Chapter 28
Marley
I was standing in the middle of the bedroom that we would convert into a nursery, trying to picture where all the furniture would go once the wall came down.
“There you are.” Charlie grinned as he walked over and kissed me. “What are you doing in here?”
“Trying to mentally place all the furniture we bought. I was thinking that the cribs?—”
“Come with me.” Charlie grabbed my hand and led me out of the room.
“Excuse me. I was trying to tell you something.” My brows furrowed as he led me over to the couch.
“Sit back and bring your legs on my lap. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”
I sat on the couch, and he rubbed my aching feet.
“Oh my God,” I moaned. “You’re totally forgiven.”
He let out a chuckle. “Miles Bradshaw called me today. The townhome next to his and Stella’s is up for sale. I went and looked at it today.”
“A townhome? You want to move?” I asked. “You just bought this place.”
“I know, and I’m not worried about that. We need a bigger place for us and the kids.”
“How big are we talking?” I arched my brow.
“This particular home is eight thousand square feet with six bedrooms and eight bathrooms.”
“Who needs eight bathrooms, Charlie?”
“Babe, they come with the house. Anyway, Grant said he’d show it to us tomorrow morning. I really like it and want your thoughts. The home has been completely remodeled and is ready to be moved into. The owners are living in Hawaii.”
“But what about your gaming room? You love that space.”
“And I’ll put another one in the new house.” He winked.
“But this is your ultimate bachelor pad, Charlie.”
“You’re my girlfriend who is having my two children. I don’t think I’m a bachelor anymore who needs the ultimate bachelor pad. What do you say? Do you want to see it?”
“Yes. Of course, I do.”
“Good. I’ll call Grant and tell him.”
“After you rub my feet some more.” I smiled.
“Anything you say, sweetheart.” A smile crossed his lips.
“I think I’ll reward you after dinner. My entire body may ache, but my mouth doesn’t.”
“Fuck dinner.” He pushed my legs off him, stood up, and picked me up from the couch. “Oh, God. I hate to say it, but I think this may be the last time I can pick you up.” He carried me to the bedroom.
“It’s perfect, Charlie.” I covered my mouth with my hand in awe of the home.
“The only thing we’ll need to do are the nurseries.”
“What do you mean?” I cocked my head. “We can’t separate the twins right now. Once they get older, yes. But for now, we need one big nursery.”
“Let’s go take a look.” He grabbed my hand and led me to the fourth floor.
“What’s the point of this small ass room?” I asked. “No. You’re going to have to knock this wall down and make this room bigger. This will be the twin’s room for now, and then, when they get older, we’ll put one of them across the hall in that big room.”
“You seriously want to knock down this wall?”
“Yep. Get rid of it.” I waved my hand. “It’s a useless room, Charlie. You’ll barely get a twin bed and dresser in there.”
“I see your point.” He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ll call the contractor.”
“Perfect.” I grinned. “Then your gaming room/office can be one floor up.” I kissed his cheek. “Have I told you how in love I am with you?”
“You have, babe. I love you too.”
“We’ll take it, Grant!” I beamed with excitement.
“Excellent. I know the four of you will be very happy here.” He grinned. “I’ll draw up the contract, Charlie, and call you when it’s ready. By the way, Bella spoke to her client, and they are excited to see the penthouse. They’re flying in tomorrow from Los Angeles. I’ll have Bella call you to set up a time for them to come look at it.”
“Thank you, Grant.” Charlie shook his hand.
When we walked out of the house, I saw Stella and Melissa taking the kids from the car.
“Well?” Stella smiled from the curb.
“Howdy, neighbor!” I waved with a wide grin.
“EEK!” She ran over and hugged me. “Ah, I’m so happy you two bought the place. Miles will be excited, too!”
After saying goodbye to Stella, Charlie and I climbed into the back of the car.
“Mateo, can you drop me off at Love At First Sip?”
“Of course, Marley.”
“I’m excited to tell Penelope and Olivia.” I smiled, glancing at Charlie.
“I bet you are.” He leaned over and kissed me.
I walked into Love At First Sip with a smile.
“Why did you reject our Facetime call this morning?” Olivia asked.
“And why did you turn off your location?” Penelope’s eyes narrowed.
“I didn’t. Check?” I smiled.
They both pulled out their phones. “I call bullshit. You just turned it back on. What’s going on?” Olivia said. “You know you can’t lie to us.”
“Come sit down.” I grabbed their hands and pulled them with me to a table. “Charlie and I are moving to an eight thousand square foot townhome.”
“Shut up!” Penelope exclaimed.
“Go McBillionaire.” Olivia grinned. “I can’t believe he’s giving up his almighty bachelor pad.”
“He says he’s not a bachelor anymore since he has a girlfriend and two babies on the way. I can’t wait for you to see it. It’s huge. It’s gorgeous.” The smile on my face dissipated.
“Mar, what’s wrong?” Penelope asked, grabbing my hand.
“It’s too good to be true. He’s too good to be true. Fuck my life.” I placed my hand on my forehead.
“She’s waiting for the shoe to drop,” Olivia said.
“I think you’re right,” Penelope spoke. “Marley, you need to go talk to someone.”
“No, I don’t. I’m fine.”
“Clearly, you’re not, and you haven’t been since you were eleven years old. Sorry, girl. But it’s the damn truth.”
“I love you guys, but I have to go.” I stood up and walked out of the coffee shop.