“You’re here!” trilled a happy Candi. “Isn’t it just to die for? The perfect family home with four bedrooms, a downstairs office, large open concept kitchen, and modernized bathrooms done in a traditional style. This home is in pristine condition, the roof was replaced just last year. It’s hard to believe it is nearly a hundred years old. One of the oldest homes in this neighborhood of this size. They modelled other homes in the area after this one.”
“Roofs need to be replaced?” frowned Gabe. He had never really thought about it before. Roofs were just there, keeping the rain out. How often did one replace a roof? What other things would he need to know about being a new homeowner? The condo company took care of maintenance issues. Who would take care of them if there was no condo board to oversee these sorts of things?
“Just every twenty years or so,” Candi gave him an uncertain laugh, wondering if he was kidding or not. “Now you two lovebirds take a tour around. I’m sure you’ll be more than happy with what you see.”
Gabe could see Britney nearly purring with pleasure as she ‘ooohed’ and ‘aaahed’ over the moldings, high ceilings, and large rooms. Not nearly as impressed, Gabe followed in her footsteps.
“A fireplace!” Britney’s eyes lit up. “Can you imagine a nice wood fire on a cold winter evening?”
He was not hauling wood and playing with matches. Gabe had zero idea of how to properly do a wood fire, let alone inside a house. “Fires are dangerous. Our baby could get burnt or an ember can fly out and set the rug on fire. Plus, the fireplace itself is always dirty. A baby will crawl in there then make tracks all over the rug.”
Britney’s face fell with disappointment. She gave the fireplace one last longing look. “I suppose you’re right.”
Gabe suddenly felt like he had kicked a puppy. It was obvious Britney was falling in love with the house and the silly sentimental ideas which came with it. He had just torn away one of those ideas. Before he could stop himself, he offered a compromise. “We could buy one of those things which cover the hole.”
“A stand?” Britney doubtfully replied.
“A screen,” spoke Candi with confidence as she straightened a vase. “It’s a fireplace screen.”
“Fine, a screen,” Gabe refrained from rolling his eyes. “And we won’t use it unless the baby is put to bed or in a one of those foldable pens.”
“A playpen?” a laugh escaped Britney and her eyes twinkled in merriment.
“Whatever,” gruffly Gabe replied. He tried to ignore the warmth spreading through him as a result of Britney’s amusement. “I suppose you’ll want a Christmas tree in here.”
“I would like that,” Britney smiled and his heart kicked out an extra beat in response. Gabe scowled. He wandered off into the office as Candi enticed Britney into the kitchen, the two women talking about counter space and cabinets.
He looked around the calm shelves full of books, the big wooden desk and leather chair set just before a pair of French doors which led to the backyard. The room was comfortable. Gabe could see himself working in this room. Not that he wanted to admit it. Opening a French door, he had a peek at the backyard.
It was a mess. There was a yellow circle of grass. Hardly any landscaping was there. There was a nice patio area but nothing much else.
Gabe shut the door and went to find Britney in the kitchen. A quick inventory of counter space told him there wasn’t enough area for all the mixing machines and other devices she had accumulated for cooking or baking. Something would have to be done about the need for space otherwise no one would be able to see the countertop for all her small appliances. The worst part was he knew she had ordered more of the equipment on a gift registry for the wedding. Shuddering, Gabe tried not to think of all of Brit’s clutter, instead focusing on the backyard. “What is wrong with the lawn?”
“What do you mean?” questioned Britney in concern, shutting the oven door to look at him.
“There’s a huge yellow dead patch,” Gabe picked up an appetizing apple out of a bowl only to discover it was plastic. Irritated, he put it back. “There are smaller yellow patches everywhere back there.”
“The owners took down an aboveground pool,” explained Candi. “There might have been a spill of pool chemicals which killed a little bit of grass.”
“The yard would have to be fixed,” decided Gabe. What sort of people had an aboveground pool and plastic fruit?
“Does it mean you like the house?” ventured a hopeful Britney.
“We haven’t seen all of it yet,” Gabe withheld his liking for the office. He wasn’t going to be sold on a house based on a single room even if it was the most comfortable room he had seen the entire tour of houses they had been on.
Britney looped her arm through his. “Show me the backyard.”
Gabe tried to ignore how her touch made him feel uncomfortable. He didn’t like the way she pressed against his side, or how he became hyper-aware of her. However, out of politeness, he couldn’t just push away from her. Not in front of the realtor.
At least, that’s what he told himself.
Leading the way into the backyard, Candi tried to make up for the patchy grass. “I know it’s a little rough, but this could become an amazing oasis for the two of you to relax in. There is room for an inground pool and yardage to spare. The trees are mature and strong. Maybe a rope swing from one of them? Or a playset over there. The best part is it’s already fenced in, sparing you the expense of fencing it.”
“It is big,” murmured Britney as she gazed at the expanse of yard. “It has potential.”
“Exactly!” pounced Candi on Britney’s words. “Potential is right. Think of it as a clean slate to make your own mark on it and create something specific to your needs.”
“I would love some more flowers. Maybe a flowering tree? Just a small one,” a wistful Britney sighed as she squeezed Gabe’s arm. “We need a playset for the baby. Something he can grow with for most of his childhood.”
