Just inside the door is the cutest little entryway with hooks and cushioned bench underneath with storage for shoes. Taking a few steps farther inside, I see that the interior matches the feel of his home. An open-concept living space with wooden beams and accents greets me. To my left is a cozy living room, completely furnished with a couch, throw blanket, and beautiful coffee table. There’s even afireplace with the most gorgeous wooden mantle I’ve ever seen.
Niko’s voice follows me as I slowly walk farther into the apartment.
“Ideally, you’d sleep in one of the guest bedrooms upstairs near Sophia’s room when I’m out of town. There’re two to choose from.”
I nod along with him as he describes the bedrooms with attached bathrooms, but I’m too mesmerized by the kitchen to pay full attention.
The kitchen is a baker’s dream, causing me to nearly bounce with excitement. Stainless steel appliances are tucked between white farmhouse-style kitchen cabinets that are decorated with sleek black finishes. A gigantic kitchen island with marble countertops sits in the middle of this place I’d call heaven but that’s not even the best part. A double oven is screaming my name and my body is being pulled in its direction on its own accord.
My hand caresses the front of the oven, as if I’m petting Hunter’s new dog, but honestly this oven is better than any new puppy. Turning around, I find Niko leaning against the new refrigerator, arms crossed as he takes me in.
“I’m sorry. I stopped listening to you. This kitchen is magnificent. This would be mine?”
I can’t hide the excitement in my voice. Niko’s face splits into a grin just as Sophia joins us from somewhere down the hall. She runs full speed my way and I lean down to scoop her up just in time.
“Miss Sadie, do you like it? Can I show you your bedroom?”
Unable to deny this precious little girl, I put her down then take her hand as she leads me down the short hallway just past the kitchen. My mind is still on the space we’re leaving. Recipes for snickerdoodles, cheesecake, tarts, and breads runthrough my mind as I think of all the possibilities of magic I can create in there.
Niko’s dad voice interrupts my swirling thoughts of baked goods. “Sophia, she didn’t say she’s staying here. It’s not her bedroom. Yet.”
I don’t miss the way his voice teasingly says “yet,” and I look over my shoulder to find him staring as his daughter pulls me into the last room down the hall.
“Look, Miss Sadie! It’s a room for a princess, just like you!”
I’m about to tell her I’m no princess, but holy shit. She’s right. This room is straight out of one of her favorite fairytales.
A wooden canopy bed sits in the center of the room draped with sheer white fabric, similar to what hangs in my office, creating a soft bohemian look. The natural colored bedding looks as soft as a cloud, complete with patterned throw pillows. On each side of the bed sits a small wooden bedside table with lamps, emitting an ambient glow. Behind the bed is a beautiful gold sunburst wall decor piece that I can’t look away from.
I turn to find Niko holding Sophia’s hand, smiles on both of their faces. Sophia leans into her dad, whispering but loud enough for me to hear.
“I think she likes it.”
My eyes are locked on Sadie, just as they have been for the past fifteen minutes. She’s like some rare wonder of the world I can’t look away from.
She smiles at my daughter’s comment, causing my heart to trip over itself in my chest.
“You’re right, Sophia. I do like it. No, wait. I love it.”
Sophia squeals next to me, nearly blowing out my eardrum. She takes off toward Sadie before I can tell her to use her walking feet. She grabs Sadie’s hand again and leads her into the ensuite bathroom.
I follow them in, Sadie freezing the moment her eyes land on the claw-foot tub underneath the window. Slowly, she turns to look back at me, her mouth agape and her eyes lit up with sheer amazement.
“Niko. A claw-foot tub with a shower? This space is incredible!”
Neither of us miss the way Sophia claps her hands next to us, overly excited with the prospect of her new favorite person moving in with us.
“You can thank my mom for that.I think I mentioned she’s an interior designer. She designed my house and the apartment too.”
Sadie shakes her head in disbelief. “I will most definitely be thanking her. But before we do that, let’s talk about cost.”
This woman.
“Sophia, can you wait for us out in the living room?”
My overly-dramatic daughter huffs out a very unpleasant, “fine!” and then literally stomps her feet all the way into the living room.
Sadie laughs at Sophia’s retreating body and I lean against the wall near the door. “Sadie, you’re not paying to stay here.”
