19. Home Is Where The Heart Is
19
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
B randon thought he could sit in the chair holding Summer forever, but eventually, the sun’s relentless heat changed his mind. After all the emotional confessions, they had shifted to the chair because they didn’t want to go anywhere, see anyone, or be apart. He had wrapped his arms around Summer, and she laid her head in the crook of his neck. They didn’t talk but enjoyed being close to one another.
Now, his legs were numb from her weight, his arms tingled from not moving, and the sweat dripped down the back of his knees, shoulder blades, and face.
“Sweetheart, as much as I hate to move, we have to. I need a shower, but I’ll be back. Whatever you want to do, we’ll do it,” he murmured into her hair.
“I want to see your house,” she said.
Brandon stilled. He’d dreamed of Summer at his place so many times. Most of his renovation decisions were based on the dreams of the girl he had known long ago and their dreams of a home together. He knew now she had changed in many ways. Would she see this house as his way of holding onto the past ?
Summer held his face in her hands. “What just happened in your head?”
“I—” he took a breath and tried again. “I’ve been remodeling over the last few years. It’s mostly finished, but I can change anything you don’t like.”
She quirked a brow and smiled as she teased, “And why would I have any say in your house?”
“I’m not asking today because I need time to know and understand who you are now, but I fully intend to keep you.”
“I’m good with that.” She stood and offered him a hand, which he took. When he was standing toe to toe, she said, “Don’t take too long. I’ve wasted enough of our time.”
Pure joy ran through his body. Summer gazed into his eyes almost the same as when they were teenagers, but somehow, this was even better. There was a depth that hadn’t been there before. He only hoped that he had changed and grown enough over the years to keep up with her.
“Oh, and Brandon?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t forget to brush your teeth.” She winked at him before leaning closer.
He tugged her into his arms. “So, you plan on kissing today?”
“Yep.” She grinned at him.
“What if I told you I chewed on mints to stay awake in the car?”
“You don’t say?” Summer threaded her fingers into his hair and pulled him to her.
He kept the pressure light because he wanted her to feel safe and cherished, but she teased him into deepening the kiss. The fire between them was heady and right in every way. In that moment, with their connection, Brandon felt like his Summer had finally come home. The last wall between them was gone, and he knew nothing could keep them apart from there on out.
Sighing, he broke away and asked, “So, what’s the verdict?”
Summer touched her lips. “Perfect as always. I don’t think I’d mind kissing you with morning breath. ”
“I’ll keep mints in the bedside table if it means the chance to kiss you early in the morning. I’d do anything for you, Summer.” His heart was so full he was afraid to move and break the spell, but he knew they couldn’t stand outside all day. “Why don’t you run in and get ready? I’ll be back in an hour to pick you up.”
Summer couldn’t believe how different the day was from her late-night fears. Brandon held her hand as they drove to the outskirts of Sugar Creek and into the hills. She’d already kissed his minty-fresh mouth until they were both blushing, and now he was driving her to see his house.
“So, is it a Victorian, a turn-of-the-century build, or a cabin?” She asked.
Brandon let go of her hand to scratch his chin. “None of the above? It has elements of a cabin but isn’t. It was built in the eighties, so it isn’t fashionably old.”
“Okay, tell me about it. I know you’ve been working on it for almost two years now. What are you going for?”
“Remember when we dreamed about our future?” he mused. Summer nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. “That’s where it all began, but it’s evolved into something more. I hope it’s a vision you’ll share, but if not, we can always adapt.”
“There you go, hinting at promises without asking questions.” She laughed. “I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“If you don’t, I’ll sell it, and we can look at places together. We have plenty of time to make those decisions.” He reached for her hand again. “We will go as slow or fast as you want. We’ll get there in five more minutes.”
Summer settled in to enjoy those minutes in peace. Everything outside the window was a glorious riot of green, with wildflowers lining the road. The sky was blue, and she caught glimpses of the lake through the trees.
“Can you see the lake from your house?” she asked, remembering one of the things she used to want in her home.
“Yes.” Brandon didn’t elaborate.
“You’re not going to tell me anything else?” she quirked a brow.
He had to let go of her hand again to turn onto a gravel road. “How about I show you instead?”
Summer leaned forward so as not to miss anything. The drive was half a mile long, but the trees lined it, so she couldn’t see anything until they entered a clearing. The house was built from wood slats, giving it the cabin feel. However, these were vertical planks on an otherwise modern-looking two-story square house. There was a lean-to-esque addition to one side near the end of the drive. Brandon parked, walked around to open her door, and held out his hand.
“It was originally built by a man inspired by the Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield. His goal was sustainability with modern charm. I’ve added some whimsical elements because you used to love that. It’s why I’m so nervous for you to see inside.” Brandon held both of her hands. “I know I sound like a broken record, but we can change anything you don’t like. I’ve been doing the work myself, so I’ll do more.”
“So far, I love what I see. Now, lead me down this boardwalk to the front door.” She winked and tugged at him so he would start walking.
The sidewalk did indeed look like a boardwalk. It was made of wooden slats with varying-sized log posts along the edges. It turned before marching up several steps to a wooden porch. It wasn’t huge, but it was cute and rustic and made Summer feel like she had stepped back in time. But the best part was still ahead.
The door was green, but that was a secondary thought to the large round window looking into the living room. It held a hint of Hobbit while being thoroughly modern. How does that even work? Summer wasn’t sure, but she felt it in her bones. She hadn’t even stepped inside, but this house called to that girl she’d been so long ago. It felt like coming home .
“Your hands are shaking,” Brandon whispered.
“Oh?”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m excited. I’m happy. I’ve never been more okay.”
With those words out of her mouth, he opened the door and ushered her inside.
“Brandon,” she gasped.
The house was full of light. All the wooden walls were painted white, and the beams in the ceiling were stained a natural wood tone. From the front door, she could see the kitchen, the dining area, and the living room, which opened up to a soaring two-story space. The light danced everywhere, creating a place that felt cozy and fantastical. There were ropes wound across beams that dropped lights in strategic spots, sage-green cabinetry in the kitchen next to stainless steel appliances, a soft cream couch with pink pillows, and an old-fashioned cast-iron wood stove next to a wall with built-in shelves full of firewood.
“This is beautiful,” she finally uttered as she turned to take it all in again. “Nothing like I would have imagined a bachelor pad, and even better than I imagined as a teen. Look at these floors,” she exclaimed, pointing to the gorgeous pine boards beneath her feet.
“So, you like it?” Brandon asked.
She nodded. A lump had formed in her throat, and she didn’t think she could speak. Instead, she leaned into his side. His arm was immediately around her shoulders as he tucked her into his side.
“Want to see the rest? There are three rooms and two baths, and I’ve made the loft into an office. There are also two acres of cleared land where you can plant a garden or fruit trees, whatever you want.”
“Does it have—” she stopped, afraid to ask about the other item her childish heart had wanted so long ago.
“The river touches the far border of the property. And I cleared enough trees that you can see Lake Champlain from the main bedroom window on the second floor.”
She sagged into him, letting him support her weight. “Why?”
“I guess I never gave up hope that you’d come home.” He twisted to stand in front of her. “But I meant what I said. Let’s take our time and get to know who we are now. When you’re sure, we can?—”
Summer stopped his words with another kiss. She’d never get tired of being near him, she’d never get tired of feeling his hands tremble as they touched, and she’d never get back the time they’d lost. So, she wanted to ensure she lived each moment from now on with that in mind. However, it seemed Brandon thought she needed time to love him the way he loved her.
It was evident in every detail of this house that he loved her. The fact he’d sat in his car outside her parents' place waiting for the sun to rise so he could see her did as well. After the weeks they’d spent reconnecting at the lake, on the Sugar Creek River, running the race, she knew he was still the most wonderful man she could ever tie herself to. He was caring and careful with her. Not once had he pushed her faster than she was ready to go, and not once had he made her feel unloveable. He was perfect for her—other than wanting to drag his feet now.
Maybe she’d have to propose to Brandon.
She broke the kiss and sighed, “Show me the rest of the house.”