Page 108 of Best Laid Plans

Chapter 40

Nova

It was a hot summer day, so, I had my hat and sunscreen on while we walked on cobblestone streets along with a tour group, organized by the Historic Savannah Foundation.

I loved old homes, so it was kinda cute that Anson was putting himself out there since he was not the tour guide kinda guy. He wanted to see a home, he got a private tour, but he knew that would make me uncomfortable.

"What do you like to do?" he asked me once after we started to date.

"Ah…do? I work, Anson."

"I know you like to work, but…what else do you do?"

I felt defensive because I couldn't come up with anything except hanging out at bars and restaurants with friends. "What do you like to do?"

"Hike. Scuba dive. Travel."

I thought hard and, viola!, I had something. "I love to go on tours of historic buildings. Aurora takes Gabe's daughter and Nina's daughter every Sunday. They both want to be architects. I join them."

"What do you like about it?"

"I feel like I'm stepping back in time. Each house tells its own story through its architecture and the lives it sheltered," I mused. "Someday, I'd like to live in one of those old houses, with a ghost or two haunting it."

He got the idea for our date from that conversation, he told me.

Our guide, a cheerful woman named Polly, led us to a stunning house on the river. You couldn't help but admire its elegance. It was a blend of classical and colonial architecture, with white columns, a sweeping porch, and tall, inviting windows. It was grand, and yet, retained a sense of warmth and homeliness.

Polly gathered us around in the front yard. "This house was built in the early 1800s," she began enthusiastically. "It has been beautifully preserved, and is a wonderful example of Southern architecture from that period. What's truly remarkable about this house, though, is its history."

"This is so fun," I whispered to Anson.

"Yeah, fun," he said tightly, and I knew he hated being part of a large group where you were directed on how to experience something.

"Oh, loosen up, Larue. I know you grew up in a historic home, but some of us have to experience it like this."

He rolled his eyes and wrapped an arm around me.

We followed Polly inside, stepping into a spacious foyer with high ceilings and intricate woodwork. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior. Elegant furniture and tasteful decor created an atmosphere of refined comfort. I felt a pang of longing; this was the kind of home I had always dreamed about but knew was out of reach.

"This house played a significant role in the Underground Railroad," Polly continued as we moved into the living room. "The original owners were staunch abolitionists. They built secret passages and hidden rooms to shelter escaping slaves on their way to freedom."

I squeezed Anson's hand gently and saw that his eyes reflected the same awe I felt. "It's incredible to think about the bravery and compassion of the people who lived here."

"Yeah. Much better than having slave quarters on your estate," he murmured. "This history is somethin' you can be proud of."

"Hey, the Larue family has done a lot for Sentinel. Maureen told me how you have elevated the standard of living for everyone in Sentinel, and are going to give them even more with Sentinel Heights. Don't knock that."

He kissed me on the side of my head. "Thanks, Sugar."

Polly led us to a small door hidden behind a bookshelf. "This is one of the hidden passages." She opened the door to reveal a narrow staircase. "It leads to a concealed attic space where people could hide. The homeowners risked everything to help those in need."

We climbed the stairs, emerging into a cozy attic room. Despite its small size, it felt safe and welcoming. I could almost imagine the relief and hope of those who had found refuge here.

"This is the kind of home I always dreamed about," I confessed to Anson, my voice tinged with wistfulness. "A place with history that's also warm and homey."

Anson looked at me with a tenderness that made my heart ache. "Yeah? Well, maybe we can make that happen."

I chuckled. "It's a dream, honey, and I don't know if a house this size would ever suit me. I like living in the city, and being able to walk everywhere, you know?"

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