Only Him (Only One 1)

“There are enough rooms in this house to give Owen a few brothers and sisters,” I say, waggling my eyebrows.

“Artificial inseminationisbecoming more popular. Otherwise, it might be an immaculate conception.” She shrugs.

We go downstairs and check out the kitchen, which is bigger than my entire cottage. The counter space alone is enough to prepare a feast for twenty on. The walls need painted and flooring redone, along with the appliances and bathroom fixtures being replaced too. But other than that, it seems like a solid house. With some TLC and elbow grease, it would be stunning.

“I really like this place.” Katie looks at me and smiles wide. “It does need a lot of work, though.”

“That’s true, but this might be your forever home, remember? You just have to decide if you love it enough to live here forever. After it’s fixed up, it will be gorgeous,” I admit, seeing why Katie would adore it. “Like something out of a magazine.”

“Yeah, totally!” I can sense the excitement in her tone.

“Sleep on it for a few days. Make sure not to jump into anything you might regret. Meanwhile, do some research on the property,” I suggest, loving how happy she is.

“Yes!” She grabs her phone from her back pocket and snaps a few shots of the downstairs area. Aurora meets us at the edge of the staircase and gives Katie her personal number to call if she has any questions.

“Have you had any offers yet?” Katie asks bravely.

“Not yet! But I don’t think it will last too long. There have been a few people who seemed interested, but we’ll see.” She tucks her hair behind her ears. “Thanks for checking it out.”

“Yeah, it’s a great house,” Katie admits, taking one last look before we go outside. She’s nearly giddy when we drive away. “This one gives me a good vibe.”

“I felt it too!” I say. “Plus, you’d be close to the cottage. It would be fun!”

She agrees. “Wanna do lunch?”

“Sure! I could go for a turkey wrap from the cafe.”

A few minutes later, we’re parking on the street in town. Belinda greets us with a big laugh when we enter. “Come in, sit, sit,” she says, then she looks at me. “The usual?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I nod.

“And I’ll have what she’s having,” Katie adds.

Moments later, Belinda returns with two sweet teas.

Katie’s giddy about the last house. It’s going to be a lot of work, but if anyone can handle it, she can.

It takes less than five minutes before our wraps are delivered, which is good because I’m starving.

“Did any of the other places really speak to you?” I ask, taking a bite.

“Not really. I need to keep my eyes open for more in the area, just to make sure.”

“Absolutely, there’s no need to rush. And honestly, that house has been there for a while, so I don’t think it’s going anywhere fast. You’ve got time.”

This seems to please her. “Gotta lot of thinking to do.”

“That’s for sure. But you’ll make the right decision for you and Owen. Though I selfishly want you close, I know something better might pop up.”

“Thanks, Gemma. I appreciate you joining me today,” she says as we finish eating. “I would’ve been a nervous wreck going alone.”

“If you would’ve invited anyone else, I’d have been mad at you. I love this kind of stuff,” I admit. We pay, leaving Belinda a fat tip, then head back to Katie’s house. We exchange hugs and say our goodbyes.

On the way to the cottage, I can’t help but think of how much of an asshole Robert is. He’s known Katie was searching for a while and refused to help because he was too busy. Though I know Katie’s extremely independent and would probably rather handle this herself without the help of a man. That’s just how she is or rather, how she’s learned to be over the years.

I can’t believe it’s already the middle of the week. It seems like I blink and the time just passes me by. Though I can’t complain because the view of Tyler is a nice one to have. All it takes is a single glance and a smirk and I’m putty in his hands. It’s more than infatuation, and never in my life did I think this is where we’d be. I honestly thought it was over between us.

Sometimes, it takes the long road for people to get together, and destiny doesn’t allow love like we have to be wasted. Even though it was a beautiful mess to get here, it’s a journey I don’t regret.