Though it’s a little older, the large log house had been well looked after by the previous owners. I worked with a contractor to make a few updates before I moved in. Now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
“Did Grace design your gardens?” she asks as we follow the walkway to the front porch.
“She did. Before she took over, it was a bunch of dirt, rocks, and a few unkempt bushes. Now I have maintenance-free perennial gardens. Every so often she shows up and cuts things back, and new flowers grow like magic.”
“They’re beautiful. I love how they look like they are a natural part of the existing landscape.” She smiles softly and says, “If I ever own a house, I would like gardens like this.”
“Let’s go inside. I don’t want you to get cold.”
Using the keypad, I unlock the door, and we step inside. The temperature has dropped since I was home last, so I turn up the thermostat and the gas-powered fireplace in the living room.
Curiously, she wanders farther into the room, running her fingers along the back of my leather couch. Stopping at the bookshelf, she examines the titles. “I have some of these. I didn’t know you read psychological thrillers and mysteries too.”
“Yeah, I love to read. Sometimes I’ll throw in horror to freak myself out.”
“I never took you for a masochist.” She raises an eyebrow at me.
I join her when she reaches the large windows that cover the entire front wall facing the water. Though I have waterfront property, my house sits up on a hill among the trees, overlooking the quiet lake. I hired a landscaping company to make a path made of flagstone down to the water’s edge. We are lucky that this is a quiet lake, with no obnoxious speedboats racing arounddestroying the shoreline. I can’t see my neighbours on either side, and that’s okay with me. I appreciate the privacy and peace I’ve found here.
“Wow, I didn’t realize you were up so high. The view is breathtaking.” Tilting her head, she points towards the small cottage on the water’s edge across the lake. “Is that Hannah’s cabin?”
Standing behind her, I lean over her shoulder and point. “Yes, and that one over there belongs to Brian Marshal.”
“Really?” She looks up at me with her nose scrunched. “I thought he lived in the village. Is it an income property?”
“No, he divides his time between the two, I think. The lights are on over there most nights.”
“I had no idea. But I also try not to think about him at all, so how would I?” She chuckles, turning away from the window.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” I ask. “There isn’t much variety, but I know I have coffee, tea, and water. Or are you ready to have a bath?”
“Bath first, drink later, please.”
“Follow me,” I say, leading her up the stairs and down the hall towards my bedroom.
As we enter, she takes in the sparse space. “This is a great room.”
“I don’t know about that. It’s kind of dull.” It really doesn’t have much personality. Wooden floors and furniture. Various shades of grey cover the walls, windows, and bed.
“I really like the dormer. It would be perfect for a little reading nook. You know what else would look good in here?”
“Tell me,” I encourage. “I haven’t really done much in here.”
“A splash of red. I can see it now.” She holds her hands up like a frame as she slowly turns in place. “Pillows, blankets, maybe an accent wall. Ooooh and art. Definitely art on thewalls. I bet Hannah has something at the gallery that would be perfect.”
“Huh.” Rubbing my palm across my jaw, I look around, trying to see it through her eyes. “Maybe you could help me pick a few things out. I have no idea what to buy.”
“That would be so much fun. I really enjoy decorating.”
“The bathroom is right through here.” Turning on the light, I step aside so she can enter first.
“Holy shit, Ryan, this is incredible.” She spins around with her eyes wide before gravitating to a large window that overlooks the lake above the trees. “I feel like I’m in the clouds.”
“Don’t worry about the window. You can see out, but nobody can see in. It’s completely private,” I tell her as I place her bag on the floor.
“I wouldn’t care even if they could. This is magnificent,” she gushes, glancing over her shoulder at me. “The women you bring here must love it.”
“There are no women. The only person who has ever been in this room besides me is you.”
