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And now I do.
I knew Hunter’s home would be elaborate but I wasn’t expecting this.
“Welcome to your new home.” Richard gives me that smile again, observing that I’m completely fascinated with the place.
“Thank you.”
We stop in front of the grand entrance which has wide sweeping steps leading up to a large ornate oak door set within a pointed archway. Even that is beautiful with the intricate detail looping around it.
The door creaks open and out walks a cheerful-looking elderly lady dressed in a pink cardigan and a gray pencil skirt. When she sees me a bright smile slides across her thin pink lips and her pale blue eyes brighten.
Richard gets out of the car and opens the door for me. I step out and she comes down the stairs to greet me.
“This must be Luna.” Her voice is as animated as a Disney character. Like Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast.
“Yes, that’s me.” I smile back at her, returning her politeness.
“I’m Paige, the custodian here. What an absolute pleasure to meet you.” She extends a delicate hand to shake mine.
“You too.” I shake her hand and smile, totally surprised by how nice she is.
Like the house, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the people who worked inside it. Because Hunter is the way he is, I imagined everyone to look and act as if they worked for Count Dracula.
Nervously, I glance back at the door, expecting Hunter to come out. When he doesn’t I look back at Paige.
“Is Hunter here?”
“No, he’s working today. He won’t be back until tonight so I’ll be taking care of you.”
Working on Sunday. I didn’t expect that either but that may be better. It will give me a chance to prepare, get used to the place, and gather my thoughts before I see him.
“Don’t worry, you’re in great hands.” Paige chuckles, deepening the crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes.
“I’m sure I am.”
“Come, I’ll get you a bite to eat and show you around while Richard takes care of your things.” She glances at Richard, who dips his head.
“Thank you, Richard,” I tell him, feeling slightly guilty that I was in such a mood on the journey here.
“No worries.” He smiles at me, then proceeds to unload my things.
“Come, dear,” Paige says, touching my shoulder.
She leads me inside the house, where we step onto black marble floors, and I’m wowed even more by the interior décor.
A high ceiling with exposed wooden beams hangs over us with a row of three wrought iron chandeliers.
We continue down the hallway and pass the living room, which has ornate furniture and a large fireplace. The wall to my left is stone. It was bare until we turn the corner, then I’m met with stunning oil paintings of various ships at sea that almost take up the length and breadth of the wall. It’s like being in an art gallery or a museum.
“Hunter loves sailing,” Paige explains when she catches me looking.
I realize that’s the first normal/human thing I’ve been told about Hunter.
“Oh, wow. I’ve never sailed before.”
“I’m sure he’ll take you some time.” She looks like she really believes that and I wonder what Hunter actually told his staff about me.
People tend to be nice to me anyway because my father is a senator, but it must be strange to them to hear our wedding is so soon.
