Page 42 of Snowed in with My Pucking Ex
“We could build a family cabin like my parents.”
“Yes, that’s a good idea, and also, stick a hot tub out back. You could wear a bikini, or nothing.” I suggest trying to be nonchalant, but now I’m seeing us in every space here, too. “Maybe hang a little mistletoe around the place.”
She stares for a moment longer and then finally nods, newfound excitement filling her gaze. “Okay, Sean. Let’s do it. This is the one for us. And sign me up for the hot tub, mistletoe, and oversized shower.”
“You got it, gumdrop. Let me tell Nancy to put in a low offer and see what the owners come back with.”
“Isn’t that considered rude?”
I shrug. “We’re going to have to do a lot of remodeling to make this into what we want it to be, so I don’t think so. Plus, they’ll counter with an offer and we’ll go back and forth, hopefully anyhow, if they’re reasonable.”
“And if they’re not?”
“Then we’ll keep looking until we find someplace that takes our breath away. I’m not rushing this with us. I plan to savor every moment I have with you, my love.”
She squeezes me tightly, then steps out of my embrace, leaving me to speak to our realtor while she pokes around the living area and stops to stare out into the back of the property. It’s a winter wonderland out there, so I can’t blame her. One day, we’ll be out there building snowmen and then again assembling a swing set. We’ll spend our nights under the twinkling stars and warmin the hot tub when the crisp, cool evenings give us another excuse to spend time together. We’ll roast marshmallows, grow a garden, and maybe even put a pool in. This will be the place we have our first fight as a couple, and this’ll be the same place that I’ll do anything I can to make sure she knows how much I love her and will do whatever I have to do to make sure we live this life together.
The house has been on the market for a little while, and Nancy says it’s out of most people’s price range around here, so I’m hoping the owners are motivated to sell. Either way, I meant what I said to Winter. I need all the time I can possibly get with her, and I’m not rushing anything. I want to make sure she’s truly happy because now that we’re together, I can no longer imagine my life without her at the center of it all.
“Nancy, please put in the lowest offer you think is reasonable. I don’t want to offend the owners, but we’ll have to do a lot of work to make it into what Winter wants. We love the windows, the property, and the fact that we can close and move in pretty much tomorrow.”
“It is beautiful. It’s a shame you both don’t like how it’s been updated already; it would save you a lot of time and hassle. But the wood everywhere is a little overpowering, and I’d be painting or something too.”
“I agree. We’re making this into our forever home, and since we aren’t building it new, it’ll need work. You still have that contractor hook-up you were bragging about a few months back when I talked to you about updating Mom’s place?”
She nods, her short curly hair hairsprayed in place to the point it doesn’t move at all. She’s got on a bright purple suit, which would look ridiculous on anyone else, but with the bleached and feathered hairstyle, her oversized jewelry, and outgoing personality, it somehow suits her. “My nephew, yes, he’s wonderful. I’ll make sure and give you his information. Ihave a feeling the owners will accept your offer or close to it; they’re ready to retire in Florida and not worry about this place anymore. They’ll love the idea of it going to a new family, too.”
We leave, hopeful, and our hearts racing with the next step we’re taking together. This really is turning out to be the best Christmas I’ve had since my father passed away, and I have Winter to thank for it.
Nancy works her magic, and an hour later, we’ve negotiated until both parties are okay with the price, and I get to share the good news with my sweet woman. She’s been patient with me through all the back-and-forth texting, and I’m glad to see it wasn’t all for nothing.
“Hey, beautiful?” I shift until I’m facing Winter.
We’ve just had a late lunch and now we’re sipping hot cocoa while snuggled close together, riding in a horse-drawn carriage. It’s carrying us through Noelville’s park, that’s been lit up with tons of Christmas lights. It’s still daytime, but not very bright out with the overcast clouds, so it’s the perfect time to enjoy a daytime ride. There’s fresh popcorn being popped, carols being played by violin, hot cocoa, coffee, and cider for sale, and a few other festive things in the park. It’s not as busy as the Noel Falls community festival was, but it’s still neat being out here.
Winter shivers, and I quickly tuck more of the fleece blanket around her. The driver had given it to us when we first climbed in to help keep us warm. “Yes?”
“I’ve got good news. Nancy just texted me that the owners have accepted our last offer. The house is ours, and when we’re done here, we can head over to her office to read through the paperwork. I asked her to send everything to my lawyer already so he can review it for us from a legal standpoint. I hope you’re ready for this.”
“I’m more than ready. I’m so excited right now I could run across the park to your truck.” She laughs, and I smile in return.I know exactly how she feels because I’m the same way right now.
“You’re it for me. I told you that before, but I mean it. I am so hopelessly in love with you. I can’t wait to buy this house with you. Next, we get married, and then finally, we spend our lives together, growing old and gray. This is the happiest I can ever remember being, and it’s all because of you.” I confess.
A tear escapes, leaving a wet trail down her cheek as she softly smiles. It’s sweet and full of so much emotion. She’s stunning like this, absolutely beautiful, and she’s all mine to love and hold, to cherish and protect.
I can’t wait. I lean in, dipping a bit until my lips press to hers. My kiss is soft and slow, as I attempt to convey just how much she means to me. When we pull away, I gently rest my forehead against hers and tuck a few strands of her hair behind her ear.
“I love you, Sean, so much. I’m ready to spend my forever with you, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else than in your arms each night when I fall asleep. You already know my answer, so when the time comes, I will be ready and waiting to walk down that aisle with you. Whether it’s in a grocery store, hand in hand, so we can cook dinner together, or if it’s to a preacher, so he can promise us to each other in front of God and our families, you can count on me.”
And then they lived happily ever after, driving each other crazy with home remodels, kids, and dogs that bark way too much. But most of all, they lived their lives with love and warmth, patience and kindness, support and tenderness, and in the end, they found a love together like no other.
True love.