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“You’re so beautiful,” he said, nuzzling her neck.
“I’m so happy you think so.”
“You’re nice, too.”
“When I’m old and haggard, you’ll remember me like this, won’t you?”
“I will.” Wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her from behind.
She spun around and threaded her arms around his shoulders. “Is there any chance you might feel you need to get back together with Cindy?”
“Annie, no. Zero chance. We’ve been divorced for fifteen years. I’m only concerned for her now because of my boys.”
“I understand,” Annie said hesitantly. “The kids’ needs will have to be dealt with.”
“Mardi Gras is coming up; that might be something they’ll want to experience here.”
“Mardi Gras is awesome,” Annie replied excitedly. “If all is well with Cindy, we should definitely have the boys here for Mardi Gras.”
“Okay, let’s get moving.”
They packed up snacks for the afternoon and headed to the new house. Its location was perfect, halfway between Chris’s brothers and Annie’s friends—Justin and Maggie’s Bayou Cottage and Dave and Katrina’s Creole Cottage. Chris pulled into the driveway and Annie felt a wave of love flow over her for the place.
“You know I love it here, right? This is my dream house. I can see us here with Stevie, starting our family together. I can’t believe how lucky I am, Chris.”
He hugged her, smoothing her hair back from her face.
“I bought it just for you, Annie. I picture us living here together all the time. I see a new baby in the small room off the master bedroom. Our little boy or girl will grow up here with Stevie.”
“I’m so happy, Chris.” She pulled away to make eye contact. “But I’m sorry about Cindy; I truly am.”
“We’ll get through it. Hopefully, she’ll survive.”
They got out of the truck. “What’s your plan for today?”
“I’ll finish in the bathroom if you want to start the hallway,” Chris said.
They worked for an hour when the sound of a diesel engine got their attention. It was Justin stopping by to help. Annie watched him from the sidelights of the front door, hopping out of the cab and going around to the back of the truck, pulling out a machine of some sort.
“What’s he going to do?”
“I asked him to spray the kitchen. At the rate we’re going, it’s going to take a month to paint the entire place. He can knock it out in a couple of hours.”
They watched him unpacking his spray gun. “Look at my brother,” Chris said, snickering. “The guy is hot.”
“He is, but so are you,” Annie said, looking Chris up and down with a grin. “You can sure see that you’re brothers.”
“I don’t see the resemblance, but if you say so…”
“Who’s that?” she said, pointing out the window as a navy-blue pickup came into their driveway. “I really didn’t want this to turn into a party.”
“Dave and Katrina,” Chris said, looking down at her. “I swear, they’re just showing up uninvited.”
“It’s fine. I’m sorry I’m being a bitch.”
“It’s okay.” Justin stopped to talk to his brother and Katrina. “They’re hot, too.”
Annie laughed, nodding her head. “What a family.”
