Chapter 27
Marley
“Are you ready to do this?” I glanced at Charlie as we stood hand in hand outside of Crate & Kids.
“I think so. Are you?”
“I’ll let you know once we get in there.”
He chuckled, opening the door, and we stepped inside.
“Okay. I’m overwhelmed,” I said, looking at the cribs.
“This one is nice,” Charlie said.
“Really?” I scrunched my nose. “It looks like a prison cell. Now, this one is beautiful.” I ran my hand along the spindle wood crib.
“That one is nice. Do you want the same crib for both kids?” he asked.
“I think so. We can decorate one with pink bedding and the other in blue or gray.”
He flipped over the price tag. “Damn. Fifteen hundred dollars for one crib?”
“Is that too expensive for your children?” I cocked my head. “I have an idea. How about we just buy a wooden box for them to sleep in? Maybe an extra large one for both of them to share.”
“Are you finished?” His right eye narrowed.
“Maybe. Maybe not.”
“The price doesn’t matter to me one bit. I commented on it because it’s just a crib they won’t use very long.”
“But the tag says it converts to a toddler bed, too,” I said.
“Oh, in that case, I think fifteen hundred is a good price.” He grinned.
“Hello. I’m Mara. Is there anything I can help you with?” The lovely sales associate smiled.
“We’re just picking out furniture for our nursery,” I said.
“Just so you know. Everything here has to be ordered, and it’s about a six-to-eight-week delivery time. It looks like you’re due very soon, so I just wanted to let you know. Most parents want the nursery done well before their baby is born.”
I stood and listened to her with a smile, even though I was ready to claw her eyes out.
“That will be more than enough time. I’m pregnant with twins. Perhaps that is why you thought I’d be giving birth any day now.”
“Oh. I’m so sorry. I just?—”
“Thought I was giving birth to a giant?” I cocked my head, and Charlie placed his arm around me and squeezed me.
“It’s fine.” He smiled at Mara. “We would like to order two of these cribs, the dresser, chest, and glider.”
“Two gliders.” I smiled.
“Why do we need two of them?” he asked with furrowed brows.
“So I can rock one baby, and you can rock the other, silly.”
“I don’t think both gliders will fit in the room, babe.”
“Then we’ll have to knock down the wall between the bedrooms and turn it into one large one.”
“Then the penthouse will only be a three-bedroom home. I think for resale value?—”
“Then you shouldn’t have made your office/game room so big,” I pursed my lips.
“Right.” He sighed. “Make it two gliders.”
“Have you picked out the bassinets yet?” Mara asked.
“Why do we need those?” I asked. “We’re buying the cribs.”
“So your babies will be by you during the night. The bassinet is smaller, which creates a safer sleeping option for the newborn. Besides, it reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. This one over here is our most popular.”
Suddenly, anxiety began to creep inside me. Pulling out my phone, I sent a text to Penelope.
“Do I need to get bassinets for the babies?”
“I would. Everyone I know who has kids always has them. They’re very convenient for the first few months.”
“And who do you know who has kids?”
“All of my cousins do. Just get the damn bassinets, Mar.”
“We’ll take two of those.” I smiled.
After leaving the store, we headed over to Babesta to look at other baby items.
“We’re going to need a double stroller,” I said.
“I figured as much,” Charlie said.
“Oh, here’s one. Look at how nice this is.” I smiled. “Oh, it has a cup holder attachment for my coffee.”
“Two thousand dollars? Seriously?” Charlie’s brow arched.
“You’re right. I’ll just strap them to my back when I leave the penthouse.”
“Babe, knock it off.” He kissed the side of my head. “I guess I didn’t realize how expensive baby things were.”
“Well, you have no right to complain. Only one condom was used. Remember that.” A smirk crossed my lips as I patted his chest.
Charlie
I was sitting behind my desk when my phone rang. Glancing at it, I saw Miles Bradshaw was calling.
“Miles, how are you, my friend?”
“I’m great, Charlie. How are you?”
“No complaints. What can I do for you?”
“Listen, I know you practically just moved into the penthouse, but I wanted to let you know that the townhome next door to me just went up for sale. I figured with the twins coming, you might want something a little bigger. George and Micah just remodeled the entire home and have decided to move to Hawaii, where their daughter and son-in-law are. I guess she’s pregnant with their first child. It’s a beautiful home, Charlie, and trust me when I tell you, with two babies coming at once, you’ll need all the room you can get.”
Leaning back in my chair, I sighed. “I was thinking about that ever since Marley and I were at the baby store buying all the furniture and equipment for the twins. I just called my contractor this morning because Marley wants to knock out one of the walls of two bedrooms and make it one large room. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll give Grant a call.”
“You’re welcome, Charlie. I’ll talk to you later.”
Dialing Grant, he answered on the first ring.
“Charlie, my friend. What can I do for you?”
“Hey, Grant. Miles Bradshaw just called and told me the townhome next door to him is for sale.”
“Yeah, it is. It went up yesterday.”
“I would like to see it.”
“Seriously? You’re thinking about moving already?” he asked.
“It’s just a thought. When can I see it?”
“I’m over that way now at another showing. Can you be at the house in half an hour?”
“You bet. I’ll see you then.”
I texted Mateo to get the car ready. I grabbed my suitcoat, and Chase walked in as I was heading out of my office.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“To look at a townhome.”
“What?” He chuckled. “You want to move again?”
“It’s not that I want to, but I think it’s what’s best for us.”
“You better have that awesome gaming room in the new place.” A smirk crossed his lips.
“You know I will.” I grinned.
As I climbed out of the car at the curb, I saw Stella leaving her house with her nanny and the kids.
“Charlie? How are you?”
“I’m good, Stella.” I hugged her.
“What are you doing here?”
“Your husband called earlier and told me the house next door is for sale. I’m meeting Grant.” I looked at my watch. “He should be here any second.”
“Oh, I hope you love it! It’s a beautiful home. I couldn’t ask for better neighbors than you and Marley.” She grinned.
Grant’s car pulled up, and he climbed out.
“Good luck, Charlie.” Stella smiled.
“Let me show you this gorgeous home, my friend.” Grant patted my back.
After unlocking the door, I stepped inside.
“Wow,” I spoke, placing my hands in my pants pockets as I toured the place. “It’s practically brand new. Adalyn did this, right? I know her work anywhere.” I smiled.
“She did. Isn’t it beautiful? I don’t expect it to be on the market long. The owners haven’t lived here in over six months. They went to their Hawaii home to stay while it was being remodeled. Their daughter found out she was pregnant, and they decided to stay there permanently. They came back last week to get the rest of their clothes and personal items. The movers just moved everything out a few days ago. It’s a great neighborhood with excellent schools. And there’s a lot to be said about your neighbors.” He grinned.
“I really like this house. What about my penthouse? I don’t want to take a loss.”
“If you want my opinion, I’d rent it out for a couple of years with the option to buy. In fact, Bella may have a couple who would be interested in renting it. Just let me know.”
“I’ll go home and talk to Marley about it and call you in the morning. She’s going to want to see it first.”
“I can be here first thing tomorrow before heading to the office,” he said.
“Thank you, my friend.” I smiled, extending my hand.
“You’re welcome, Charlie.”