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"It is. But, here's the thing Grace. We're both in our fifties. We've both been hurt before. We've both suffered through divorces. And, we've lived on our own. I knew the moment I met you, you were someone I wanted to get to know. Every minute I spend with you is precious to me. Why don't we try living together. You still have your bungalows. You can start renting the first one out soon, you'll be here. Then you can work on the second one. And, I don't think it will happen, but if we figure we don't want to be together anymore, you can move back to one of your bungalows."
Her throat moved as she swallowed, her face still gorgeous, but didn't show the emotion she must be feeling. His heart though, was beating so hard, it was uncomfortable.
Grace turned her head toward him. "How are you so sure?"
He took in a deep breath. "At this point in my life, I've been through so much. I'm not a young man anymore. I don't have pie-in-the-sky ideals. I've met a woman who has a good head on her shoulders, a great dog, and to be honest, how you take care of Chiefy says a lot about who you are as a person. I know enough in my heart that I don't want this opportunity with you to just float away. I know in my heart that we're compatible. I know that what we've both been through has molded us into people who have suffered, but still want what life has to offer. And, I know I will do my best to make sure you are happy."
She smiled. A genuine, beautiful, soft smile. "What I've learned is I have to be happy on my own, not expect another person to make me happy. But, I believe I've figured that out for myself. I'm happy to make my own living and live on my own terms. To not be controlled by another human, never again."
His stomach twisted slightly. "I'd never try to control you, Grace."
She leaned over and laid her hand over his. "I didn't mean that. But, I thought it should be said."
"This is why I have such strong feelings for you, Grace. You're level-headed and willing to talk through the unsaid things."
"Well, I'm glad you feel that way. So, here's the biggest thing. I don't know what Jace is asking for this place, but I can't imagine it's inexpensive. What is your plan as it pertains to me?"
"Do you mean do I expect you to pay for this? Or half of it? Or anything?"
She shrugged a shoulder. "Well...yeah."
"No. I have money. I'm not a multi-millionaire, but I've lived simply, and saved all my life. My parents passed and left me with enough money to never have to worry about where I live or how I live. I don't have kids. And, I don't need to live in the lap of luxury. But, this place feels like home to me. Especially if you're here."
"Then, I should say, I don't have a ton of money. I'm making it. I know my little bungalows will be profitable and I hope to buy more."
"Then, I think this is the perfect fit for both of us."
He leaned over and kissed her lips. Then, he kissed her again. He touched his forehead to hers. "Move here with me."
30
Grace's heartbeat came in rhythmic thuds in her chest. She liked Sid. Probably more than like, but it was soon. And, she was scared. Terrified is more like it. She was terrified. She'd left her bad marriage, and it was nothing short of a miracle that she came out as good as she did. Her ex fought her every step of the way. He wanted to control everything. Luckily, she had a great attorney who had seen men like this before, and she let him have it with both barrels. Her ex had to pay her for half of the house, they didn't have credit card debt, thank goodness, but he did have to pay for his own bills that he'd piled up along the way. So, she left with enough money to buy her little bungalows, fix them up, and then put a nice down payment on the next ones as soon as she could see fit.
She stared into Sid's deep brown eyes. She felt like she could see him in them. Really see him. He didn't look away from her. He didn't hide from her. He didn't hide his illness, though it would be impossible to, since that's how they met. But, since that first day, he didn't hide anything from her. He fessed up in the driveway about Jace, before they came in to look at the house. So, she knew where his head was the entire time.
His deep voice floated over her like a warm blanket. "Tell me what you're thinking, Grace."
She took a deep breath. "I'm thinking I'm scared."
His fingers squeezed hers. "I understand that. How about if we leave this big decision for another time then?"
As he looked into her eyes, she saw earnestness. "I don't want to leave you hanging. This is an incredible opportunity for you."
He chuckled. "Oh, I'm buying the house. It's perfect. I like being away from town, but not too far. I can see coming home at night and relaxing on that porch out back, staring at the water like I do at the bungalow, but without all the people milling about. Just this sanctuary called home. In my mind I see you here clearly. But, what's important is that you see yourself here clearly."
Yes, that was true. That's what she needed to see. And, if she were honest with herself, she could see living here. It was absolutely a sanctuary. A place that worked like a balm on a tired soul. Home, he'd said home. She hadn't felt like she'd ever had a home. Not since she left her parent’s home to go to college. Her life with her ex was always tumultuous. Everything was what he wanted. What he said. Where he wanted to go. She had little say in anything, including the house they lived in. He decided where they'd live.
"Can we go out and see the front porch?"
He chuckled. "I'd like that. I only had a glimpse from the window."
She stood and Chiefy jumped up from the rug she'd been laying on and it struck Grace that Chiefy felt comfortable here too. She'd laid down on a rug without whining or pacing.
As Grace reached the bedroom door she turned and stared out the window at the sun, now lowering itself into the water, its orange burst about to extinguish for the evening.
Sid's hand found hers and she wrapped her fingers with his as they walked the hallway to the kitchen. As they stepped into the kitchen, the beauty of the room and the warmth of the man standing next to her felt like a warm blanket. She felt peaceful here.
Sid bent and grabbed Chiefy's leash, then opened the back door for her. The wooden porch was covered, and enclosed with windows, which someone had opened, maybe Quinn. The room was inviting, and they didn't have to slap at mosquitos as they took in the landscape. Sid led them to a tan, L-shaped sofa, which allowed them to relax and enjoy. As soon as they sat together, his arm wrapped around her shoulders and she laid her head on his shoulder. His breathing was even, his presence comforting. She didn't feel the nervous energy she used to feel with her ex. She was always afraid she was doing something wrong and he'd criticize her for it. All evening long. Here, she felt truly relaxed.
