Page 30 of Accidental Fiancé

I shook my head. “It’s not. I’m just overthinking things. It’ll be fine once I meet her.”

“Ok, good. Then let’s go.” He opened the French doors to the pristine white kitchen, and my breath caught. I wanted to live there. It was decked out in the latest top-of-the-line professional gear and stainless steel appliances. There was a large section of stainless steel countertop beneath a window, perfect for rolling out dough. The rest of the counters were white and gray marble, matching the floor. A large island sat in the middle, several gorgeous pots and pans hanging above it. There was a walk-in pantry next to the industrial-sized fridge. A large gas stove top, double ovens… a fantasy home kitchen if ever there was one.

Julian called out, “Rena? Pip? Where are you guys?”

The pitter-patter of tiny feet slapping against the marble floors drew my attention. “Pop!” An enthusiastic black-haired blur ran past me to hug his leg. He scooped her up, swinging her onto his hip. Only then did I realize she was also holding a purple stuffed squid-monster. It matched her pajamas.

Every time Julian had spoken of his daughter, he glowed. But now, his smile was almost blinding.

“Piper Black, I’d like you to meet Maggie Bryant.”

Instead of shaking my hand, she held out her monster. “This is Cooloo.”

I shook one of the monster’s stuffed tentacles. “Pleasure to meet you, Cooloo.”

Jules laughed. “It’s Cthulhu, but she can’t pronounce it, so?—"

“Coo…loo…,” Piper proudly said, as if she was showing off her pronunciation skills.

“Sounds like Cooloo to me, Jules.”

She stuck her tongue out at her father, who sighed at me. “Already ganging up on me, huh? I knew this was a bad idea.”

“Hey, Mr. Black.” A twenty-something girl with long red hair and bright green eyes walked into the kitchen. She had the kind of looks that belonged painted on the side of a World War II bomber plane. A walking, breathing fantasy straight out of a men’s magazine. She gave me a cautious smile and stuck out her hand. “I’m Rena.”

“The weekend babysitter?” I asked her as I shook her hand.

Julian nodded as he set Piper down. “Rena, this is Maggie. She’s moving in.”

That statement earned wide eyes from Rena but they quickly vanished in a slight smile. “Okay, well, since you’re home, I’m going to head out unless you need me for anything else.”

“Dinner?”

“She’s one peanut butter and jelly in.”

“Alright, thanks Rena.”

“See you later, munchkin.” Rena brushed her hand against Piper’s cheek and said goodnight.

Julian set his daughter onto the trolley then ran it down the hallway with her squealing all the way. As much as I hated her mom for leaving her behind, I enjoyed seeing them together like this. I followed, half-paying attention to them while the other half took in my surroundings.

Sandy beige walls complemented the light wood floors, and every space we passed had warm lighting and enormous windows showcasing the views of the ocean landscape. Family pictures and Piper’s drawings lined the walls. Not much in the way of decor other than a few plants here and there. Despite the enormity of the mansion, it felt like a home.

Julian stopped the trolley at the end of the long hallway. “Okay, Pip, this is where Maggie will be sleeping. Grab some bags and?—"

“No!” she shouted with glee, giggling as she ran into the bedroom.

He turned to me. “One of these days, I’ll train her to be a good bellhop. Alas, today is not that day.”

“Terrible service at this hotel. Two stars,” I teased as I brushed past him into the bedroom.

The large canopy bed begged for me to jump on it next to Piper, who was busy tucking Cooloo into the crisp sheets. There was a large set of windows offering a beautiful view of the ocean. I walked over and cracked one open to allow the breeze to fill up the space and so I could listen to the waves all night long. I’d always wanted that but had never lived anywhere I could hear the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

The rest of the bedroom was as lovely as the house, with the same wood floors and sandy beige walls. The rich oak furniture was modern with fine detailing, copper handles, and smooth lines. A few watercolor paintings hung on the walls, each one an herb in the style of a scientific drawing. I spotted a quaint ensuite bathroom off to the left. Simple and cozy, yet elegant.

“What do you think?” Julian asked from behind.

“It’s perfect,” I breathed.

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