Chapter 301
When we pulled up to the construction site 1 was impressed by how much progress had been made in just a few days, the interior walls were going up in our house and you could actually see the layout of the rooms now instead of just the frame.
Oh my god,” Athena breathed, getting out of the truck and staring at the house. It’s actually starting to look like a house.
That’s generally the idea,” I said, coming up behind her and wrapping my arms around her waist, my hands automatically going to
her still flat stomach.
REZ
“Don’t be a smartass,” she said but she was leaning back against me.
Lily and Liam had already taken off running across the field, their laughter carrying on the breeze, Sarah followed after them to keep an eye on them while Orion, Athena and I walked through the construction.
I showed Athena everything that had changed since our last visit, the master bedroom was taking shape with the bathroom roughed in, the kitchen had cabinets marked out where they’d go and the island was being built, downstairs the office spaces were defined and the playroom area was clear.
“This is the nursery,” I said, leading her to the room we’d designated. “I was thinking we could do a neutral color scheme since we don’t know the genders yet, maybe something with lots of natural light and soft textures.”
“I love that,” Athena said, standing in the middle of the empty room and turning in a slow circle. “I can already picture it, two cribs side by side, a rocking chair in the corner for late night feedings, maybe some stuffed animals and books.”
“We could do a mural on one wall,” I suggested. “Something whimsical, like a forest scene or something with animals.”
“I love that idea,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “We could have someone paint it or we could do it ourselves.”
“I think we should hire someone,” I said. “I’m not artistic enough to pull off a mural.”
“I could do it,” she said. “I used to paint before, before everything with Daxon.”
“You paint that much?” I asked, surprised because I didn’t know that about her.
Not that I didn’t know she paints, I’d seen her painting and it was not something I would say.
But if she wants to paint, then who am I to say no.
“I used to, don’t you remember” I nodded. Of course I did “I learnt how to when I got to London, but then Daxon didn’t like it, said it was a waste of time, so I stopped.” Ohh she learnt more.
“Well he was an idiot,” I said firmly. “And if you want to paint the nursery yourself then you should, I’ll help however I can.”
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Chapter 301
You’d let me paint out bables‘ room?” she asked.
It’s not about letting you, I said. “It’s your house too, our house, if you want to paint then paint, I’d love to see what you create,
She threw her aims around my neck and kissed me, right there in the middle of the empty room that would become our children’s
nursery.
“I love you,” she said against my lips.
“I love you too,” I said. “And I love that I’m still learning things about you.” And I meant it.
We spent another hour walking through the house, discussing where furniture would go and what colors we wanted for different rooms, talking about the life we’d build within these walls.
When we finally went back outside, Lily and Liam were covered in dirt and grass stains and looked absolutely exhausted.
“I think we wore them out,” Sarah said, laughing.
“Mission accomplished,” Orion said, scooping up Liam who immediately laid his head on his father’s shoulder.
On the drive back, both kids fell asleep in their car seats, Lily’s head lolling to one side and Liam clutching a stuffed animal he’d
insisted on bringing.
“That’s the benefit of having land,” Sarah said quietly so as not to wake them. “Tire them out so they actually nap.”
When we got back to Orion’s house, Derek’s truck was parked in the driveway.
