“Uh, Sandra. There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
At the hesitancy in Walt’s voice, she looked up from the suite desk where she’d set her laptop. He still stood by the closed hotel suite door and hadn’t removed the furry cap with side flaps he’d donned to keep from being recognized by fans or paparazzi.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, straightening.
“Not really. I think it’s important to bring up, but Linda says I should mind my own business.”
He must be trying to play the mother hen again with Sandra. She turned back to the desk.
“Boss, it’s usually a good idea to listen to your wife. She’s a smart woman.”
“Duh.” He pulled off his hat. “But this is important to me.”
It had to be about the condo he wanted to buy. Since her roommate had moved from their apartment, Sandra had mentioned it might be time for her to buy her own place. Walt had latched onto the idea that she should get a condo on his floor. In California, he’d owned a large home, and she’d been one of several live-in staff. He’d gotten used to having her nearby.
Since moving into Linda’s condo after their marriage, he’d fretted about the inconvenience of Sandra living across town. His wife had offered to give up her home office for his and Sandra’s use, but it would have meant Linda would need to spend more time at her business. Which already took a lot of her time, especially around the holidays, when she was the busiest. What they really needed was a larger place, but he wanted somewhere with acreage, so they’d agreed to wait until he sold his home in Malibu.
“I bought a condo,” Walt said.
“I told you I don’t want to live down the hall from you and Linda.” Sandra shook her head. “You two have earned your privacy.
“It’s not on my floor. It’s on the one below.”
She shifted to glare at him, but he’d turned his back to her and was taking off his overcoat. When he faced Sandra and found her watching him, Walt shrugged.
“It’s got a second bedroom you can use as an office. The condo is near the stairs, so it’ll help me get in my steps.”
“And what will your neighbors think of you going back and forth between my condo and yours?”
He winced. “Linda asked the same thing, but I think it’ll be fine. Everyone knows you’re like a daughter to me, and it’s obvious to anyone with eyes that Linda’s my girl.”
Theywereadorable. But it was one thing having an official office wing in his Malibu house and designating a room for the same purpose inherhome. What if Sandra started dating someone? Eb’s face flashed through her mind, but she pushed it aside.
“Besides, it’d be temporary,” Walt went on. “I’ve talked with a local realtor, and she told me that many people wait to put their homes up for sale until after Christmas. She said the owner of the spread next to Carlisle’s has been talking about selling.”
“You’re thinking of buying out there?”
“Sure. I’ve wanted a family of my own for my whole life. Now that I have one, I want to be closer to them.”
Sandra completely understood. He’d waited for his happily ever after longer than she’d been alive. But she didn’t know if he’d considered the disconnect between it and his reasoning for buying the condo. Linda’s daughter didn’t live all that far out of town. However, it was still farther away from the condo than Sandra’s current apartment.
“Um, Walt…”
“I know, but the property I’m interested in has a guest house. It’d be better even than the Malibu property. You’d be close but still have your privacy. It’d be a win-win. And there would be enough room to build you a bigger place when you’re ready to…” He gave her a sheepish grin. “Settle down.”
Sandra’s eyes stung, and she glanced away.Build you a bigger place. Like he would if shewerehis daughter. Colliding emotions made her eyes burn. It really was the sweetest thing ever. She understood what he wasn’t saying: he considered her family. But he also expected her to get married and have her own kids. If only it were possible.
“I’m curious what Linda thinks of your plan.” Sandra plugged in her laptop, still not looking at him.
“She likes the idea of being close to her daughter and grandkids.” Walt came over to sit in a recliner near the desk. “The place is a little grand for her tastes, but it’s not nearly as fancy as some properties in the area. It’s made of logs and has a bear theme.” Chuckling, he brought up the footrest and leaned back, his hands behind his head. “I’d never have commissioned the artwork myself, but I really like it. Since it’s part of the house, I’ll take it.”
He had Sandra’s interest now. “Is it listed online? I thought you said the owner was onlythinkingof selling.”
Walt pulled out his phone and handed it to her. “He’s a fan and likes the idea of me buying the place.”
Sandra opened it to the photos. “Are you kidding me?”
The first picture was of the front door, which had a bear surrounded by a thicket carved into the heavy wood. She flipped through the images. Like the Wyndham home, it was spacious, but the rustic cabin construction and decor gave the rooms a warm and cozy feel. Sandra couldn’t help smiling at the indoor pool, especially since it included two statues of bears incorporated into the layout. He’d commented more than once how much he missed the pool in his Malibu house.
