Exiting the car, he meets me, grabbing my hand and leading me to the tree.
I’m in awe of it as I look up and see the limbs, the shade it provides. It is beautiful.
“This is your tree,” I finally say, finding my words.
He lets go of my hand and walks to the trunk, placing his hand on it.
“It is, and now it’s also Lauren’s.”
A tear comes to my eye as I copy him, placing my hand on the trunk, feeling the closest I’ve ever felt to her as the rough bark meets my palm. “We’re going to find him,” I quietly promise her. And in that moment, my words come out, and a butterfly lands on the grass below us.
We both smile, not needing any words, a confirmation that we would find him. She’ll lead him out of the darkness and back into the light.
Standing there for a few more minutes, Luca motions for us to get back in the car. As we drive up a hill, a house comes into view, and it’s breathtaking.
“Oh.” That is all I can say.
Luca chuckles next to me.
Parking in front of the house, I sit and just take it in. I thought the cabin was beautiful, but this is gorgeous. It’s dark green, almost black, with wooden accents. A huge picture window is the main focus. I’m in awe when stepping out of the car.
“Welcome home, Killer.”
I gape like a fish. “Luca.”
He walks to me and picks me up, bridal style, as he carries me to the door.
Laughing, “Luca! Put me down.”
I watch as he places his finger on the door, and it unlocks. My eyebrows raise; keyless, only our fingerprints will let us in.
He carries me over the threshold, kisses me before sitting me gently on my feet, allowing me to take in the house.
Breathing in, my lungs fill with cloves and wood. Clean and all Luca.
I slowly walk around, letting my eyes take in every inch of the house.
The open concept is beautiful. I look out the enormous window overlooking the property and see the tree down the hill.I smile. Spinning around, Luca stands just watching me as I walk to the kitchen and dining area. Everything is new and shiny.
Opening the fridge, it’s fully stocked.
I turn to look at him.
He shrugs. “I got ways.”
Even though the house has the necessities, it lacks full furnishing.
“You can decorate it however you please,” he tells me, waving me to follow him. Going up a set of stairs, we come to a landing with a few doors.
“Our room also overlooks the front of the house. I wanted you to see the sunrise and for me to see anyone who tries to come near the house.”
The only thing the room has is a king-size bed.
I walk into the bathroom and audibly gasp.
“It’s not the same one, but it’s close enough.” Luca voices when he knows I see the clawfoot tub. “My plan was to get it here once we were ready to move in, but of course, this all got moved faster than I was expecting.”
I’ll forever love and miss the cabin; that’s where Luca and I started, but this, this place feels like where it will end, when we're old and gray. Where laughs will echo throughout and families will gather.
