Page 58 of The Stars

Amy couldn’t see much of his property in the darkness, only the faint outlines of trees and the distant shimmer of the river. Dante’s place sat higher up, secluded but with what she knew would be a stunning view.

His home was a beautiful two-story white cabin with a black metal roof that gleamed faintly in the moonlight. There was a recent addition of the large wraparound deck that circled the front and side of the house. A detached three-car garage sat a little way off, its outline barely visible in the shadows. She’d heard how much he’d done to the place over the years. Joe had helped him put the roof on shortly after he’d purchased the place.

It felt so right—like she belonged here. It wasn’t just the home itself, though she had always admired the simple, rustic beauty of it. It was being here with him. That’s what made it feel like someplace she could finally call home.

Dante parked the truck and stepped out, coming around to her side to help her with her bag. “I’ve got it,” he said, tossing her bag over his shoulder.

“Thanks,” she said, taking his free hand as she slid out of the car. “I forgot how beautiful it is up here.” She glanced around the property. “Even at night, you can just feel the peace.”

“Wait until morning,” Dante said, his voice warm as he closed the car door behind her. “You’ll see the river, the trees… it’s one of the reasons I bought the place. That view.”

He led her towards the house, his hand never leaving hers, and as they stepped onto the deck, the wood creaked softly beneath their feet. “I like the new wraparound porch.”

Dante chuckled. “It took longer than I expected to finish it, but it’s perfect for morning coffee, trust me.”

They walked to the front door and, once inside, the warm, earthy scent of wood greeted them. The cabin’s interior was simple but cozy—high ceilings with exposed beams, wooden floors, and soft lighting that made the space feel intimate and inviting.

The rich wood flooring was covered with a few thick rugs in places. He had dark leather furniture with rustic tables and lamps, and stunning nature art hung on every cream-colored wall.

There was a large stone fireplace in the living room, and from what she could see, an open newly remodeled kitchen off to the back of the building.

It was everything she imagined his home would be—practical yet charming, with little touches of him everywhere.

* * *

She felt his hand at the small of her back as he led her towards the staircase that wound up to the second floor. Her heart skipped a beat when his arms slid around her waist, lifting her effortlessly off her feet.

“Dante!” she gasped, laughing as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. “What are you doing?”

“Carrying you up,” he said simply, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Because I can.”

She shook her head, grinning as she held onto him, her face nestled against his neck. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” he murmured as he started up the stairs, each step slow and deliberate. “But I like taking care of you. Besides I’ve always wanted to carry someone up these stairs.”

The staircase was perfect for it. It was wide enough and, with a slight curve, romantic enough.

Her chest tightened at his words, warmth spreading through her as he carried her up to the main bedroom. When they reached the top of the stairs, she glanced around, catching a glimpse of the space—the wide, open room with a king-sized bed and large windows.

Dante set her and her bag down gently, his hands lingering at her waist for a moment before he kissed the top of her head. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

Amy smiled, leaning into him. “It’s perfect.” She meant it. More than the house, more than the view—being here with him made everything feel right.

She turned to face him, their gazes meeting in the soft glow of the bedside lamp. For a long moment, they just stood there looking into one another’s eyes.

“I’m glad we’re here,” she whispered, her hand sliding up to cup his cheek. “Together.”

Dante leaned down, brushing his lips softly against hers. “Me too. Amy?” he said against her lips.

“Hmm?” she purred.

“I’d kill for a shower.”

She laughed. “You read my mind.” She dropped her arms. “Tell me your shower is big enough for the both of us.”

He laughed and nodded as he took her hand in his.

A few minutes later, they stood together under five powerful showerheads blasting hot water at them from all different directions.