When I don’t immediately place my fingers in his, a patient look fills his eyes. It’s as if he knows all of the thoughts running rampant through my brain. A tentative connection forms between us in the driveway—one that is undeniable. Against my better judgment, I find myself cautiously placing my hand in his. It feels as if we’ve arrived at a decision—an unspoken promise of sorts.
Together, we climb the stone stairs that lead to the front porch. It’s wide and sweeping—a grand entrance. The massive mahogany door stretches twenty feet in height. Colton grabs the ornate handle and pushes it open. My feet stutter as I take in the two-story foyer. There is an ocean of white marble as far as the eye can see. An elegant crystal chandelier hangs suspended from high above. It sends glittering patterns of light dancing across the polished-to-a-high-shine floor. A sweeping staircase with an elaborate wrought iron banister leads to a second-floor gallery. Everything is open, airy, and reeks of wealth.
Sheesh.
When I turn wide, questioning eyes to Colton, he shrugs. Before I can fire off one of the many questions that sit perched on the tip of my tongue, he raises his voice and calls out, “Hello? Jenna?” He pauses as we listen for any signs of life coming from within this castle-like home. “Dad?”
There’s the soft padding of feet before a small blond woman with dark eyes walks into the entryway. A warm smile lights up her face as she pulls Colton in for a hug.
For a moment, I’m able to stand back and observe their interaction. She’s so petite in size that Colton nearly swallows her up in his arms. There’s something sweet about their reunion. About the tenderness that flits across his face. Once they break apart, he hands over the bouquet. Her face lights up as she buries her nose in the fresh blooms.
“They’re beautiful! You didn’t have to do that!”
He shrugs. “I wanted to. Happy birthday!”
“Thank you!”
And then she’s turning bright eyes to me. Her expression is so warm and welcoming that I’m instantly put at ease. “You must be Alyssa.” She takes me into her arms as if we are old friends instead of strangers greeting one another for the first time. “It’s lovely to meet you,” she says before drawing away.
“You, too. Happy birthday!”
“Thank you.” A smile curves her lips. “I’m delighted you could join us. The more, the merrier.”
“Thanks for having me.”
Colton glances around the foyer. “Where’s Dad? Is he still at work?”
“Nope, he ran out to pick up dinner.” She rolls her eyes. “I told him that I was more than happy to throw something together for us, but he insisted on grabbing carryout from Marco’s.”
“I love that restaurant,” I say. It’s one we often frequented as a family when I was a kid. Their chicken parm is to die for. Although, a new bar has been set with Colton’s dish. I glance at him, still blown away that he went through all the trouble of preparing dinner for me.
“It’s one of my favorites, too.” She reaches out and takes hold of Colton’s hand. “I hope you realize that you didn’t have to make such a long trip just for dinner.”
“It wasn’t a problem. I wanted to be here to help celebrate.” His gaze flickers to mine. “Sometimes it’s nice to get away from campus, even if it’s just for a couple of hours.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re here.” Her gaze touches upon me. “Both of you.” She releases his hand before waving us to the back of the house. “Why don’t we move this to the kitchen while we wait for your father to return?”
With that decision made, we travel through the immense foyer before entering an arched gallery. Artwork hangs on the walls. Small brass lights illuminate the paintings. This place resembles a museum rather than someone’s personal home. As tempted as I am to stop and admire some of the art, I keep it moving. My gaze flickers to a sprawling living room that lies beyond the gallery. A bank of floor-to-ceiling windows line the far wall, showcasing an expansive backyard. The furniture is a mix of antique collectibles and modern pieces. There are thick colorful rugs that add texture and warmth to the space.
Twenty seconds later, we arrive at the kitchen. Like the other rooms I’ve glimpsed, it’s spacious. There are long stretches of white marble, stainless steel appliances, and gorgeous crystal lighting. Bowls of fruit and small potted topiaries are strategically placed on the countertops. It looks like something you would find in a glossy magazine spread.
“What can I get for you to drink?” Jenna asks, interrupting the whirl of my thoughts.
“Water is fine. Thank you.”
“Are you sure?” She pauses at the massive island in the middle of the room. “You’re more than welcome to have a glass of wine. We have a well-stocked cellar downstairs.”