“I had to do a background check.”
“Thatisstrange,” McMillian says. “I’ve never heard anyone having to give out that much information just to view the property.”
“Lea thought it might’ve been that Alice was just being extra vigilant since she doesn’t have an agent.”
“I can see that.” Sam inserts the key into the lock and opens the door. The guys enter first and turn the light on. I trail behind them.
“Whoa, this isnotwhat I was expecting.” We’ve entered the main living room, with cheerful yellow walls. Three bay windows flood the room with natural light. As I turn, I see a period fireplace in the center. But my favorite feature is the crown molding. “I don’t think anything in here needs work. It’s perfect just the way it is.”
“McMillian, what do you think?” Sam asks.
His squadron mate circles the room. He taps on walls, crouches down to inspect the fireplace, and studies the condition of the windows. “Structurally, this room is in decent shape. I’d recommend sanding the floors and, if you have the budget for it, replacing these windows with double- or triple-glazed ones. It’s expensive, but they’re effective in conserving heat in winter and insulating against it in summer.”
“They’re not original?”
“No.”
“How can you tell?” I cock my head to the side.
“Experience.” McMillian shrugs.
That’s such a soldier-like answer. Straight to the point without elaborating. I roll my eyes. “Come on, let’s go and inspect the bedrooms and kitchen.”
Since we know the kitchen has been updated recently, we ascend the stairs to check out the bedrooms. Just as in the case of the ground floor, they’re in pristine condition. There’s a master bedroom with an en suite and a second decent-sized bedroom.
“Are you thinking of using this as a dance room or a sewing studio?” Sam jokes.
“Both?” In truth, I haven’t thought about having a dance studio in my new flat. Sewing room, yes. “Actually, no, I take that back. I’d use the living room. I don’t want to risk hitting a wall if I’m doing a turn en pointe.”
“Good point. This room is a little small for that.”
I study the dimensions of the room again. “Do you think your sisters would mind sharing a bunk bed?”
“My sisters? Bunk bed?” Sam frowns. “No, but why do you ask?”
“Well, if they’re going to come visit you, wouldn’t it be nice if they could spend more than just a day with you?”
“Yes, but you wouldn’t have to?—”
I place a finger on his lips. “When we first met, you said that one of the most important things to you is your family. You told me it’s hard to be away from them for long periods of time.” I remove my finger and take hold of his hands. “I don’t want you to have to make that choice any longer. You take care of them, so I’m taking care of you. Whenever the girls want to visit, I want them to have the option to stay if they want. My home will always be open to them—and you, of course.”
“Me?”
“Uh-huh.” I nod. “If you decide to move out of the barracks at some point in the future, there is enough space for you too.”
Sam’s eyes sparkle. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I’ll, er, be in the kitchen,” McMillian mutters, fleeing the room and leaving the two of us standing alone.
Sam pulls me in tight to him. I giggle. His mouth finds my ear. “Min, I love you.”
“I know you do.”
We finishour grand tour of the flat a little later in the garden. The moment the bifold doors are opened, a liver-and-white-colored dog excitedly bounds across the grass to greet us. She barks once, then settled herself in front of Sam, rolling over onto her back to expose her belly.
“I think you have a new friend, Sam I Am.”
He crouches down to scratch her. “Indeed, it looks like I do.”
