“That’s pretty much the way I feel about it too,” I said as I clicked on video number two.
This one was a split-level ranch, less modern than the first, but a lot darker too. The downstairs was almost cave-like with how many places required the overhead light to be turned on before you could see what the rooms looked like. It was a nice place though, way cozier than the first, and the upstairs had sliding glass doors that led out to the deck, while downstairs, there was a patio that would be perfect for grilling and a huge fenced-in backyard that would offer plenty of space for playing and entertaining. It just didn’t screamhometo me, though I did prefer it to the first one.
Judging from the way Briar huffed and Leo squirmed around like he was getting restless, I could tell that they weren’t exactly jumping for joy over it either.
“I’m sure there are ways we could make it work,” Leo hedged.
“But it doesn’t really call to you, does it?” I said. “It’s not calling to me, either. The downstairs is way too dark, though I do like the laundry chute. It’s rare to see those in a house anymore.”
“Yeah, thatisa nice selling point,” Briar said, “but I’m not even sure I can consider that house to be a maybe, especially when that downstairs space would be the most logical place for the den. There just wouldn’t be enough sunlight streaming through to be able to fully enjoy lounging in a sunbeam.”
“Yeah, and I don’t think the room off the back would make a good office either,” Leo added, “not when we all draw inspiration from is staring out windows. The one in there is the size of a postage stamp.”
“So, a definite pass then,” I remarked, beginning to wonder why Mom had chosen to send it and the previous one when she knew Briar and me so well.
I got my answer the moment I clicked on the third video, and the opening scene showed a stone pizza oven in a kitchen boasting natural, gleaming hardwood beams and stone floors.
Oh. Holy shit.
Like the other two houses, this one had every feature we’d asked for, but unlike the other two, those features were laid out in a way that just felt warm and comfortable, even when viewed through a glass screen. Arched doorways, warm hues on the walls, stone floors and accent walls, hardwood baseboards, wide windows, French doors leading out to the deck and the patio—the list went on and on. Natural light flooded every room, so much so that I could tell that the sun had been beginning to set when she’d shot the video.
The island in the kitchen was wide, round, and perfectly positioned to allow easy movement around it, even if all the chairs were full. She’d zoomed in on the stove, with its six burners and dual ovens that I instantly fell in love with, moving from it to the round bay window and bench seating set up there. Oh yeah, this was the kind of kitchen I’d always dreamed of. The fact that the deck ran the full length of that side of the house meant that there was a second set of French doors in the kitchen, opposite that bay window. I could just picture my mates and I seated out there, enjoying a candlelit supper and a bottle of wine from the deep wooden rack that ran halfway up the shortest wall in the pantry. It was tucked way in the back too and started high, with regular shelves beneath it, wide enough for glass canisters to sit without an accidental elbow bump sending them crashing off.
“Mav,” Leo began, voice a bit breathy and awestruck.
My inner kitty preened, and I started purring, the voice in my head screaming, ‘Home,home, home’."
“That’s our house,” Briar said, when Leo seemed so awestruck he forgot to finish his statement.
“You’re damn right it is,” Leo said.
I didn’t need to ask if they were sure; I could feel the certainty radiating off them in waves of contentment and joy. I sent a quick text to Mom, though I doubted that I really needed to. Knowing her, she’d already marked itoffer pendingand was just waiting to hear confirmation from us. Sure enough, she texted back right away, with a smiling emoji giving us two thumbs up.
I know, honey. Now that you’ve confirmed it, I’ll get the paperwork started for you so it’s in all three of your names.
Thank you. The timetable for Leo coming home with us has shifted. He doesn’t have to go back to work, so he’s asked his dads to pack his place up. They’ll bring his things after we close on the house. Until then, we’ll all be staying at my place, since it’s a little bigger than Briar’s.
Sounds like a good plan. Once we have a date for the welcoming party, we’ll pass it along so Leo can let his dads know that we’d very much like them to be there so we can all start getting to know one another.
Thanks, Mom, that would be awesome. Thank you for finding the house for us. We’ve already fallen in love with it.
You’re welcome, sweetheart. I knew you’d love it; I just sent those other options so you’d be sure.
Kinda figured.
Tell Briar happy Yule and tell Leo we can’t wait to meet him. See you when you boys get home. You be careful on those roads coming back; Grandpa Cash’s knee has been bothering him, and you know what that means.
Yup, it’s gonna snow on our heads.
Exactly.
Love you, Mom.
Love you too, baby.
I was totally on cloud nine by the end of our discussion and more than ready to feel Leo’s lacy underwear beneath my furry cheek, just as soon as I could get out of my clothes.
“We’re all set,” I told them as I reached for the hem of my t-shirt only to have Briar reach it first and peel it off over my head.
