I lean against the island and smile as the women in my life explore every corner of the space. Danna is examining the professional-grade stove, and Bella is opening and closing cabinet doors with undisguised envy.
Lucy is taking photos of everything for her Instagram. Olivia is bouncing baby Maya on her hip while pointing out features to her daughter like Maya can understand any of it.
And Avery and Harper are providing running commentary on everything.
“Is that a wine fridge?” Avery gasps. “Natalie, you have a wine fridge built into your kitchen island.”
“There's another one in the butler's pantry,” I say, grinning.
“A butler's pantry.” Harper shakes her head. “Listen to you. Six months ago, you were living in a one-bedroom apartment, and now you have a butler's pantry.”
“I still don't know what a butler's pantry is for,” I say with a laugh.
“It's for wine,” Lucy says without looking up from her phone. “Obviously.”
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the party in the backyard is in full swing. The pool is sparkling under the afternoon sun, and most of our guests are taking advantage of it.
The Renegades players are engaged in some kind of competition while their significant others lounge on the deck chairs. Caterers in crisp white shirts are circulating with trays of appetizers and drinks. Jim is holding court near the outdoor fireplace, telling stories to a captive audience that includes Ted and several of the younger players.
Six months ago, I was heartbroken and searching for apartments to escape the man I loved. Now I'm standing in the kitchen of a mansion in one of New York's most exclusive neighborhoods, hosting a housewarming party for the home I share with that same man.
Life has a strange sense of humor.
“I still can't believe Ethan bought this place,” Danna says, abandoning her inspection of the stove. “When he showed me the listing, I told him he was crazy. A house this size for two people?”
“He said he wanted room to grow,” I say. “Whatever that means.”
The women exchange looks.
“What?” I demand. “Why are you all making faces?”
“No reason,” Bella says innocently.
“None at all,” Avery adds.
“We're just happy for you,” Olivia finishes, bouncing Maya a little higher. “That's all.”
Before I can feign more ignorance, the kitchen door swings open, and Ethan comes in. He's wearing swim trunks and a fitted t-shirt, and his hair is damp from the pool.
“Ladies.” He nods at the group. “Mind if I steal my girlfriend for a minute?”
“By all means,” Danna says with a wave of her hand. “We were just admiring your excessive kitchen.”
“It's not excessive. It's well-appointed.”
“It has two wine fridges, son.”
He grins. “Like I said. Well-appointed.”
He takes my hand and leads me out of the kitchen. We wind through the hallway and up the curved staircase to the second floor, past the guest rooms and the office.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
He pulls me into our bedroom and closes the door behind us. The master suite overlooks the backyard, and from here we can see the entire party spread out below us. Our friends and family, laughing and splashing and enjoying themselves in the home we've built together.
“Is everything okay?” I turn to face him. “You're being mysterious.”
“I just needed some Natalie time.” He pulls me close and wraps his arms around my waist. “Is that a crime?”
