But first, they have to put in an offer.
They’re at Kim’s place later that day when Danika’s phone rings, the display showing Farid’s number. Danika’s eyes widen and with a jut of her chin toward Bella and Cami, who are sitting onthe beanbags, their heads together as they giggle over something on the iPad, Danika answers the call, and goes into the bedroom.
Kim follows and closes the door behind her.
“Hi, Farid,” Danika says. “Kim’s here too, and you’re on speaker.”
“I hope I’m not calling too late,” Farid says. “The sellers wanted time to consider your offer. As I mentioned, it’s a fair bit lower than what they were hoping for.”
“I see,” Danika says in a neutral voice. “Did the sellers make a counteroffer?”
Papers rustle over the phone. “They did,” Farid says. “But before I come to that, can you confirm that your offer is not subject to finance and that you have the money immediately available?”
“We have the money, but we’d need seven days to access it,” Danika says. “That’s about as immediate as you get these days.”
“The note you wrote accompanying your offer mentioned you wanted a family home for you and your girls. Anything you say isn’t binding of course, but the sellers liked the idea of another family growing up in the home where they were so happy.”
Danika wiggles her eyebrows at Kim, who grins. They had taken a leaf out of Cami’s book and written a letter as to why they’d love the house.
“That’s quite true,” Kim says. “We see the house as perfect for our family. We’d be moving in.”
“Then I have instructions to make a counteroffer.” He named a figure that was twenty thousand more than their offer. “The sellers ask that a twenty per cent deposit be paid within seven days, which will allow them to finalise the purchase of their retirement unit, and also that settlement be sixty days, to allow them sufficient time to move.”
Kim’s heart leaps. They allowed for counteroffers, and the figure is reasonable, as are the terms. She nods.
Danika grabs a pad and scribblesCounter with 15 more than our offer?
Kim shakes her head. “I’m happy with that.” She puts her arm around Danika’s waist and leans closer so she can hear Farid better.
“Sure?” Danika mouths.
Kim nods again. She has never been surer, except for when she told Danika she loved her.
“Farid, we accept that offer. The terms are all fine.”
“Then we have a deal. Congratulations, Danika and Kim. I’ll relay your acceptance to the sellers, and text you to confirm they, too, are still happy. I won’t be able to send the paperwork until Monday though.”
After thanking Farid, Danika ends the call.
“We’ve bought a house.” Danika sits abruptly on the bed. “You and me, together. I can barely believe it.”
Kim sits next to her and grips her leg. “Neither can I.” She shakes her head. “Who’d have thought, when I knocked on your door unannounced, it would come to this.”
“Not me,” Danika says. She leans into Kim and kisses her neck. “We’re going to have some celebration tonight.”
“We haven’t even hinted at this to the girls,” Kim says. “What if they hate the idea?”
“They won’t. They absolutely won’t. Let’s go tell them now.”
Hand in hand, they exit Kim’s bedroom to tell their daughters how their family will get even closer.
Epilogue
Danika
Three years later
Danika stands in the doorway of the ensuite and watches her fiancée. Kim hums as she straightens the quilt on their bed.
