Biting her lower lip, she said, “I love the idea. It’ll be nice to have a real home and family again.”
Having Jasmine happy was all that matter. She’d lost her parents a few years back in a dog sledding accident. The dogs broke free when a bear came out of nowhere. The sled tumbled down the mountain with her parents still on it. They were found dead two days later. Up here in Alaska, it’s beautiful but brutal. I knew how lonely she was, and it nearly killed her having to sell her parents’ house. What was harder for Jasmine was seeing the new owners tear down the only place she thought of as home. Otherwise, I would have bought her parents’ home for our place.
Taking her plate to the sink, Jasmine rinsed it and put it in the dishwasher. I couldn’t take my eyes off her perfect body. I wanted her again and it hadn’t been an hour. Fingers trailed along my shoulder. Jasmine leaned in and whispered, “I’m going to take a shower. I think there’s room for two.”
Seeing that ass sashay out of the room, I bounded out of my seat. Silently, I followed. My girl was as insatiable as I was. The shower curtain sounded as she got in. Quickly, I shucked my clothes and walked into the room as it steamed.
Pushing the shower curtain aside, Jasmine reached for the shampoo and glanced at me from over her shoulder, clearly pleased I’d followed her. “I thought you were going to stand me up.”
I engulfed her in my arms. “I’ll always be there for you.”
After getting ready, we were in the car. Jasmine sat in the passenger seat, rubbing her stomach with her right hand while her left one settled on my leg. The early-afternoon sun was in the sky beginning its descent. Nights were long in Alaska during the winter months. The sign for Fish Hook Road was up ahead. I turned left and saw Jasmine look at me confused from the side. The driveway at the end of the street was where Jasmine’s surprise awaited her.
“What are we doing here?” I didn’t say a word as I parked in the driveway. Jasmine continued to talk. “Oh, Bane, I love this house. It’s not for sale, though.” There was longing in her voice as she looked at the two-story home. When I’d been here before I left Black Division, she showed me around town; Jasmine pointed out this house as one she’d always loved. There was no denying the dreamlike tone she’d spoken with.
Trying to stay nonchalant, I said, “I know, but thought we might look around to get some ideas.”
“That’s a good idea.”
The snow crunched beneath our boots as we made our way up to the pale-yellow house. The smell of smoke filled the air from nearby fireplaces. Our breaths came out in little puffs. Jasmine danced about in front of me as she made her way to the front porch. I wanted to stop her, but figured being a crazed, overprotective guy this early was not smart. Jasmine had been fine for nearly six months. Six months. I’d missed over half of the pregnancy. When we had another kid, I vowed to be part of everything.
Touching one of the front poles, Jasmine said, “I saw them painting this a couple of months ago. I think it’s my favorite shade of yellow.”
I touched the door handle and turned the knob. “Bane, we can’t trespass.”
Opening the door anyway, I shrugged. “We’re not going to harm anything. Let’s take a look around.”
Jasmine still protested, but I walked in. The living room was as I’d imagined it. Glancing back at the door, my girl stood at the threshold.
“Bane, it’s wrong.”
With a devilish grin on my face, I prowled toward her.
“Bane, no—” I ignored her and picked her up as she chortled. “You always get want you want, don’t you?”
“Yes, because I got you.” Jasmine gave me that soft look, filled with love, as her hand touched my cheek.
The builders followed the specs I provided perfectly. The floor plan had been opened up. Bright colors were on the walls.
In my arms, Jasmine gasped when she looked from me to the sign on the wall.
“Bane, this is ours?” Her voice was unbelieving. “You bought us my favorite house and had it redone?”
I could tell she was beginning to get excited as the reality sunk in.
“I did. For you, me, and now our little girl. Do you like it?”
Glossy eyes looked at me, on the verge of tears. “It’s incredible.” She kissed me. “I love you. I love you so much. We’re going to be so happy together.”
This was all I needed. Ever. “Let me show you what they did in the bedroom.”
LAST NIGHT, WE’D spent our first night in the new house since it was fully furnished. I had movers scheduled to meet us at her place in two days to pack whatever Jasmine wanted to bring. I think she felt the same as me—new life, new beginnings, new everything.
It was early in the morning. Sunrise was about forty minutes away. The timing had to be perfect for what I planned. For the hundredth time I mentally went over what I was going to say.
“So, where are you taking me?” Blindfolded, Jasmine curiously asked from the passenger seat.
I chuckled to myself. “It’s a surprise. Be patient.” My girl loved and hated surprises all at the same time.