Page 132 of The October Arrangement

Rose and Ethan didn’t say a word. They just stared at the corner. They weren’t looking at a penthouse anymore. They were seeing their lives here.

“The building has twenty-four-hour staff. Someone will always be downstairs when you’re coming home late. Someone will always be there to help when you’ve got the stroller, diaper bag, groceries, and a screaming baby,” I smirked. “Think of it as extra help, which is something you wouldn’t have if you didn’t live here.”

“What about schools?” Ethan asked.

“Excellent school district. But I’m not going to pretend I know which school your child should attend when mine isn’t even born yet.”

“Fair enough.” Ethan laughed.

“But that’s the point. You have options. You’re not buying a home that only works for who you are right now.”

“What do you mean?” Rose looked at me.

“You’re buying a home that works for who the two of you are to become. Parents. You walked in here wondering whether a penthouse made sense for a baby. This one certainly does.” I smiled.

Rose looked at Ethan. “I want it.”

“You want it?” His brow raised.

“Yes. I want it. I want all of it, Ethan.”

“Darling, we’ve been here twenty minutes. Last week you made me tour six apartments.”

“And I didn’t want any of them. I want our baby to grow up here.”

“Okay.” He smiled.

She threw her arms around him, and they hugged.

“I leave you alone for fifteen minutes, and you sneak out of the office.” I heard Simon’s voice from behind.

I turned and saw him standing in the foyer with his hands tucked into the pockets of his pantsuit.

“Hi.” I smiled, walking over to him.

“Mr. Montclair, I presume.” Ethan walked over and extended his hand.

“That’s me. And you are?”

“Ethan Bennett. Your wife just sold us this penthouse.”

Simon glanced at me. “You did?”

“I may have.” I grinned.

“I’m not going to lie, Mr. Montclair,” Rose said. “I wasn’t sure I wanted any of this. But Bella convinced me this is where I want to raise our baby.”

“Excellent. Congratulations to you both. You will love living here,” Simon said.

“Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry.” The sales agent rushed in. “The client kept talking my ear off. Mr. Montclair, what are you doing here?”

“Well, it is my building. Anyway, no worries. Bella sold the place to the Bennetts.”

“You did?” Her brow furrowed.

“I did.” I smiled. “I sold them a life.”

“You’re done working here. You sold a penthouse. That’s enough productivity for one woman who’s due to give birth to twins in a month.” Simon held his arm out, and I hooked my hand around it. “I’m upset with you, Bella,” he said as we took the elevator to the lobby.