Chapter 56
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
Bennett
Both Lexi and I sit nervously while the home inspector and his assistant walk around my now finished house.
He has an iPad, tapping on the screen, then looking around, only to repeat the movements.
I want to jump in and say whatever it is, I’ll fix it.
But instead I sit bouncing my knees with my stomach in knots.
My nerves have been on high alert since we got here to find them waiting in a car outside. That is the downfall of surprise visits, you always have to have everything ready.
There is no furniture inside, no food in the refrigerator, no welcome sign on the door.
It is a blank slate, ready for us to move into.
We’ve kept it quiet from Camryn, fearful that something will happen and it won’t be made a reality.
I’ll admit I’ve taken on the doubt role and continue to reassure Lexi that everything will be okay.
Though I’m not sure I believe that myself, I have been convincing her of it daily.
But on the inside I am a wreck.
“Is that a loft?” The man points upward.
“Yeah,” I say, standing up and walking toward the steps. “Let me lead the way.”
I know this can all go one of two ways. They see a dangerous situation where they hit the automatic denied or they see it as I do…a fun zone.
First the peek inside the small library with floor to ceiling shelves on all the walls and windows on the outer wall.
I imagine a big shaggy area rug, an oversized comfortable reading chair and a lamp on a small table at its side.
A perfect place for Lexi to escape or even work in if she feels the need.
A half bath, a small closet, and then the open space.
I watch them closely, paying attention to their eyes and their reactions. The problem is the expressions are unreadable.
The rock climbing area is away from the windows, and the large sturdy railing barriers the space below.
We went with neutral walls because we plan to use a lot of color in the choice of furniture.
Bean bags, oversized pillows, colorful bright pictures on the walls, I can see it. I just hope they can too.
Lexi waited downstairs and I know it’s because she is incredibly nervous. I shift from side to side, trying not to make it obvious, but I have to move.
When the man turns around to face me, he is actually smiling.
“A rock climbing wall,” he says with one simple nod. “Will this space serve as,” he pauses and I realize he wants me to explain.
“Large projector screen, for that wall there.” I point to the solid white wall that separates the library and us.
“Oversized chairs, bean bags, I imagine a desk with art supplies and yes, a rock climbing wall. A kid fun zone. A perfect place to hang out with family and friends when it’s not so comfortable outside.
A place to unwind and enjoy being a kid.
” I shrug, not really knowing if I answered the question to his liking.
But it was the truth. I want Camryn and any future kids to have a place they feel safe in.
“Camryn lost something no kid should ever have to lose.” I look away from the guy and don’t even try to talk low.
I want him to hear me clearly. “She lost the two people she adored, the two people that kept her world turning. She suffered tragedy that I know made her at one point feel as though she would never feel safe again. I love her like she is my own, I want to give her back that sense of security that was ripped from her. I want her to have a place that she calls her own. I need her to know that no matter what, this home is hers.”
When I loop back to find both him and his assistant watching me, I feel my stomach tighten.
“I would have loved a place like this when I was a kid,” he says with a smile.
“Me too,” his assistant says and I instantly feel relief wash over me.
“You’ve built a beautiful home,” he tells me, walking over and holding out his hand. “She’s gonna love it here.”
Right then, I want to hug the man. I feel like he literally handed me the key to the world.