Page 50 of Daigo

“Ours.” He grinned at the stunned look she sent him.

“What?”

“Want to see inside?”

“Wait-” She put a hand on his arm. “What do you mean, ours?”

“We’re having three children, and as much as I love the loft, I cannot see them living there at all. They’ll need space for a tree house or two, a swing set, horses, perhaps a dog, and a basketball court. It’s five acres of fertile land, and there’s a well on the property. Six bedrooms, five and a half baths, an excellent space for a playroom, and a huge kitchen.”

“You bought a house.” She continued to stare at him dazedly.

“I wanted it to be a surprise.” Taking her hand, he led her toward the cobbled driveway and onto the wraparound porch. Pressing several buttons, he disengaged the alarm and pushed open the towering oak door.

The foyer was large, the ceiling high, with chandeliers glittering in the light of the sun. The floors were of the palest gold and shone in the lights streaming through the many windows. He took her through the large living room with its large fireplace and wide windows before heading into the kitchen. Counters gleamed blue and green, and above, there were copper pots hanging from hooks.

“Mrs. Bailey is going to be in heaven,” she murmured, walking toward the large bay windows that overlooked the flowering rose bushes and a gazebo that had vines clinging to the lattices.

“Let’s go upstairs, shall we?”

Chapter 13

The master was a dream, with a huge marble fireplace, a window seat wide enough to accommodate two or more, and hardwood floors that shone in the light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The closet was also huge, but she reflected that there would have to be some renovations there: shelves added, a vanity tucked in the middle, and space for her shoes. She was a woman who had an intimate relationship with shoes.

"A balcony!" Letting go of his hand, she raced toward the sliding glass doors and stepped out. The view was breathtaking. The house was on a slight incline that had her looking out over rolling hills, green foliage, and more flowers blooming.

Stepping up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her thick waist. "What do you think?"

With a sigh, she leaned back against his solid chest. "The tree house could go there." She pointed to the thick oak a few feet away. "And the swing on the rosewood. There's enough yard space for them to run around in." She closed her eyes. "I can see them racing each other, getting into trouble, and blaming the other one for the skinned knees or the bump on the forehead."

"Skinned knees?" He touched his lips to the top of her head, his tone indulgent. "That's what you're seeing?"

"Yes," she murmured solemnly. "I want them to have a normal childhood." She turned into his arms, her eyes bright with feeling. "Neither of us had that. I want it for them, for our babies."

One hand lifted to frame her face, his touch gentle. "I want the same thing. I take it you are sold on the place?"

She nodded. "I love it. Far enough away from neighbors, but not too far. And an easy commute to our places of business." She leaned into him as far as her belly would let her and just breathed in his scent along with the fresh, clean air.

"Why don't we go check out the other rooms?" he suggested.

"Oh, the bed is a monstrosity. It will have to go." She wrinkled her nose as they stepped back through and into the bedroom. Pausing, she stared at the massive four-poster with the ugly etchings on the headboard. "It's ugly. Who owned the place before?"

"Sally Meadows," he told her with a laugh. "And she wants the bed shipped to her wherever she's going."

Her eyes widened as she recognized the famous name. "I love her. She's a classic. One of the best actresses I've ever watched, and she never grows old. Amazing. The bed is still ugly."

"I totally agree." Taking her hand, he led her from the room. They examined the others, and she made enthusiastic comments on what she wanted done.

"They're nice and airy. The wallpaper will have to be changed, of course. Pink and lavender for our daughter, and teal blue and emerald green for our sons."

His brows lifted. "You already know the sex?"

"No." She shook her head and wandered around the room, visualizing the décor. "Just a hunch." Putting her hand over her belly, she went to peek out the window.

"We're going to have to start-"

Daigo jolted when she squealed, his heart bumping against his ribs as he raced toward her. "What? What is it? Are you in pain?"

Grabbing his hand, she dragged it to her belly and pressed. "Feel."