Not in the Script

5

The house was quiet.

For the first time all day, there were no movers shuffling around, no furniture being dragged across the hardwood, no boxes being unpacked. Just the sound of the faint hum of the air conditioning and the soft rhythm of Colin's fingers tracing patterns along Brylee's arm.

They were curled up on the couch - their couch, in their house.

Brylee was nestled between Colin's legs, head resting on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. His hand was tangled in her hair, absentmindedly playing with the strands, and she let out a long, slow breath.

"We did it." she murmured.

Colin hummed, pressing a lazy kiss to the top of her head. "We did."

Brylee sighed, letting her fingers skim over the fabric of his hoodie. "So... what comes next?"

Colin chuckled, his chest rumbling beneath her. "I mean... I was thinking about having a beer after this."

She rolled her eyes, smacking his stomach lightly. "I meant big picture, Jost."

He laughed, arms tightening around her. "Alright, big picture... we settle in, make this place feel like home."

Brylee nodded, running her fingers along his forearm. "And after that?

Colin hesitated for a second. "I guess that depends... how many kids do you want?"

Brylee froze, her stomach flipping at the question. 

She leaned back to look at him, her eyes searching his. "You wanna talk about that now?"

Colin shrugged, his smile soft, "I mean... why not?"

Brylee chewed on her lip, the shifter so she could face him properly, her hand resting lightly against his chest. "How many do you want?"

Colin huffed a laugh. "I asked you first."

She narrowed her eyes. "I asked about what comes next, and you brought up kids."

He smirked. "Because I knew it'd fluster you."

Brylee groaned, letting her head drop against his shoulder. "I hate you."

"You love me."

"Unfortunately."

Colin laughed, tugging her closer. "Alright, alright... I don't know, honestly. I didn't really picture myself as a dad until you came unto my life. But now?" His voice softened, his lips brushing against her temple. "Now I can't imagine not having a family with you."

Her breath hitched.

She closed her eyes for a second, pressing her forehead against his neck, trying to steady the warmth spreading through her chest.

After a long pause, she whispered, "I think I want a big family."

Colin's arms tightened around her, his voice full of quiet wonder. "Yeah?"

She nodded, pulling back enough just to meet his gaze. "I never really had a real one growing up... not until Kaitlyn's family took me in. And even then, I always wondered what it would be like to have parents who were mine, you know? A house full of people who were all connected."

Colin's throat bobbled as he swallowed, his eyes shining. "So... three? four?"

Brylee tilted her head up, considering. "Maybe more."

His eyes shot up. "More?"

She laughed at his expression. "I mean, not like eight, but I don't know! I like the idea of a noisy house, full of love and chaos and us."