“I love you.”
He beamed, hugging me tight to his side as we walked toward the door.
“Those are my favorite words, ever,” he murmured.
Two hours later, I was still wandering around in a daze. The house was massive. Four bedrooms, a big kitchen that took up half of the main floor, while the other half was a living-dining area. There were windows everywhere, with views of the ocean, the woods, and the lovely open areas around the house. Evan’s workshop was tucked against the backdrop of massive fir trees, and as he showed me around, he explained how he loved to have the huge barn doors open so he could hear the sound of the waves and smell the fresh air as he worked. He pointed to the loft over his work area. “I’ll turn that into a studio for you. You can paint and sketch to your heart’s content.”
I could only kiss him in thanks.
His shop was neat and orderly, as was his house. It was comfortable and furnished with pieces he had restored, along with newer sofas and chairs. The angel wings I had given him were the only decoration above the massive fireplace that heated the entire first floor.
As I stood, gazing around, Evan slid his arms around my waist, and he pulled me back against his chest. “The place needs a woman’s touch,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear. “Your touch.”
“I’ve never had a home to add my touch to,” I admitted.
He kissed my neck. “Now you do. I’ve always loved this house, but this is the first time it’s felt like a home to me, Holly. Because you’re in it. We’ll make it ours.”
Ours.
I liked the sound of that.
The sound of a car approaching made me lift my head to meet Evan’s gaze. He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Carol and Dan, no doubt. She insisted on ‘dropping by’ with dinner for us so we didn’t have to worry about cooking.” He chuckled. “The truth is, she’s so anxious to meet you that I’m shocked she wasn’t on the porch waiting when we got here.”
I felt a wave of nerves hit me and Evan tightened his grip. “I’m right here, Holly. And I swear—they’re gonna love you. And you will love them. I know it.”
A knock sounded on the front door. He kissed my neck. “Ready?”
I huffed out a long breath. “Ready.”
10
Holly
Carol and Dan were warmth personified. They arrived with dinner, groceries, and lots of hugs, and they stayed for coffee. By the time they left, I understood Evan’s affection for them. I loved seeing her gently admonish him about making sure he kept the house warm enough for me and the way Dan teased him about how his firewood was stacked. It was impossible to feel nervous after a few moments. They seemed to accept me for simply being me—and the fact that I was important to Evan.
Carol told me about all the charming spots in town, and we made arrangements to spend some time together.
“I’ll show you all the best places to shop and introduce you around,” she insisted.
“That would be lovely. I need to find a job as well. Is there a diner in town?”
“Yes, a few. They are quiet this time of year, but you never know. Once tourist season kicks in, they’re always looking.”
I nodded, already thinking ahead. I had enough money saved; I could be without a job for a while and still contribute. I had to discuss all that with Evan.
After Dan and Carol left, I poked around the kitchen, figuring out where things were and putting away the groceries they had so kindly brought with them.
Evan strolled in, leaning against the counter, watching me.
“Holly.”
Something in his voice made me stop what I was doing and turn to him. “Evan?”
He inhaled deeply and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m rich.”
I stared at him with a frown. “Rich?”
“I have a trust fund, and my business does very well.”