Her Heart's Desire

Following him up the wide steps to the porch, Tiffany noted that it extended around the entire front of the house. Ivan unlocked the front door, and they went in. The lights were already on, and fresh flowers were set in the river-stone fireplace and on the tabletops.

“How did you do this?” she exclaimed.

Ivan motioned for her to follow him. “I had help.”

He explained as they walked that the house was built so that the major living areas were at tree level. They walked through the family room to the kitchen. The whole space was engulfed within the trees. She set the bags of groceries onto the dark green-and-black marbled granite counter.

“Looks like the Mangums have commercial-grade kitchens wherever they go.”

“What can I say? We love to cook.”

They put the groceries away, and then Ivan took her upstairs to his bedroom. Tiffany was in awe. It was like they’d stepped into a tree house. One side of his room had large sliding doors that recessed into the walls so that he had a completely open space that spilled out onto a private balcony. His bed was a massive wooden king-size sleigh bed with dark green bedding. It was a homage to nature, with earth tones and splashes of color as accents. His bathroom was decorated in the same color scheme. There was a round Jacuzzi tub and the same doors that recessed into the wall.

“This is so beautiful, Ivan.”

He walked over and wrapped his arms around her. “So are you.”

After unpacking, they returned to t

he kitchen to cook dinner. Tiffany opened a bottle of wine while Ivan prepared steaks to grill. She made a salad, and he took care of baking potatoes. Tiffany found the table linens and set the table, complete with candles and one of the vases of fresh wildflowers. She walked onto the deck and watched him finish up their steaks.

“It must have been wonderful coming up here as a kid.”

“Yeah, my parents and grandparents really made sure we had an adventurous childhood. We were always going on fishing trips, campouts and hiking expeditions. We were an outdoorsy group.”

“The most outdoorsy thing my family’s ever done is the zoo. I think it’s great that you have a close-knit family, Ivan.”

The longing in her voice was unmistakable. He leaned over and kissed her. “I can’t wait for you to meet them. Of course, my GiGi is going to have my hide for not bringing you to see her sooner.”

When dinner was ready, they ate and shared more childhood stories. When they were finished, Ivan cleared their plates. He waved her off when she offered to help.

“You stay there and relax, birthday girl. I’ll be right back.”

When he returned, he carried a small round cake with candles burning brightly on top. He sang happy birthday, and then Tiffany made a wish and blew out the candles.

“Carrot cake is my favorite. How’d you know?”

“A little birdie told me.”

“Does that birdie have a Spanish accent?” She laughed.

He smiled. “It’s possible.”

They moved to the couch. It was a little chilly, so Ivan started a fire. Tiffany sat watching him. When he returned, he carried two wrapped gifts and then sat down beside her. Ivan handed her the boxes.

“Happy birthday, Tiffany.”

“Thank you.” She unwrapped the first gift and peeked inside the box. She took out a miniature chess set. “Oh, my gosh, Ivan, it’s beautiful.”

“It’s a Thuya wood chess set from Morocco. I thought it would be nice for the Petite Boutique, being that it’s the travel-size version.” He grinned.

“When did you go to Morocco?”

“I didn’t. One of my employees was there on assignment and just got back last week. I asked him to pick it up for me.”

“It’s perfect,” she gushed. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Here.” He handed her the next one.