Page 28 of Oliver (The Golden Team #7)

Oliver

T he road trip turned out to be a blast. Olly loved the San Diego Zoo.

He was so happy. He kept telling us we should do this more often.

We agreed because we all loved it. I was surprised to see where Emery lived.

It was a beautiful older part of town that had impressive front yards, with loads of flowers in the front and a swing on the porch.

“Wow, this is beautiful,” I said, looking around.

“Thank you. My grandma left me this house. I take after her with plants. I love flowers.”

“You can plant whatever you like; our home is your home to do anything you wish.”

I kissed Oliver, it felt so good to be able to kiss him whenever I want.

“What will you do with this home?”

“I’ll keep it. We can stay here when we come to the zoo. Let’s go look inside.”

We walked inside, and it was like stepping back in history. The furniture was the same as if it were in the 1930s. There was even a piano in the corner. It was spotless.”

“How is there no dust?”

“I hire a couple to take care of the yard and the house. I considered selling this home, but my grandparents loved it. I feel like they would be hurt if I sold it.”

“It’s your choice. Are the property taxes high?"

“Yes, I hate paying it, every six months.”

I noticed her walking around, touching everything, lost in thought. We decided to stay there for the night, so I ordered pizza for dinner, and Olly and I went to pick it up. When we returned, there was a pile of things on the table and scattered throughout the house.

“What are you doing?” I asked Emery as I set the pizza down. She arranged plates on the table, and we took our seats. I poured some sweet tea that I had gotten at the pizza place.

I’m going to put the house up for sale. I’m also going to keep some of my grandparents’ things. I’ll put some of the furniture in the room you are building for me. How big will it be?”

It’s eight hundred square feet. You can use some of the furniture and any other items you'd like to keep. We have plenty of space in our home for you to store your belongings, or display them, whatever you want to do.”

“Thank you. I’ll get some things while we're here, and then I’ll let Kristi and Tom, my helpers, take what they want. I feel like a ton of weight is off my shoulders for making this choice,” I hurriedly blinked my eyes, so Oliver wouldn’t see how emotional I was about letting this home go.

I remember coming here when I was little, when my parents showed how much they loved each other. I will always display my love for Oliver, so our children will know how we feel.