Page 63 of June: Jess' Story
Jess
Wow. Just…wow. I don’t know that this ismydream house, but it is certainly somebody’s. I meanwow. We pull up to a gated entrance where Alex keys in a code and then we wait for the black iron gate to swing in.
You can see the house (small mansion or moderate-sized lodge) from the main entrance, and it’s beautiful. It feels more Cape Cod than log cabin, but has hints of modern, mountain-esque bits of inspiration. Like exposed wood beams and gray stone columns. (This has Liam written all over it.)
I look over at Alex and he’s looking at me, seeming to try and read my reactions. So I tell him, “This is beautiful.” He sort of smirks and pulls up to a three-car garage. His Jeep is parked out front, but so are a few other vehicles. None of them belonging to Brit, though. My stomach sinks. I didn’t think she’d be here to welcome me, but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t hoped.Right.
One of the cars parked out front is a white sprinter van, but then there’s also a Porsche SUV. Doesn’t really seem like Alex’s speed.
From the front of the house, you can’t really tell where we are in relation to the lake. Is this lake front? Lake view? Lake adjacent? Even if it’s none of those, it’s still an impressive and beautiful home.
As I unbuckle my seat and look up at the multistory house, Alex reaches a hand over, taking my own hand in his. I look down at where they’re joined. There’s a tenderness Alex shows me that feels almost out of character. And each time he does, it’s like my brain chemistry is altered. How can someone I thought could only ever be one thing also be this man who rubs my head and hugs me and kisses me with a gentleness that makes my heart crack?
It hurts not knowing what’s real and what’s not.
If this were a book, I’d start to wonder at what point this turns into some psychological thriller where Alex is just a man mad with grief, trying to replicate a life he used to have. It would end with him killing me, I’m sure of it. But this isn’t a book. Hopefully won’t be some psychological thriller, and with any luck, when he divorces me, it doesn’t kill me.
He pulls away and I immediately do the same, opening my door and moving to the backseat to unbuckle Eden who is starting to rouse awake.
I grab my purse and diaper bag, then walk towards the front door. When I turn to check if Alex is behind me, I get a chill and visibly shiver. It’s probably from the cooler temperature up in the mountains coupled with the setting sun. But, if I’m being honest, it’s the sight of this domesticated Alex. The Alex rolling two suitcases up the front path of our home. The Alex who comesaround me to open the front door. The Alex who gets a smile on his face and says, “Hope you like it,” like he did this for me. “I’ll come back out in a few for the rest.” He motions to the car, then pushes the large front door open.
It’s light wide-plank oak floors. It’s cream walls and organic lighting. It’s airy, but cozy. Cream and white furs thrown over the backs of vintage leather arm chairs. There’s a linen slipcovered sofa, and a boucle coffee table against the backdrop of large windows that look out over Spearhead Lake. It takes my breath away. It’s dreamy. It’sadream. (Fuck, thismight bemy dream.)
A few voices sound from the kitchen, so I wander towards the sound with Alex still following behind me.
The kitchen is light oak, custom cabinetry with marble counters and a six-burner commercial range. There’s cognac leather and rattan stools at the island, and an eat-in kitchen with a built-in bench and a highchair already pulled up to the round marble and iron table.
I sort of turn to look at Alex and he’s looking…shy?
“So, how’d we do?” he asks.
“It’s, I mean, unbelievable.”
When I turn back, I see a few familiar faces make their way out of the oversized walk-in pantry.
“Jess!” Constantine exclaims, making his way over to Eden and myself. I’ve met him once before at Britain’s Sunday-dinner-turned-engagement party. The same night…you know…with Alex.
“Hi, Constantine,” I go to reach out a hand to shake his, but he swats it away and opens his arms for a hug.
“We’re family now.” Oh. Right, because of Alex.
He gives Eden and me a quick squeeze, then embraces Alex.
“Liam let me in,” Constantine says, giving Alex a firm pat on the back. “Said he needed to get home to Brit and couldn’t stay longer.”
Alex shrugs, and then starts talking to Connie so I move to the side and wave a bit weakly saying, “Hey, Niko,” to the tall, dark, and handsome man eating a handful of M&Ms in my kitchen. (My?Whoa, pump the brakes, Jess.) Niko is one of Constantine’s kids, and sort of like a pseudo sibling to Alex and Brit. It’s convoluted. It’s confusing. (Honestly I can’t keep track of their messy family tree.)
“Hey, Jess.” He nods in acknowledgement towards me. “Dad wanted to come see Brit. And also Alex’s new house. I’m just the driver.” He says by way of explanation. “Nice house, by the way.” He punctuates with a wink. It dawns on me I’m supposed to say thank you, because this is supposed to be my house with Alex.
“Yeah, thanks. Can’t take any credit for it, though.” Really, I can’t.
Alex says hey to Niko, too, then coming up behind me, he places both hands on my shoulders and rubs gently, easing the tension from the long day of travel while he continues to talk to his (I don’t know what the fuck to call them) people. (Dad and brother isn’t right, even though I’m pretty sure that’s the most accurate term for them.)
Oh gawd, though. His strong thumbs dig into my aching shoulders and my eyes roll back slightly. He notices I’m practically asleep, and clears his throat. He throws an arm around my waist and pulls me so I’m flush against his back. (Love that.)
“Well, I really want to show my fiancé her new house.” (My fiancé!) “You two won’t mind showing yourselves out?” Connie practically beams, a genuine, happy look on his face at this version of Alex. It is amazing, it’s like he’s someone else entirely.
“Alright, kids,” Niko dusts off his hands, picking up the Porsche keys sitting on the island. Niko pats Alex on the back before hauling his dad with him out the front door.