morning and I can hear Madz in the kitchen working on food. I don't know how he keeps getting out of bed without me knowing. I'll have to set an alarm on my watch so I can make him breakfast for once.

With little Shortcake, I head into the kitchen. I find Madz sitting at the table holding a cup of coffee with a mug that is supposed to be a ball of yarn. It says 'Knit happens' on it. Another fun gift from my father.

"Good morning, Madz." I say with sleep still in my voice. "You know you don't have to keep making me food. I can cook for you as well.

"You're about to be baking all morning. I think I can help out with something honey. I see you found Shortcake with you. I heard her scratching the door and couldn't leave her in the bathroom any longer." I stroke along her fur.

"She sure is a sweetheart. She was asleep on top of my head." Madz chuckles.

"I know I set her down on the bed and she crawled right up to you and laid down. I took a photo of it." Sounds like something he would do. Shaking my head I place down Shortcake and she ventures off around our place.

'Our place?' Now I'm thinking like Madz has moved in or something. "What's going on in that head of yours?" He asks.

"I'm just thinking how much time you've spent here and how this feels like our home. Not just mine anymore." He smiles.

"Home is anywhere you're around. Without you it's cold and empty." He can say the sweetest things and it just makes my stomach flip.

"So like, are we 'together together' or like what is this?" I ask hoping for his answer to be a yes. Madz places his coffee on the island and stalks towards me.

"Baby you've been mine since I met you. I told you that on your birthday. I'm not going anywhere and neither are you. When I saw you through that glass talking to Eleanor the world stopped for me." I melt into his hold.

"I guess I was just letting worry get into my head. I'm sorry." He kisses my hair.

"Never be sorry for asking about my love for you." Holy cow what did he just say? Did I just hear that right?

"Wait, what?" I pull away and look into his eyes. He stares back at me with an intensity I've not seen on him before. He cups my face and strokes his fingers along my chin.

"You complete me Nova. Without you I'm nothing. My heart is forever yours." With that his lips smash to mine and it's a kiss I'll remember forever.

At this moment everything stops. Madz loves me. Me. I never thought that I'd find this. I always thought it was just another dream. He pulls away and leaves kisses all over my face.

"Madz." My voice shaking.

"Yeah honey." Stroking my hair again. Madz rubs his nose along my face.

"I love you too. So much. I'm never not thinking of you." Madz grabs me and lifts me into his arms. My legs wrap around him and we end up a hot mess.

"As much as I love to hear those words. You've got to get to baking. You already might be behind with how long I've kept you this morning." I nod knowing he's right and he places me down.

"I guess you are right. I should go take a quick shower and get ready for the day." A sad smile crosses his face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing darlin'. I'll just miss you today. I'll have to work over at the shop because everyone's car decided to break all at once. I don't want to leave the mess for everyone at the shop." I understand. Madz is a good boss.

"I get it, don't worry. Axel and I can handle everything here. I prepped all of it last night." Madz kisses me once again and walks over to the coat rack. He grabs his vest and chucks it on.

"I'll message you throughout the day. When you are free, message me back to know that you're okay. Got it." I can do that.

"Yes, okay. I love you, have a good day at work and be safe." He gives me a smirk.

"I'll never tire of hearing the words from you. I love you too. I'll see you tonight. Don't worry about dinner, I'll pick something up." With that he heads towards the door and leaves me to my thoughts.

My shower process is quick this morning. I skipped washing my hair since I did it yesterday. I wash my body and face and call it a day. I walk out of the bathroom.

I head out my closet and pick out my simple work outfit. Jeans and a plain tee. Finding my socks and placing on my shoes and I;m ready to go.

I start looking around for Shortcake. I'll have to lock her back into the bathroom for now. I hate doing it but she's so small and no one is around to watch her.

I click my tongue thinking it will help and I hear a small meow coming from under the couch. "Shortcake, you little rascal come out of there."

I'm able to pull her out since she was laying on a blanket. I just pull it out and she starts jumping around on it. I pick her up and head towards the bathroom.

I make sure she has food and some fresh water before I leave. I also turn on the radio so maybe she won't feel so lonely. I'll check on her later today.

I lock the door behind me and head to the kitchen. I can hear noise and that must be Axel. When I walk in and he has all the prep work out and ready to go.

"Good morning Nov's. Are you as ready as I am for today? Yesterday was hard work but so worth it. Were you serious about what you said yesterday? About hiring me?" I'm so glad he is comfortable asking me things now.

"100% You are a hard worker and I couldn't have handled yesterday without you and I don't want to find out." We both laugh knowing what a mess it would have been had I been alone.

"I can pay you $18 an hour if that works for you." His mouth drops open.

"That's already way more than what I make now at my current job. Are you sure?" I nod wishing I could pay him more but once things fall into line I can.

"Yes, you will also have a day off and sick time. Right now I can't offer you insurance but I'm hoping one day I can." He seems happy with that answer.

"That is completely fine with that. Everything sounds wonderful. Thank you for offering this to me." I walk over and give him his normal hug for the day.

I was never a big sister since I didn't have any siblings but with Axel it just feels normal. "Let's get to work." Axel nods his head and he turns on some music.

We play around and make a mess but we're having fun together. Being this happy makes me wonder what the future holds. My phone goes off and I pull it from my pocket.

Another text from my mother but this one makes my heart stop. 'I'll see you soon'. How would she even know where I'm at? I never even told her what was going on.

I shake off the worry and get myself back to work. Everything is going to be okay. I'll have to warn Madz tonight when he gets off of work.