Page 6

CHAPTER SIX

Kelton

I look down at the GPS as I navigate the long narrow road. Thinking I must have missed the turn, I’m about to call my sister when I see the gate come into view as I top the hill. Instantly I’m in awe.

She took everything we’ve ever talked about, now and through the years, and found me the perfect location.

I slow, looking down the long gravel drive to the house at the end. My chest swells with pride and it’s not even my place, yet.

White wood siding with a high peaked front porch.

All the windows and doors are framed out with a light wood, shutters to match on each side, adding the perfect accents.

The porch is trimmed out with the same wood following the peak of the roof.

It’s nestled back in the woods, surrounded on three sides giving it such a serene feel.

Turning onto the private drive I pass through a tall iron open gate. The closer I get the more I fall in love. The feeling of home that I’ve been missing settles over me and I haven’t even stepped inside yet.

I slow to a stop and put my Yukon in park and still stare ahead at the home before me. Suddenly the front door opens and out emerges my little sister in a full-on sprint.

She is smiling wide, practically tripping over her own feet. Climbing out I close the door just in time to catch her as she launches, throwing her arms around my neck.

“Tell me this place is not you!” she squeals in my ear before letting me go and spinning in a circle with her hands out at her sides. “I knew it the minute we pulled up, it felt perfect and then we went inside and I was like oh hell yes. This is it!”

Liz looks back over her shoulder and that is when I see movement. An entirely different kind of emotion hits me like a tidal wave making me feel slightly unsteady on my feet.

Emerson slowly approaches, her hair long, much longer than it was the last time I saw her. She has a timid smile, almost like she’s unsure of what to do next.

My mouth feels dry, my throat scratchy, but without attempting to stop myself I step around Liz and make my way toward her.

I notice the widening of her eyes just before I wrap my arms around her and pull her in close.

“We aren’t strangers Em, don’t play shy with me,” I whisper, lifting her up to the point where the only thing left touching the ground is her tiptoes.

“We kind of are,” she says in response. Instead of arguing I relish in the way she feels, the familiar floral scent I may not have been surrounded with lately but have never forgotten.

When my sister clears her throat, I’m reminded that it is not only Emerson and I, so I release her and step back.

If Liz picks up on the tension she doesn’t comment on it, instead launches right back into how perfect this home is for me.

“Didn’t I say this was it the very second we turned onto the drive?” she asks Emerson.

“Yes, you did.” She offers me a smile, then shifts her gaze toward my sister.

My heart is still racing. I never for a minute doubted seeing her again wouldn’t remind me of the time we had.

But what I wasn’t prepared for is the pull I would feel.

The incredible want that I haven’t felt since I was with her last.

Liz grabs my arm and starts to lead me toward the front porch.

“It has a security gate, the property is completed surrounded by fencing, with a motion detection set up. There isn’t another house for miles.

You are completely closed off.” When my sister gets going it is hard to slow her down.

This task, she is completely invested in.

“It’s secluded, yet close enough that you can get to the field and anything else within a short drive.

Eight acres total and woods around three sides of the property.

You are so far back off the main road that you close the iron gates, set the detection, and boom you can discard your clothes and walk around naked in every inch of your yard. ”

Alizabeth laughs as she looks over at the realtor.

“It was one of his requests,” she says, waving off his curious arched eyebrow.

He should be thanking her, because she is doing all his work for him, selling it like a pro.

Truth is I fell in love the minute it came into view. But I won’t take away her glory.

“There is a private pool and hot tub. Also privately hidden, a large pool house on one side, a two stall garage on another side, so it’s secluded and there is a two car garage attached to the house too.”

“I have one car.”

“Well, now you can get more. Or ATVs, that would be fun. So much land to ride and enough that you can for sure put in your own ball field. Also you have to check out this back area.”

Alizabeth wastes no time, hurrying off followed by Joey, the realtor.

Emerson twists her hands before her nervously.

I hold her stare and have a hundred different things racing around in my mind, but decide it can wait.

Instead I hold out my hand motioning for her to follow and take a moment looking around the living room and kitchen, loving the homey vibe.

“Kelton?” my sister’s voice filters in from the back of the house and I join them, surprised at what I find.

“This back patio is enclosed yes, but.” She gets all giddy again, looking over at Joey.

I know that look, the man is smitten. If he’s smart it won’t go beyond that.

“Show him,” my sister says, clapping her hands together.

I watch as he goes over to the wall, hits a button and the large, oversized glass walls facing the backyard start to raise.

“Retractable doors.” She laughs excitedly. “Walls, whatever you want to call them. Can’t you imagine sitting out here barbecuing on a breezy night. It’s so beautiful.”

I had to agree. I could see the whole team over or even bringing in my entire family for a week.

“Don’t you love it?” She is so proud, and she should be.

I’m still looking around and when I don’t answer her right away she moves across the room and stands in front of me. “I did good, didn’t I?” She already knows the answer. I think she knows me better than I know myself.