Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth!-Chapter 128: You’re My Home

While Alex was still with Claire, Emma sat cross-legged on the plush couch, twirling her phone between her fingers as she debated making the call.

Though she had been telling Alex he couldn't go with them, she knew it wasn't exactly possible. He was worried for her and she could understand.

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She needed to find a way around it all and that was by making the call to Ivy.

With a soft sigh, she pressed Ivy's contact and put the phone to her ear. It didn't take long for her best friend to pick up.

"Hey, Em! What's up?" Ivy's cheerful voice filled the line.

Emma smiled, her nerves easing slightly. "Hey, Ivy. So, about tomorrow... I was thinking. Do you mind if I bring Alex along? I know you would've wanted a girls' night, but after, you know... everything with Vanessa... he's just been extra protective lately. I don't think he'd feel comfortable with me being out alone."

There was a brief silence before Ivy replied, her voice softer, tinged with guilt. "Oh God, Emma. I didn't even think about that. I'm so sorry I didn't even put your safety into consideration. Of course, bring him. I should've thought about it sooner. I'm guessing you told him and he sounded pretty worried. I mean who wouldn't be seeing as Vanessa is still out there."

Emma nodded, even though Ivy couldn't see her. "Yeah, he tried to hide it by making seem like a joke but I can tell. I think he blames himself for not catching Vanessa, even though it's not his fault."

Ivy exhaled on the other end. "He loves you so much. And you're right. It's totally fine. I'll just invite Hunter too. That way, the guys can hang out while we have our girl time. Plus, Claire's still coming, right?"

Emma's smile returned. "Yes! I'll talk to her and convince her to come. And honestly, I think having Chris there too might be good for her. Maybe they'll finally stop dancing around each other."

Ivy laughed softly. "Oh, I'd pay to see that. Claire pretending she's all cool while Chris stares at her like she hung the moon."

They both giggled, the tension melting away. "Okay, so it's a plan then? Tomorrow, all of us together?"

"Absolutely," Ivy agreed. "Thanks for calling, Em. And tell Alex I totally get it."

"I will. Love you, Ivy."

"Love you too. See you tomorrow!"

Emma ended the call just as Alex walked into the living room after his conversation with Claire.

He raised an eyebrow. "Who were you talking to?"

"Ivy," she replied, standing to meet him halfway. "I told her we're all going to the hangout tomorrow. You, me, Claire, Chris, Ivy, and Hunter."

Alex blinked, then a slow grin spread across his face. "Wait... so I'm invited? You're really letting me tag along?"

She folded her arms, narrowing her eyes playfully. "It's not tagging along if you were practically begging to come, Alex."

He placed a hand on his chest, playing mock-offended. "Begging? I was simply concerned for your safety, darling wife. You know how dangerous things have been lately. Vanessa—"

Emma cut him off gently, resting her hand over his heart. "I know. And that's why I'm glad you're coming. I don't want you worrying all night."

His expression softened as he pulled her closer, his arms circling her waist. "I just can't shake the thought of something happening to you again, Emma. When I think about what she did—" His voice broke slightly, vulnerability seeping into his words.

Emma cupped his face, forcing him to look at her. "Hey, love. I'm safe. I'm here, Alex. You saved me. And you're not losing me, okay? We'll catch Vanessa soon no matter where she is," she said and he nodded, pressing his forehead to hers as his eyes fluttered closed.

"I don't know what I'd do without you," he said softly, already thinking of the day they'd catch Vanessa so that he could be at ease letting Emma go wherever she wanted.

Maybe he'd have to release Jake sooner so that Vanessa could contact him and then he could catch her through Jake. He couldn't wait.

"You're never going to find out," Emma whispered, oblivious to the plans swirling in Alex's mind.

They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other, their breathing synchronized. Eventually, Emma gave him a gentle nudge. "Come on, let's head up to bed. I'm exhausted."

Alex nodded, kissing her temple softly before they made their way upstairs.

Later that night, as they lay tangled together in bed, Emma felt more at peace than she had in weeks.

The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a golden hue across Alex's face as he lay on his side, watching her as though she were the most precious thing in the world.

She her hands on his bare chest, his heartbeat steady beneath her touch. "You're staring again," she whispered with a teasing smile.

Alex smirked. "Can you blame me? My wife is breathtaking."

Emma blushed, nudging him lightly. "Flatterer."

"It's true," he murmured, brushing a kiss over her knuckles. "You're everything to me, Emma. I don't think I say that enough."

Her heart swelled, emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "You say it plenty, Alex. Every time you look at me like that... every time you hold me."

He kissed her gently, the kind of kiss that wasn't rushed or desperate, but filled with tenderness and longing. When he pulled back, his gaze searched hers. "You're my home, Em. I don't care where we are, as long as it's with you."

Emma pressed closer, her head resting on his chest as he held her tighter. "You're my home too, Alex."

For a while, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other's arms, breathing in the safety and warmth of the moment.

As sleep started to claim her, Emma snuggled closer, yawning softly.

"Goodnight, my love," she whispered, her voice already fading into sleep.

Alex held her tighter, pressing one last kiss to her hair as he whispered back, "Goodnight, baby. I love you more than you'll ever know."