9. Chapter Nine
Chapter Nine
Brody
Dana leads Tasha to her wing, and I can’t help but smile as she steps into her room.
The space is bathed in warm, natural light from the setting sun that is filtering through the large bay window, casting gentle shadows on the soft beige walls.
Tasha’s verdant eyes widen as she takes in the perfect blend of elegant, modern chic décor: a plush, cream-colored rug underfoot, a king-sized bed dressed in crisp white linens, and a statement piece of artwork featuring vibrant hues of blue and gold that brings life to the room.
She drops her bags on the polished hardwood floor and leaps onto the bed, her laughter bubbling up as she bounces slightly before melting into the luxurious mattress. The fabric is so soft, it cradles her like a cloud.
“It’s amazing! Easily the best bed I’ve ever laid on,” she exclaims, burying her face into the fluffy pillows that look like they were plucked straight from a magazine spread.
Dana smiles warmly, her eyes twinkling with motherly affection, “Brody bought everything brand new for you.”
I feel a sudden reddening of my cheeks at the admission. I don’t want her to think I spent a bunch of cash on her, but I also wasn’t going to invite her to stay with me and not have the room be perfect for her needs.
The shock on Tasha's face is obvious, her expression slowly shifting from disbelief to genuine gratitude. I can almost hear the thoughts stirring in her mind.
It’s clear that no one’s ever bought her new things as an adult. I can see the shadow of her past creeping in. She grew up in a world where second-hand was the norm.
“Wow,” she whispers, looking around as if the room might vanish if she blinks. I wish I could assure her that this is her space now and she deserves every bit of it.
I knock on the door, and Tasha looks up. “Hey, I need to check on the animals. Want to come with me?”
We head down the hall together, and I can’t help but notice how effortlessly she fits into this world. Her smile widens, and she bounces up and down as she walks, the excitement radiating off her like sunshine breaking through rain clouds.
The moment we step outside, she’s greeted by a whirlwind of energy: puppies darting around, their tails wagging furiously in the cool evening breeze.
The barn stands nearby, its rustic red exterior and white trim glowing in the golden hour light, while the puppies scurry over the grassy expanse, yapping in delight. Watching Tasha kneel down to play with them fills me with warmth.
“Oh, my God! Puppies! You never told me you had puppies! ” Her laughter fills the air as a couple of the pups climb over her, each one begging for all the attention.
She leans back, her hair cascading like a waterfall over the grass, and I can see her true self emerging: joyful, carefree, and genuine.
“I always thought I wanted to be a veterinarian,” she says, her voice softening as she cradles a wriggling puppy, its gray fur shining in the dimming light. “But, you know, that’s not for people like me.”
“Why didn’t you go for it?” I ask, genuinely curious.
For a moment, her smile falters, and a shadow passes over her features, dimming the sunlight around us. I lean closer, demanding to know what she means, an urgency creeping into my tone. “What do you mean ‘people like you’?”
Her gaze drops, and her fingers absently stroke the soft fur of the puppy in her arms, the sadness pooling in her eyes like a storm cloud ready to burst. “I grew up poor, Brody. College was basically a fairy tale. The idea of taking out student loans…it always talked me out of it.”
I can’t bear the thought of her feeling trapped, believing her dreams are out of reach. There’s a heaviness in her voice that pulls at my heartstrings.
Tasha gazes down, lost in thought, the weight of her past hanging heavy in the air between us like a thick fog. The puppies continue to frolic around us, their playful antics a welcome distraction, but I can see that Tasha’s heart is elsewhere.
“How about we do something fun?” I suggest, trying to lighten the mood. “Come with me, and I’ll show you something special.”
Her eyes flicker with interest as I lead her toward the hill behind the barn, the grass swaying gently in the evening breeze. “What’s up here?” she asks, her curiosity piqued like a flower reaching for the sun.
“The view from the top is something else. Plus, there’s a treehouse,” I reply, my heart racing at the thought of sharing this hidden gem. This piece of childhood that I haven’t shared with any other woman besides Josh’s mom twenty years ago.
We climb the hill together, and I can feel the excitement building between us with every step.
When we reach the treehouse, nostalgia washes over me like a comforting blanket.
It’s old and weathered, the wood a deep mahogany that has aged gracefully, yet it still holds memories of countless summers spent in childhood bliss. The warm hues of the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink, casting a magical glow over the landscape.
“Here we are,” I say, gesturing to the rickety ladder leading up to the small wooden structure.
As Tasha steps inside, her eyes widen with awe, a smile breaking across her face. “This is incredible,” she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper. I can see the weight of her worries lifting, even if just for a moment, and I feel a surge of happiness at being able to share this part of my life with her.
The wood creaks beneath our weight, and I can feel the excitement of entering a secret world. Inside, the space feels tight but inviting, with sunlight streaming through the small windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Old drawings from my childhood adorn the walls, faded yet vibrant, telling stories of laughter and adventure.
As we settle into the treehouse, Tasha moves to the window, her gaze drawn upward to the expansive night sky. The crisp autumn air carries the earthy scent of fallen leaves, and I can almost hear the gentle rustle of nature settling down for the night.
The stars twinkle like scattered diamonds on a velvet canvas, each one a distant world waiting to be discovered. Beyond the branches of the ancient oak tree, the city skyline glimmers in the distance, its lights twinkling like a constellation of their own. Skyscrapers stretch toward the heavens, their glass facades reflecting the brilliance of the stars above.
Tasha’s breath catches in her throat, and I watch as wonder dances in her eyes. “It’s beautiful,” she whispers, and I can feel her appreciation wrap around me like a warm embrace.
Without thinking, I lean closer, and she turns to me, a look of gratitude flooding her features. She wraps her arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug.
I feel her warmth seep into my skin, her heart beating steadily against my chest. Her body is soft yet strong, and as I wrap my arms around her, I’m struck by the contrast between her delicate frame and the powerful muscles that lie beneath my own jacket.
“Thank you for supporting me when I needed help,” she murmurs, her voice muffled against my shoulder.
I hold her a little tighter, inhaling the sweet, earthy scent of her hair mingled with the crispness of the night. “I don’t mind helping someone who needs a hand. Don’t ever discount yourself or your talents, Tasha. You have so much to offer,” I reply, my voice low and steady.
Bathed in the glow of the stars and with a view of the sprawl of my property below us, I feel something deeper grow between us.
It’s a connection forged in the warmth of this night and the promise of new beginnings.