AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I nod, throat too tight to speak. Olive lays a gentle hand on my stomach, her eyes softening with wonder. "Hello in there. We're all so excited to meet you."
Love swells in my chest, vast and deep as the ocean. My found family, the one I chose, is whole and happy in this perfect moment.A bubble of laughter escapes me as I cry. I feel like I'm no longer in command of my emotions.
The baby squirms under their hands, as if eager to join us. "Seems someone wants to say hello, too."
"Of course!" Minnie chuckles. "This little darling knows love when she feels it."
We pull up at the manicured curb of the first place Minnie's realtor wants us to see.
"Let's go! I'm not as spry as I used to be, but damn if that will keep me from exploring every inch of this property!"Minnie exclaims.
"Anything for you, Min," Olive says, tucking Minnie's arm through hers.
I follow them up the walkway, desperately trying to calm my wild emotions. A sleek silver Mercedes pulls into the driveway, tires squealing to a stop. A gorgeous woman in her fifties dressed in a power suit hurls herself out of the car. She marches over, heels clicking decisively on the pavement, and introduces herself as Susan, the real estate agent.
Aunt Minnie interjects. "I met Susan a few weeks ago at the farmer's market. She told me what she does and gave me her card. When we talked about buying a house last night, her name immediately came to mind."
"Lovely to meet you ladies! Are you ready to see the property?" Susan's smile is polite but distant, her handshake brisk and businesslike. Clearly, she values efficiency over idle chit-chat.
"We are," Olive confirms.
"Lead the way, Susan," Minnie says.
Susan launches into a rapid-fire description of the house's many charming qualities. The two-story brick residence has rose bushes and neat, white-trimmed windows. A sprawling wraparound porch offers ample space for sitting on summer evenings. Hardwood floors throughout, original fixtures dating back over a century, a hand-laid stone fireplace in the sitting room. Lots of eccentric historical details...
Basically, she wants us to know that this house is a gem before we even get in the front door.
Minnie's eyes gleam with delight. "I do believe I'm in love! Did you hear that, sweet pea?" She pats my stomach conspiratorially. "We've found our home!"
I want to roll my eyes, but I just bite my tongue.
Charmed by Minnie's enthusiasm despite herself, Susan's composure slips for a moment. A fleeting smile softens her sharp features before she recovers her professional mask. "Shall we continue inside?"
"Please lead the way," Olive says.
Susan strides up the front steps and unlocks the heavy wooden door with a creak. We file in after her, assaulted by the mingled scents of lemon oil and aged wood.
"The kitchen and dining room in the back have French doors opening onto a shaded patio and rose garden," Susan says, pivoting on one high heel to face us. "A perfect space for entertaining on summer evenings."
"Or reading," Minnie says dreamily. "One could spend hours lost in a book out there."
"Just so," Susan agrees. "This house has so many quirky historical details and eccentricities. It will be an absolute gem for whoever decides to purchase it."
"Gem is precisely the word," Olive says, sliding me a sideways glance.
Minnie turns to us, eyes shining. "Would you darlings give me just a moment alone with Ms. Susan? I'd like to discuss some specs."
"Of course," I say. Olive and I move away, pretending interest in the carved mahogany bannister.
Their voices murmur softly behind us. I resist the urge to eavesdrop, fidgeting with the pearl buttons on my cardigan.
After a few moments, Minnie calls out, "All right, dears, you can stop examining the woodwork now. Let's chat in the sitting room, shall we?"
We follow Minnie into a cozy room with a bay window overlooking the front garden. She perches on a floral sofa and pats the cushion next to her. "Come sit by me, Talia. And you too, Olive."
I lower myself gingerly, mindful of my pregnant belly. Olive sinks down on Minnie's other side.
"Now tell me," Minnie says, patting my knee. "Why did you really bring me here today?"
