Chapter Fifty-Two
Jessica
After Ruthie was fed, burped, and changed, Alan suggested we go pick up the keys to the new house and complete an online registry of anything we may need.
“I’ve already had people asking where we’re registered; this way I’ll be able to tell them.”
Mama didn’t object to me leaving Ruthie for a few hours. I’m sure the flowers and my new minivan had softened her up.
As we walked down the porch steps, Alan pulled the fob from his front pocket and asked, “Do you want to drive?”
“Yes!” I exclaimed before snatching the electronic key from him and racing to the minivan.
He’d just gotten in the passenger seat when I authoritatively demanded, “Seatbelt!” as I started the engine.
“Give me a dang second to close the door!” he replied with a grin.
The second I heard the click, I put the vehicle in drive and threw a little gravel as I pulled out of the driveway.
I fully expected him to admonish me like my dad would have. He just watched me with a smile from the passenger seat.
Finally, he asked, “So, what do you think? Do you like how it handles?”
“It handles great.”
But I wouldn’t have cared if I had to keep both hands on the wheel to keep it from veering off into the ditch. It wasmine—well, ours. It represented freedom and not being at the mercy of Mama or anyone else for a ride. I could come and go as I pleased, onmytimetable.
“Thank you so much for this. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
But maybe I could show him.
****
Alan
We picked up the housekeys and headed straight to the new place.
It was a blue Craftsman with a similar layout to Brian’s house, but smaller, with one less bedroom. It worked—for now. Ruthie would have her nursery, and we could use the third bedroom for either a study nook for Jess or a guest room. Since Adam’s place was bigger, I suspected my parents would stay with him when they visited. Although it wouldn’t surprise me if they just bought something now that they had grandkids.
Plus, I was hopeful that Jess would eventually be willing to move to Lancastle. I could do the commute thing for six months, but it wasn’t a permanent solution.
I knew that wasn’t something I wanted to bring up for a while though. I needed her to marry me first.
One thing at a time.
We walked into the kitchen through the garage, and she proclaimed, “I still can’t believe we’re going to live here!” as she spun around the room.
“If you like this place, I can’t wait to show you my—our—Cape Cod in Lancastle.”
It had almost felt obscene living in such a big house by myself, but I’d built it with the hope that someday I’d have a family to fill it.
That day was almost here.
“When are we going there?”
“Before and after our honeymoon at the Cape, we can spend a few days there if you want.”
“So is your beach house in Cape Cod also a Cape Cod?” she asked with a giggle.
