Page 104 of A Simple Love

“Are you sure?”

“I need to see it first. And then show it to Kassie.”

He scratched his chin. “You were always fast with decisions. Impulsive.”

I shook my head. “Determined. I was stupid and left her behind once. I’ll be damned if I do it again. I’m gonna marry her up, move her in to the house of her dreams, and get her pregnant. She always loved that place. It makes her sad to think of it being demolished. I want to give it to her.”

He studied me. “I’ll call Laura and get it arranged.”

“Thanks.”

Later that afternoon, Kassie walked around the house, her eyes wide. I watched as she ran her hand over the beautiful woodwork, gazed in wonder at the pocket doors and the stained-glass inserts. Stared at the hardwood floors. Finally, she stopped her wandering in front of me.

“It needs⁠—”

I interrupted her. “New roof, plumbing, wiring, a whole new kitchen and bathrooms. The floors need to be refinished. Walls painted. Some landscaping outside. Lots of work. But it’s a steal.”

“What?”

“Compared to housing in LA or Toronto, this place is a bargain. And it’s all cosmetic, lovely. It’s well-built. I’ll have it inspected. We can have it done and live at your place until it’s ready. Then move in and start making babies to fill all those bedrooms.”

“Um, there are five of those.”

I grinned. “Lots of babies.”

“We need a guest room.”

“Still good.”

“An office for you.”

“Nope. Already decided the yard was enormous enough for a man cave out back. We can make it a dual office, so you have a place to work too.”

“Oliver.” She shook her head. “I can’t keep up.”

“Stop trying. I have years to make up for. Just tell me you want it, and it’s yours. Ours. Our home.”

I could see how much she wanted it. Her eyes were pools of vivid green. Excited vivid green.

But she was nervous. And I knew why.

I pulled her into my arms. “Kassie, my lovely. Do you know what I made on my last film?”

“No…?”

I dropped my head to her shoulder. “Ten million. And that was with a pay cut.”

“Oh.”

“And Annie always negotiates merchandise and other royalties for all my movies. Last year alone, I pulled in close to forty.”

“Million?” she squeaked.

“And it was an off year.”

“Oh my God,” she breathed out.

“So I can afford this. And I want to give it to you. You never have to worry about money again. I have become a very shrewd investor. We’re covered.” Teasing, I bit down on her neck. “I can show you my portfolio if you want.”