“We’re going riding.”
Rawley chuckled. “Alright. I’ll behave… for now.”
“I bet that won’t last long.”
“You’d win that bet.”
“Come on, then.” He led her behind him.
In the dining room, a round mahogany table, polished to a mirror finish, sat centered on a hand-woven braided rug of burgundy and navy, with an antique China cupboard against one wall, its glass doors revealing the sparkle of crystal within. A fireplace dominated the far wall, a relic from another century that had been lovingly preserved. Polished mahogany columns, round and substantial, flanked either side of the hearth, their rich auburn grain catching the afternoon light. Above the mantel an ornate mirror sat surrounded by the rounded columns and flanked by divided windows with white plantation blinds.
The original brick firebox remained intact, its edges blackened by decades of winter fires, while the wooden trim, restored to its original luster, created a warm frame around the entire assembly, bridging past and present in this thoughtfully refurbished space.
French doors with beveled glass panes connected the dining room to the living room, one standing invitingly open. Entering the living room, another fireplace of granite sat on the side wall, with built-in bookshelves on both sides housing leather-bound volumes and family heirlooms. A large picture window bathed the front of the room in natural light, its window seat upholstered in the color of forest moss. Victorian wallpaper in a subtle pattern covered the walls, perfectly matching the era of the home. In the foyer, the floors were cream ceramic tiles with inlaid rosettes of terracotta, and the second staircase curved gracefully against the wall, its white banister gleaming like fresh snow, leading to a landing halfway up where a stained-glass window cast jeweled light across the space. In the hallway leading back toward the kitchen, sat an old grandfather clock. Skylar turned to face him and her breath caught in her throat as he looked at her.
“It’s a beautiful home, Rawley,” she said, running her fingertips along the polished mahogany banister.
“Thank you. Come on, upstairs.” He caught her hand in his and guided her toward the sweeping staircase with its plush crimson runner.
She paused at the octagon window, its leaded glass casting prismatic patterns across the hardwood. Pressing her palm to the cool pane, she leaned close and peered out. She smiled when she spotted the swimming pool below, its azure waters shimmering like scattered sapphires in the golden afternoon sun.
She nodded for him to continue and let him lead her up the rest of the stairs. The hallway stretched before her like a dimly lit tunnel, its polished hardwood gleaming under the afternoon light. She stopped to look at the photos hanging on the walls.
“Those are my grandfather’s. I found them in an old trunk in the attic.
“They’re old, aren’t they?”
“Yes. I took them to a framer, and he restored and framed them for me.”
Rawley paused at the first door on the right, his hand turning the brass knob before he nodded for her to enter. Her breath caught as she took in the cedar four-poster bed, its rich amber grain catching the sunlight streaming through lace curtains, positioned cattycorner with a massive cedar chest whose ornate carvings whispered of family heirlooms. Light yellow wallpaper adorned the walls, patterned with delicate vines that seemed to climb toward the crown molding. A matching dresser with an oval mirror reflected her face, while a chest of drawers sat nearby. Rawley opened a second door, revealing a bathroom where a gleaming white clawfoot tub commanded attention, its brass fixtures winking in the light, complemented by a porcelain sink and toilet. The floor was made up of beige tiles. Beyond this sanctuary lay another bedroom, where white furniture, pristine as fresh snow, contrasted with lavender wallpaper thatreminded her of spring twilight. The bathroom sat between the two rooms.
Then he led her out into the hallway, opened a door on the opposite side of the hall, and she peered in to see an office with plush dark blue carpeting that her feet sank into like velvet moss. A massive cherry desk gleamed under the natural light, positioned regally with its back to three tall windows that framed a panoramic view of the manicured backyard. Floor-to-ceiling shelves overflowed with leather-bound books, their spines a tapestry of rich colors against the mahogany-paneled wall. Two wingback chairs, upholstered in buttery caramel leather, sat expectantly before the desk where a sleek desktop computer sat.
“There’s also another bathroom beside the office,” he mentioned, his voice echoing slightly in the corridor.
They proceeded to the final door before the staircase that descended into the kitchen. When he swung it open, she stepped inside and froze, her eyes widening as she took in the spacious bedroom with its vaulted ceiling and crown molding.
“It’s... breathtaking,” she whispered, her voice catching.
“The bathroom is through there,” he said, nodding toward an ornate door with crystal knobs that sparkled in the afternoon light.
Skylar glanced at him, then approached the bathroom door with anticipation. She pushed it open and couldn’t suppress a gasp of delight.
“Oh, my. I want to use that tub. I love the double-sided fireplace.”
Rawley’s strong arms encircled her waist from behind, his lips brushing the sensitive spot where her neck met her shoulder, sending shivers down her spine.
“I’m sure you’ll want to do that when we get back,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin.
She stood mesmerized by the striking black-and-white elegance. The linen closet and vanity were crafted from ebony wood with porcelain knobs that stood out like stars against a midnight sky. The tub and pedestal sink gleamed pristine white, while the floor featured an intricate checkerboard pattern of Italian marble tiles. The glass-enclosed shower dominated one wall, a luxurious sanctuary with multiple brass showerheads positioned strategically to massage away tension. She approached the enormous jacuzzi tub, running her fingertips along its smooth edge, enchanted by how the bay window above created dappled patterns of golden sunshine that striped the floor. The fireplace sat at the end of the tub.
Rawley leaned against the doorframe, his tall frame silhouetted by the golden light streaming through the windows. “Are you ready to head out?” he asked.
“Yes,” Skylar replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I packed us a lunch. We can stop at the pond.”
“I’d love that.” The thought of sitting by still waters under dappled shade made her smile.
