Chapter 54
“The way you described the place, I was picturing a quaint, cozy little cottage in the countryside.”
We’re standing in front of his parents’ house—his house—and looking up at the stunning, idyllic home.
“This isn’t that?” He chuckles, pulling me into him. He’s been more touchy than usual today. I wonder if it’s an anxious thing.
“This is about four of those put together.”
“Gross, guys. Let’s go explore,” Jess says as she skips up the stone walkway. The whole property and home still appear well-kept, and when we step inside, it’s clear the interior is too.
“You’ve had someone looking after it?”
He shrugs. “They had cleaners and landscapers. I kept them on after.”
As we walk around, he explains how he already went through everything shortly after their passing. This is more of a sentimental visit.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it,” I reply honestly, glancing around. We’re out in the back garden now, which looks like something out of a movie, beautiful foliage all around.
“It feels less empty with you guys here,” he murmurs, glancing around and rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Maybe I won’t sell it after all.”
I spin to face him. “You were going to sell it?”
“Yeah…it’s one of the reasons we came today. I wanted to make sure everything was in order. Sorry I didn’t tell you. I think not saying it out loud was my way of still holding onto it.” He holds my hands in his and gives me a sad, apologetic smile.
“And now you’ve changed your mind?”
“I think so.” He looks around again. “How would you feel about keeping it as a summer house?”
“I—that’s not up to me…that’s your call.”
“No. A summer house for us. All three of us.”
I open and close my mouth. “You want to include us in those kinds of plans?”
He doesn’t smile as he cups the back of my head. He looks serious, demanding my attention. “I’ve told you, Carly. You’re what I want. I love you. So much. So, yes. I’m including you in all of those plans. As a matter of fact…”
“What?” I ask, breathless.
“When we get back, I want you to consider moving in with me.”
“Move in…with you…”
“I’ve pictured you in that house with me for a while now. Especially since we—”
“Shh.”
He laughs.
I’ve never lived with another man besides my dad and brother. Ever. It’s always been Jess and me. This should be really scary, but as I stand in this breathtaking garden and look up at him, it’s not at all. I already know my answer. But there’s one more person’s answer that I need.
I kiss him slowly, letting him know my answer. Then I call her over.
She comes skipping out from some hidden alcove of vines, looking happy as ever.
This talk shouldn’t be hard. She already knows how Jameson and I feel about each other.
She knows we love each other, and she supports it, even though she doesn’t want to see it acted out in front of her in the form of kisses, snuggles, or any other displays of affection.
“Jess, how would you feel about moving in with Jameson soon?”
“Here?” she squeals.
“No,” Jameson and I laugh. “Not here. Back in his new house in Tahoe City.”
“Oh. But it’s so much cooler here. And how awesome would it be to go to school in Ireland?”
“We’re not moving to Ireland, honey. Besides, we can’t leave Grandpa.”
Her face falls. “Yeah. You’re right. But yeah, that would be fine. I’ll have a much bigger room. There might even be room for…a bookshelf?” She looks over at Jameson. “Can I have the big one on the second floor?”
He laughs again. “Yes. Obviously.” He pulls her into a hug and my heart melts.