AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The home has been vacant since her death, and my mom mentioned it was recently listed for sale.
He shifts the car in park, cutting the engine. “I spoke with a realtor who found a few homes for us to view. If you’re not a fan of this one, we can check out the others, but my vote is here.”
His vote?
I cock my head to the side. “Your vote for what?”
He gestures toward the home. “Come on. Let’s take a look.”
We get out of the car at the same time and walk toward the front porch. It’s a beautiful wraparound, begging for rocking chairs and children running around with lemonade in their hands.
I close my eyes, visualizing the scene.
“Tell me if you hate the houseorthe idea I’m about to pitch,” he says before raising his hands as if he were staring through a camera lens. “You’re an expert on beautifying older places without removing the authenticity of them. What do you think about buying and renovating it together?”
My heart dances in my chest.
This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.
He’s mentioned moving from the apartment a few times, and as much as the idea thrills me, I’ve never pushed it since finding real estate here is difficult.
I clasp my hand around his forearm. “You have no idea how much I’d love that.” I kiss his arm before catching his hand in mine and moving around the yard. “I could make this a home for us.” I eyeball everything—from the foundation to the windows to the brick—taking mental notes of the makeover I’d give it.
Maliki leads me up to the porch and punches in the code on the padlock when we’re finished looking outside.
I fall in love with it more when we walk into the foyer.
The bones of the home are beautiful, sturdy, and the ideas rushing through my brain ignite me. I continue my babbling—knocking down walls, changing windows, updating cabinets—while he laughs.
I lose his hold when we hit the fourth bedroom and whip around. “This can be Molly’s bedroom. She can help me design it. I’ll turn her into a little designer, just like me.”
His lips smack into mine. “Does this mean it’s a yes?”
I jump into his arms. “It’s definitely a yes.”
41
Sierra
6 Months Later
“Have you seen my tutu?I can’t find my tutu?” Molly yells from her bedroom.
“I’ll check the laundry!” I shout.
I glance around the house in awe of my work as I walk through the kitchen and living room—as I’ve done so many times.
I love our new home.
We spent so many hours creating it into a place perfect for us … for our family.
Our home renovation gave me remodel jobs. As people saw it, they wanted to do the same in their homes. I’m remodeling two homes now, and I have a six-month waiting list.
I sift through the folded laundry. “Found it!” I hold it up and rush to her bedroom.
It’s pink and ballerina-themed with a sparkling chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
“Do you have your bag?” I ask.
