Page 131 of The October Arrangement

Ethan laughed. “I would probably do the same, but Rose doesn’t work.”

“When are you due?” I asked Rose.

“Three months.”

“Congratulations.” I grinned. “First?”

“Yes. You?”

“First. But we’re having twins.” We instantly clicked because we were just two women about to have babies and had no idea what the hell we were doing. “Come on. I’ll show you around this beautiful place.”

“The kitchen is beautiful,” Rose said, running her hand across the marble counter.

“My God, look at this view. It’s incredible,” Ethan said.

“It’s even better at night,” I said.

Rose walked over and stood next to her husband. I studied her and knew something about her felt hesitant. I’d seen that same look a thousand times already since I started working for Montclair Living. She liked it, but she wasn’t sold.

“What are you thinking?” I asked.

“Honestly?” She stared at me.

“Always.” I smiled.

“It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’m just not sure it’s practical for us.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying.” Ethan looked at her.

“Okay. What part?” I asked.

“The baby. Before I got pregnant, I would’ve walked in here and thought this was perfect. But now, everything I look at, I think about whether it would work with a child.”

“I get that. I really do. But I want you to do one thing. Don’t look at it as a penthouse. Look at it as your home. You’re going to spend an unbelievable amount of time in this kitchen. You'll have bottles, breakfast, lunches, and dinners in here.” I walked over to the pantry and opened it. “These shelves will be stocked with jars of baby food and toddler snacks. Do me a favor and sit at the table over there by the window.” They sat across from each other. “Now, imagine your meals here with that view. You could place the high chair on this side, facing the window, and your baby can be mesmerized by the city while you feed him or her.” They followed me to the living room. “This is the best part as far as I’m concerned. You can be in the kitchen and still see this entire room and keep an eye on your child.”

“I love the idea of that,” Rose said.

I led them to the one guest room staged as a nursery.

“And this could be the nursery. Look how big it is. The primary bedroom is right across the hall. Not at the opposite end of the penthouse. You’re close enough to hear the baby without feeling like you have to keep the crib beside your bed for the next five years.”

“I like that,” Ethan said.

“And when the baby gets older, this room changes with them. Nursery first, then toddler room, and then a big kid’s room. You’re not buying something you’re going to outgrow in three years. And if you decide to have more children, there are three more bedrooms for them.”

“What about storage?” Ethan asked.

I opened one of the doors. “More than you think. Stroller, car seat, toys, all the stuff nobody tells you a six-pound person apparently requires,” I smirked.

“I already discovered that.” Rose laughed. “I guess my biggest concern is raising a child in Manhattan. I was thinking more upstate. We’re from New Jersey and live in a house now. Ethan transferred here for work, and they require him to live in the city.”

And there it was. It wasn’t really about the penthouse or the price.

“I get that,” I said. “But I think sometimes we picture raising a child in New York as raising them inside an apartment. But that’s not what their life would be. You have Hudson River Park practically outside your door. You have a playground, walking paths, the river. You can put the baby in a stroller, grab coffee from the lobby, and be outside in minutes. That’s what I plan to do.” I smiled. “And when they’re older, they’ll grow up with museums, parks, restaurants, and art. The city becomes a part of their childhood. Look at the terrace.” I opened the doors, and we stepped out. “Imagine you and Ethan sitting out here after you finally get the baby to sleep. You’re exhausted, but you need to unwind first before heading to bed. Just the two of you staring at the night sky and brightly lit city.”

We stepped back inside, and Rose stood in the middle of the living room.

“See that corner right there?” I pointed. “Imagine a beautifully decorated oversized Christmas tree sitting there with presents scattered underneath. Imagine waking up on Christmas morning and sitting on the floor, watching your child open their presents with excitement.”