The theme throughout is rustic and tranquil, and her beloved plants adorn every surface, giving the room the soft and calming feeling that overpowers everything when I’m around her. She has two stunning cream couches littered with orange and brown throw cushions and chunky knit blankets. In the center is a large wooden coffee table, and the main focal point of the room is the huge wood-burning stove—called a log burner over here. The table has an arrangement of dusky-pink tulips next to a large candle on top of two of her coffee table books. Without even seeing the covers, I know those books will be about the outdoors, gardens, or plants.
Smiling to myself, I imagine her curled up on the couch, the stove roaring in front of her, a mug of chamomile tea tucked into one hand, and her favorite gardening book propped up on her knee. For as long as I can remember, she has been obsessed with gardening. She says there is something special about nurturing something so small into something beautiful and grand. Watching it develop before your eyes is both an achievement and a wonder.
Grasping the door handle and taking in a huge deep breath, I open the door and am greeted by a smiling Cole whose face changes to shock when he takes me in. “Leo?”
“The one and only. How can I help you, Cole?”
“I…well, this has thrown me a little if I’m honest.” He scratches the back of his neck. “I’ve just moved in next door and I was coming to introduce myself to the neighbors.”
“Oh, Mrs. Daily said she had sold to someone who worked in the city.” My tone is light as I try my hardest to keep up this little act.
“Who is it?” Ria’s delicate voice drifts through from the kitchen.
“It's our new neighbor,” I call out over my shoulder, smiling at Cole.
“Cole?” Ria comes to my side, smiling wide at Cole. “You’re our new neighbor?” Taking this opportunity, I drape my arm around her shoulder and pull her into me. Her head automatically tilts to rest on my chest, and her arm wraps gently around my waist, while her other drifts to settle on my chest. The soft and intimate touch has my insides burning up, and I suppress the shudder traveling up my spine.
“It would appear so,” he says brightly.
“Would you like to come in for a drink?” Ria offers.
“You sure? I’m not intruding, am I?”
“Of course not,” Ria says as we step aside. “We’re heading over to Hunter and Jade’s shortly, but we have time for a brew as you Brits say.” Cole laughs as he brushes past us. Ria slips out of my hold to guide Cole through the house, and I shut the door before following them, my heart jackknifing in my chest at the possibility of holding Ria close to me again as we make small talk with Cole. Because last time we were being professional. Now, in what he is assuming is our home, we need to come across as the madly-in-love couple who couldn’t wait to get married only a few days ago.
“You have a beautiful home,” Cole says as he checks out the photos in Ria’s hallway, and thank God there are plenty ofus together. She has this portrait wall, as she calls it, which is covered in various-shaped photo frames of different colors. Every single person who is close to her is on this wall, and I pause as Cole throws me a half smile and tilts his head to a photo.
“Thank you.” I swallow as I take in the photo he’s noticed. Ria has framed our wedding photo. It’s a little grainy, but my chest tightens at the expressions of sheer happiness on both of our faces.
She framed this?
Only her special life-altering moments go on this wall. And there we are smiling, pure joy radiating out of us, next to a photo of Ria crying happy tears as she cradles her two perfect nieces.
Cole moves to catch up with Ria and I mindlessly follow. It doesn’t mean anything, her putting that picture there.You’re making this something it isn’t.
As we enter the kitchen, Ria flicks on the kettle. The kettle that Lily insisted she buy when she first came over and nearly had a coronary when Ria tried to heat the water for her tea in the microwave. One thing I’ve learned about Lily Chambers is you do not question her on how to make tea—you take notes and you do not deviate. “We haven’t been here too long but we love it. Quiet, secure, and really close to the office without being on the doorstep so we can take a step away from work.” Ria lets out a little giggle as she gathers the mugs.
“Workaholics?” Cole questions.
“Guilty,” Ria answers, leaning against the worktop. “Plus my brother and Jade live across the street.”
“You’re close to your brother?”
“I am close to both of my brothers. Noah is back in New York, but we speak all the time. But I actually meant it’s good being close because this one”—she gives me a cheeky grin—“can’t go twenty-four hours without speaking to my brother.”
“I think that is the other way around.” Opening the fridge, I retrieve the milk and place it down on the counter. “I’ve got this; you sit down.” I tuck a loose piece of her hair behind her ear, letting the back of my fingers trail across her cheek as I tip my head toward the island. She gives me a thankful smile but shocks me when she lifts up and brushes her lips to my cheek. The kiss is gentle and featherlike, but I feel it right down to my toes.
“Thank you,” she whispers before moving to sit beside Cole.
Turning, I focus on making the tea and not the way my heart is thundering in my chest. Get a goddamn grip. None of this means anything.
“So how is married life treating you both?”
“Good.” Ria sighs. “But if I’m honest, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind since we got back.”
“Yeah.” I place their cups of tea in front of them and sit on the stool next to Ria. “I was not expecting to ask her to marry me then. That is not how I planned on making this one my wife,” I say sheepishly.
“No?” Cole questions.
