Going Deep (Imperfect Love 2)

Giselle stands to the side as I walk through the condo. In the hallway, pictures of my friends and family line the walls in thick wooden frames. It’s still masculine, yet it no longer feels cold. She’s added warmth. My bedroom, office, the bathrooms, the kitchen. Every room has been transformed. And it hits me, she did all of this while in a different state and country.

“What do you think?” she asks shyly when I walk back out to the living room.

“I think you need to start your own interior design firm.”

She laughs and it sounds like a sweet melody. “I wouldn’t go that far, but I’m glad you like it. I wanted your place to feel more like a home for you.”

“You mean for us,” I say, gripping her hips and pulling her into me. She comes willing, her arms encircling my neck. “We’re married, which means you’re moving in here. Now.” Needing to feel her, I give her a soft kiss and she melts into my arms.

“Okay,” she says, but then her body stiffens as if she’s just remembered something. “What about my mom? She’s getting out soon and I can’t move her into here. There are only two rooms.” She frowns. “I can’t kick you out of your own office.”

“We’ll figure it out,” I tell her. “We still have a few weeks.”

* * *

It’s been almost a week since Giselle and I became husband and wife. Nick and Olivia officially put their places on the market and moved into their new home, which is just outside the city. Giselle is living with me in the condo and has spent every day after work organizing our stuff. What she doesn’t know is we won’t be living here for long. I have a plan.

We’re on our way to my brother’s place for my niece’s birthday party. Giselle asked me to stop at the bookstore, so she can run in and grab her a gift. I told her I bought her a gift card, but she just gave me a look and told me that’s not from her.

“Got it!” she squeals as she jumps back into the vehicle. She holds up a wrapped square.

“A book?”

“Not just a book. The book. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” I should’ve known. “I also got her the movie since you told me she loves watching movies with you.” She holds up a matching wrapped gift, only smaller in size.

We arrive at the party, and it’s already in full swing. Kids are running around everywhere. There’s a bounce house, several games, a creepy-looking clown painting the kids’ faces, a cotton candy machine going, and tables of food and drinks. It looks like a damn carnival came to town in my brother’s backyard.

“Killian!” Christina waves us over when she spots us standing there, taking it all in. She waddles her now very-pregnant self over to us and throws her arms around Giselle. “Welcome to the family!” she gushes.

“Thank you,” Giselle whispers, and my eyes dart over to her. Why does she sound like she’s ready to cry? “You look great.” She nods toward Christina’s belly.

“Thank you! Only a few more weeks.” She grins happily, unaware my wife looks like she’s a second away from losing it.

“We’re going to get some food, and then we’ll find the birthday girl,” I tell Christina. Taking Giselle’s hand in mine, I walk us over to the corner where the food is. “You okay?” I ask her.

“Yeah, I’ve just never seen anything like this before.” Her eyes glance around the backyard. “Were your birthdays like this?”

“No.” I laugh. “I mean, sure, they were fun. Sometimes at the skating rink or a park, but nothing like this.” Giselle nods absently.

“What about you?” I ask, wanting to know what’s going through her head. She almost looks frightened by the extravagance of the party.

“Addy and I never had a birthday party. At least not one I can remember. My dad didn’t want to overwhelm my mom. Sometimes we would go to dinner or he would bring home a cake, but that’s it. I thought Olivia went all out for Reed’s first birthday, but this party makes it look like hers was reserved.” She laughs.

“Uncle Killian!” Julia squeals. I turn around and she flies into my arms. “You’re here!”

“I am. Happy Birthday! How old are you now? Eighteen?”

“No!” She giggles. “You always say that! I’m five!”

I set her on her feet. “Well, you certainly look older than five.” I shoot her a wink and she giggles some more.

“Come play with me in the bounce house.” She tugs on my hand and I look back at Giselle, whose face is completely devoid of all emotion.

“In a few minutes,” I begin to say, but Giselle cuts me off.

“Go play with your niece,” she insists. “I’ll get us some food.”