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When he broke away from her, the passion and fire still blazed in his eyes. “Forever, love. Don’t ever question that again.”
How could she? “Thank you, Liam,” she whispered, her voice quivering as more tears spilled down her face. “Not just for a gift that’s beyond amazing. Thank you for understanding me and what I need.”
“You ready to have a look inside?” Liam grinned.
“Yeah.” A big smile broke out across her face. “Beyond ready.”
“One more thing…” Hammer turned Raine to face him. “The previous owners lived here for about thirty years. It might not be decorated to your taste. But you can make it whatever you want. It’s empty, so I know we’ll need to buy furniture, but if you want to redecorate the kitchen or bathrooms or whatever…then do it. That’s my gift to you, precious.”
Her heart split wide open for the second time tonight. “Macen, you don’t have to do that. I’m sure it’s beautiful the way it is. I don’t need—”
“Let me. Liam has given us an amazing house to live in. Let me make the inside as beautiful as you.”
That might be one of the nicest things he’d ever said to her. She started to cry again and pressed her lips to his for a slow, reverent kiss before her face got too sloppy again.
“I’m overwhelmed. You two are the most wonderful men who ever happened to me. I love you both.”
“And we love you,” Macen murmured. “Now open the door.”
Her fingers shook as she tried to align the key into the lock. After the third try, she finally managed and turned the handle. The impatient part of her wanted to shove the door open and run through the house. Another part wanted to savor every moment of this amazing dream.
Raine gave the door a tiny nudge, and it swung open, revealing one tantalizing inch at a time.
“I know we’re not married, but…” Liam swooped her up in his arms, then carried her across the threshold.
She giggled as he set her down. Hammer stepped in and palmed the light switch by the door, flooding the expansive foyer with light. Raine could only think of one word to describe the place.
Wow.
The hardwood floors gleamed a pale cherry and spread down the long corridor and up the wide staircase to the second floor. A crystal chandelier hung above her head, minimal and elegant—perfect for the space.
An opening to her right revealed a family room with walls painted in a tranquil pale sage and built-in bookshelves a lovely dove gray around the white marble fireplace surround. Liam turned on the lights in the room, and she saw a traditional gleaming white mantel with intricate columns and moldings, making her ooh and ahh. On an adjacent wall sat the brace for a giant flat-screen. Raine could imagine comfy couches in here, reading by the fire, snuggled with Liam doing a Sunday crossword or watching football with Hammer.
Three French doors lined the back of the room, leading out to a cozy little sunroom that flanked the backyard and would let in a ton of natural light.
Drawn as if it were a beacon, Raine wandered toward the space with her mouth hanging open. She couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful house if she’d tried.
“Look to your right,” Liam murmured.
Raine whirled. And gasped. “Oh, my god…”
The family room extended a good twenty-five feet. Moldings at the ceilings and baseboards were pristine and substantial but somehow just right for the space. Three cottage windows, topped with leaded-glass eyebrows, would let in more sunlight on the far side of the room. Two built-in shelving units, arched and obviously original to the house, had been restored lovingly.
“Everything is…perfect. When was the house built?”
“Nineteen fourteen.” Liam smiled as he guided her around the room with a hand at the small of her back. “Since I bought it, I’ve had the plumbing and electrical brought up to code. The house was in good shape, but I’ve had the necessary minor repairs completed. Most recently, the contractors have been painting.”
The faint smell of it lingered in the air, and Raine nodded in amazement at all his choices. “It’s as if you read my mind, Liam.”
Hammer watched her intently, seemingly pleased by her response. He sauntered closer and dropped a kiss on her mouth. “We want you happy.”
“How could I be anything else?” She feathered her lips across his, then turned to Liam and sank into his kiss for a sweet moment.
They continued the tour by peeking into a powder bath at the end of the foyer with floor-to-ceiling polished travertine and a large oval mirror. Funny that a bathroom should look regal, but this one managed.
Across from the family room sat a formal living room, complete with a black baby grand. It opened to an expansive dining room with more French doors leading to more gardens. Silk drapes, pale gray walls, and classic moldings all framed a beautiful eight-armed fixture made of a fascinating blend of a white rustic wood and glittering crystal.
