I can see where Ben gets his stubborn streak from.
“I’ll make you a deal,” I say, crouching down so we’re eye level. “You put your mask on, and I’ll stop by your room after I get Rowan settled so we can get acquainted.”
His cold, trembling hands grasp mine. “Don’t go making deals with the devil. They’ll only land you in trouble.” He says it with a smile, and it’s hard to look at this frail, sickly man and remember he was once a fearsome mafia don. Angelo keeps a hold of my hands, ignoring my deal as he looks up at his son. “She’s even more beautiful than you said.” He lets go of my hands to point a finger at Ben. “Don’t go messing it up.”
“Inside, Angelo.” The nurse pins him with a “don’t mess with me” look that’s impressive.
Ben takes my hand as Angelo finally allows the nurse to fit the oxygen mask over his mouth. Natalia pulls the blanket up over his shoulders before pushing her father inside the house.
“Ready to see your new home?” Ben asks, just before we step over the threshold.
The moment feels huge. Like I’m not just crossing the threshold into a house but a new life. Ignoring the butterflies in my chest, I squeeze Ben’s hand and smile as I take a step forward. “Lead the way.”
37
SIERRA
“This is the east wing of the house,” Ben explains as we step behind tall double mahogany doors into an enclosed section of his property. He just gave us a fifty-cent tour of the main living spaces including the large kitchen and breakfast room, homey living room, family dining room, expansive sunroom, indoor pool and gym, movie theater, game room, and bar. He also has a formal ballroom, but it’s never been used since he doesn’t invite guests here. There are two offices, both on this side of the house, and he told me I’m welcome to use Angelo’s office as he doesn’t use it anymore.
My eyes almost bugged out of my head when he showed me the large library. It’s like something you see in the movies with tall shelving and row upon row of neatly stacked books. Several desks are dotted around the large room, but I favor the seated area in front of the roaring open fire, and I can already picture myself sprawled across the fabric couch with a blanket covering me as I savor my latest romance book. I will definitely make good use of the space.
Ben explained he is renovating the west wing, and it is off-limits for now.
“My master suite is on this level, and I had the adjoining bedroom prepared for Rowan. Angelo’s quarters are on this side of the house too but at the opposite end of the hallway,” he adds, keeping his hand on my lower back as he steers me through a bright living room. “This is our own living room,” he explains as Rowan races ahead of us into the hallway. Ben pushes a door open on my right. “You have a small kitchen if you need it for drinks or snacks. My staff caters all meals though you are welcome to cook yourself if you want.”
“What about upstairs?” I ask, as we haven’t been up there yet and I assumed that is where our bedrooms would be. This place is ginormous and about twice the size of my parents’ palatial home.
“I rarely use the upstairs space,” he says, shrugging. “There are more bedrooms and bathrooms up there and staff quarters for those who live in.”
We step out into the hallway, and he points at an elevator on the right. “You can go exploring any time you like. The elevator also goes to the roof garden.”
“Your home is really impressive.”
“I hired one of the best New York architects to design this place, and it took years to build. I wanted to ensure it met all my current and future needs.” His eyes drill into mine. “And it’s notmyhome. It’sours.” My heart speeds up at his words and the intensity in his gaze.
“Mommy!” Rowan’s screams almost burst my eardrums.
Ben chuckles. “I think he discovered the playroom.”
I walk quickly beside Ben, almost keeling over when I step foot in the large rectangular room filled to the brim with toys and games. Rowan is currently jumping up and down in the ball pit, and I have never seen him so excited. The entire area on that side of the room has Velcro walls, and the ball pit is a corner pool surrounded by floor trampolines that are full of foam blocks. Ropes hang overhead to flip from above, and one of the Velcro walls is a rock climbing wall.
I am already imagining having to drag him kicking and screaming from this room most nights.
“This is awesome!” he shouts, throwing a few balls around the room.
Three bicycles are propped against the far wall, and I walk toward them, running the tips of my fingers along the shiny metal. “Wow. You really thought of everything.” I beam at Ben.
He shrugs, shoving his hands deep into the pockets of his jeans. “I tried. There are some nice cycling paths around the property and a couple of decent walking trails through the woods at the back. I don’t want you to feel like you’re stuck indoors.”
If snow hits next month, we might have little choice. Winters here can be as brutal as Chicago, so I’m not hedging my bets. “I appreciate the effort you have put in,” I say, touching his arm. “Thank you. It will make the transition easier.”
“You haven’t seen the best room yet,” he adds, lacing his fingers in mine.
“Rowan,” he calls out, jerking his head to the side. “I’ve got another surprise. Come on.”
Rowan doesn’t need any encouragement, tumbling out of the ball pit and racing toward us like a tornado.
Ben chuckles again. “I love how excited he is.”
