Page 19 of A Home for His Omega

“Wow, you look good, sweetheart.”

“Sadly, I know you’re talking to Mitzy.”

Tomás winced. “You look even better. Um, sweetheart.”

Henry chuckled and handed Journey to him as well. “Good save.”

Truthfully, Tomás was the handsome one today. The alpha was all cleaned up and dressed in nice slacks and a dress shirt.

“You look really nice too,” Henry said, cheeks heating.

“Thanks.” Tomás grinned. “Come inside. I have a surprise for you.”

Henry hurried out of the truck and up the steps to the front door. “I can’t wait to see how different it is.”

“Just keep in mind, we have a long way to go.”

Henry gasped when he went inside. The whole downstairs space was open and the floor was bare of carpet. Instead, lovely pinewood floors were on display, the grain of the wood prominent, each individual knot there for all to see. Perfect imperfections.

“The floor isn’t quite done. There were a few pieces I needed to add in to fill in gaps. I can stain them to match the rest of the pine’s natural patina. Plus, I still need to sand it again and add a coat of poly.” Tomás froze in place. “Oh fuck. Do you hate it?”

“Hate it?” Henry barely noticed the tears running down his face. All he could see was the beauty Tomás had revealed to him. He knelt and ran a hand over one of the dark knots. “No ugly carpet covering it. No grime and dirt. All of this beauty was hidden away.” He looked up at Tomás. “I couldn’t love it more than I do now.”

Tomás looked relieved. “Oh good. This isn’t even your surprise.”

Henry laughed, wiping away his tears. “What could possibly top this?”

“Well,” Tomás said, drawing the word out. “Follow me.”

Henry let Tomás pull him to the far side of the house, only then noticing the low, romantic lighting. In the corner of what would be the living room, a large picture window looked out over the backyard. Strands of fairy lights hung around the window and a gorgeous wooden coffee table sat in front of it, a large woven rug under it. Large, colorful pillows were arranged around the table and several healthy green plants sat in the center. Steam rose from the plates of food waiting for them.

“Coconut curry.” Tomás helped him sit on a pillow, then followed him down. “Personally delivered from the Irish Rose.”

“That’s where Sam works.” Henry sniffed the plate. “This is Rueban’s curry, isn’t it? I’ve always wanted to try it.”

“Yep. He’s the best cook in the world.” Tomás patted the coffee table. “My brother Harper brought this over. He made it for you as a housewarming gift. My cousin Janelle brought the plants, and she said these are safe to have around pets. Papa brought the pillows and the rug.” Harper pulled a folded, dark green blanket from under the table. “My cousin Ernie made this. He said to tell you it’s a chunky cable knit blanket and if you want more, just let him know. He enjoys making them.”

Henry looked around, eyes watering again. “This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

Tomás wrapped his arms around Henry. “I’m not done yet. Look out the window.”

The sun was setting outside, but he could still see the solar lights lining a gravel and stone pathway leading from the house to a small outbuilding. The building was painted white, with cute windows and flowerboxes. A large maple tree grew above it, branches still bare from winter.

Henry jumped to his feet, startling Tomás and the dogs. “Is that Sophie’s coop?”

Tomás laughed, standing up. “I guess you’re not going to eat first, huh?”

Squealing, he ran out the back door and down the stone path. Snow melted from the tall grass and weeds growing on each side, making the ground wet and muddy. The pathway was nice and sturdy, held together with thick stone borders. It would be a huge boon in the winter.

As he grew closer, the chicken coop looked even better. The flowerboxes were empty since the weather was still too cold, but the maple tree had small red buds growing, telling the world that spring was here. A fenced in run was attached to the side, large enough for several chickens. Sophie is going to be so spoiled, he thought, grinning.

He opened the door and started laughing. An actual chandelier hung from the ceiling and lit up the building. It was small, a mixture of bronze metal and crystals of varying sizes. The floor was gray vinyl plank flooring, and the walls matched the outside. Two hen boxes sat against the back wall, full of straw and fragrant herbs. A heat lamp hung above them, light dim. Wide, flat boards were attached to the walls in one corner, low to ground so Sophie would be able to easily hop up to roost.

What surprised Henry the most was the large white brahma perched on one of the roosts, clucking softly.

“That’s Clucky.” Tomás leaned against his back and pulled him close. “She is the most chill chicken Papa has ever seen. He thought that you might like to introduce her to Sophie. I don’t think she’ll pick on her. The only chickens she doesn’t like are roosters. She’s kind to all the hens and new chicks in Papa’s flock.”

“She’s precious.” Henry wiped his eyes. “This is perfect for Sophie. That chandelier is so beautiful that I’m tempted to steal it for myself.”

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