Page 48 of We're One

“When the final rooms are finished, we’ll need to have a party so everyone can see the fabulous work you’ve done.”

I beam at him. “I wouldn’t say no to that.”

I’ve been saving his new bedroom for last. I’ve made him promise not to go into it all week until I put the final touches on it. Today, I’ve moved all of his clothes into the closet, with some help. The man has a huge amount of clothes and more shoes than I have which is just wrong in my humble opinion. He also has far more space than I have. I’m sure I’d own more shoes if I had the same closet space this man has. Moving his clothes over from the last room, he still has over half his closet to fill. Crazy!

“Here we go,” I say as I open the door and we step inside.

Zach lets out a whistle as he looks around the beautiful room. “Wow, Sia, incredible.”

The bright walls are inviting and adorned with beautifully framed images of Zach with his brothers, his parents, and his grandparents. The cream carpet feels like you’re walking on clouds, and the huge bed is covered in a soft tan comforter that feels like satin. I might’ve laid on it for a while and gotten lost in its softness.

The nightstands and bed are a light pine, and the lamps are grey with silver shades. The muted colors are what he likes best. I would’ve opted for more color, but this room is what he wants. I have to admit I like it a lot.

We move to the master bathroom with bright white walls and sleek silver counters with bright red wall art and accessories. The shower tiles look like they’re sparkling when they get wet and the double showerheads make the morning routine an experience versus a chore to get ready for the day. My favorite part of this bathroom, though, isn’t the huge linen closet, but the step-down tub that can easily fit two people. If I get the chance, I’ll use it before I have to leave his home.

“I don’t even know what to say, Sia; this is better than I ever could’ve envisioned.”

I’m smiling ear to ear. “Thank you. I love it. Personally, I would’ve used more color throughout the house, but you can always add and take things away as you get used to the new spaces.”

We leave the bathroom and he tugs me toward the bed with a wicked grin on his face. “Want to test how soft this bedding is?”

I shake my head. “Not yet, lover boy. The tour isn’t over.”

He reluctantly follows me to the living room, a place we’ve spent many evenings together. It’s difficult to choose my favorite room because I love this one too. We step inside where the final pictures were hung today and a few lamps were placed. The beautiful throws make it easy to curl up and watch a movie on the giant television on the back wall.

I stand back as Zach looks over the pictures along the vast walls. He moves around, looking at each one, then stops at the huge family portrait centering the back wall. It’s stunning, an image from many years ago with Zach, Blaze, Callan, their parents, and grandparents. The boys are sitting on the branches of a low hanging limb, while Gramps and their father stand on the side, and Grams and their mother sit in front of the tree. They’re all smiling and look so happy, like nothing in the world can possibly break them apart. It’s both beautiful and tragic that they can no longer be together like this.

“I forgot about this picture,” Zach says, his voice slightly scratchy. I look at the sheen in his eyes and realize my own eyes are filling and spilling over. “Thank you for finding it and turning it into the centerpiece.”

“This has all been my pleasure, Zach. I feel bad being paid for a job I loved so much. The second I saw this image I knew it needed to be the focal point of the room.”

He walks over to me and pulls me into his arms. I willingly go. I really am sad this project is almost over. All of my jobs are special to me, but this one has been the best so far. He leans down and kisses me and I melt against him. Before I get too lost though, I pull back.

“Now, sit down. I’ll be right back.” He chuckles as he moves to his new couch. We’ve been snuggling on it almost nightly for the past week.

I quickly move to the kitchen and pull out the bottle of wine chilling in his new wine fridge. I pour us each a glass, then pull out the fruit and cheese platter Nikki made. I carry it all back to the living room.

“I should be pouring wine for you,” he says.

“Nope, today is all about you. It’s our semi-grand-opening. Only a couple of rooms to go. We have to finish the bonus game room and your old bedroom, now that it’s empty.”

“We have multiple guest houses on the property, so don’t think you’re getting away from this job too soon.”

“We haven’t talked about guest houses.”

“I don’t think about them too often, but my brothers love using them.”

“Now I’m curious.”

“We’ll finish in here first, then go and look at those,” he says as he grabs an apple and some cheese. It’s one of my favorite snacks.

“I might be all booked up, Mr. Callahan.”

“I’ll make it worth your while,” he assures me as he takes away my glass of wine and lifts me onto his lap.

“Oh, and how will you do that?” I ask as he nuzzles my neck and makes me lose my train of thought. It doesn’t matter how many times I make love to this man, I still can’t get enough. I love his touch, love being close to him. It’s incredible.

“I might not let you go,” he says, making my already accelerating heart go into the danger zone.

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