“Let the shopping begin, Ivy Lawrence,” Karson said, pointing to the glorious home. “If you like it… it’s yours.”
“Wh… what?” I looked from Karson to the house and back again. “I thought we were going clothes shopping… you want to buy a house?” The grand white home towered before us, almost too beautiful to be real. “We can’t just buy a house, especially one like that, can we?”
“This is just a quick stop in Summer Beach before we head off.” Karson chuckled. “But, yes, we can buy a house. And not just any house.”
I was anchored to the spot as he tucked a lock of hair behind my ear.
“A home. For us.” His voice softened as he pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Just like we talked about, but only if you want to.”
My hands trembled. “I, I honestly don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” He squeezed my hand softly. “And if you don’t like it, there are others.”
Surely my life cannot be this wonderful.
“So, let me get this straight. This”—I pointed at the house—“could be ours.For real?”
“Only if you want it to be.” A spark lit up his eyes.
“I do. It’s amazing.” I threw my arms around him. “And the best surprise ever,” I breathed.
We followed the stone walkway and, fingers entwined, strolled toward the vibrant turquoise door beneath the porch. “I think I’m in love,” I whispered.
Karson pulled me closer, pressing his lips to mine. “I know I am,” he replied as I brushed the back of my hand across his cheek.
The turquoise waves crashed on the sand across the street, and I pictured myself at sunrise, surfboard beneath my arm, racing across the beach toward the water.
My pulse quickened as I took a few steps up the path. “This is the one.”
“Are you sure? You haven’t even seen inside yet,” he grinned.
“I don’t need to. I mean… look at it.” I beamed. “I. Love. It.”
His smile widened as those blue eyes danced in the sunlight. “I knew you’d love it. Summer Beach is one of my all-time favorite places.”
“It’s perfect.”
“You’re perfect.” He wrapped me in his arms. “Living here with you,” he drew in a sharp breath, “would be a dream come true… andit’s the ideal location for your new job.”
“You know, as long as we’re together, I’d be happy even if we lived in an actualcave. But I must admit”—I chuckled happily—“this is better, like, much better.”
“Hmm, I don’t know, maybe you’re onto something,” he murmured as he nuzzled my neck. “You’d look totally hot in a loincloth. But I get it if wetsuits are more your thing.”
My eyebrows shot up. “A loincloth? Yeah, that’snevergoing to happen.”
He chuckled and we turned our attention back to the house.
“I know the owner. He’s an old associate of my father’s. He’s based in Beijing and hasn’t used this place for years. He wants to liquidate some assets. After the SolStar collapse, he reached out to see if I needed anything. He’s a nice guy.”
Gus wandered up the path then stood beside us, Karson draped and arm over his shoulder. “I knew this place would be amazing,” Karson said. “That’s why I wanted to bring you here first. Well, technicallyGusbrought us here, so full credit goes to him.”
“Glad to help.” Gus smirked. “And for what it’s worth, I can see you two being very happy here.”
“Luckily for us, it’s up for grabs, but we have to be quick, or someone else will beat us to it.”
“We don’t want that to happen,” I said as Gus wandered off, admiring the plants. I wound my way up the path, taking in the gleaming white house awash in sunshine, and the waves breaking on the beach.
“Shall we offer the full asking price?” Karson asked. “That should seal the deal.”
