Page 83 of Totally Off Limits

Avoiding the obvious implications, she asked, “So you’re definitely buying this home?”

“Yep. Signing the closing paperwork in a couple weeks.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Want to see the inside? I have a key.”

“Sounds good.”

Mia was bouncing in Sierra’s arms and pointing at the playset. “Mama, I want to play!”

“Maybe when we come back.”

Although Mia pouted, she didn’t protest. Such a good child. Sierra couldn’t ask for more from her daughter.

The three of them went around to the side near the garage and, as Austin unlocked the door, Sierra set Mia on the floor. “Give me your hand.” Again, although it was a lovely home, Sierra didn’t know what lay ahead and she was certain there were stairs ahead. Although Mia was getting the hang of them, Sierra preferred being able to watch when she did.

Someday she’d be able to get rid of the child gates at the condo, too—but just a little longer.

As he started showing her the ridiculously huge home, Austin said, “This will be a great place to raise a family.”

Yes…but wasn’t it a littletooshowy? “How many bedrooms?”

“Eight. Plenty for kids and guests. And I need to show you the fireplaces.”

“Plural?”

“Three—one on each floor.”

“I don’t think I want to know how much you’re paying for this.”

With a grin, he said, “You’re right there.” But she could also see the twinkle in his eyes as his shoulders straightened just a bit more. As they walked through the great room with its own gigantic fireplaces and gorgeous mountain views, he said, “This is a place that I can picture filled with family. And I imagine Christmases up here with snow and logs in the fireplace. The tree would be over there, surrounded by kids tearing paper off packages. And the mantel is perfect for stockings.”

She could picture it, too.

As if she were outside her body, she observed as Austin took her through the tour of the perfect home, and, as they moved from room to room, he described how he planned to use each area or what he envisioned.

One thing was certain: Austin would be a good husband and an amazing provider.

A wonderful father.

Did she love him?

No. But she could grow to care for him again.

Mia was wandering around the room but ready to head out to explore on her own. “Hey, kiddo,” Austin said, catching up to her and picking her up—and she didn’t protest. “Do you like ice cream?”

Her dark eyes grew as big as saucers. “Yes!”

“Good. We’ll go get some in a little bit.” With a sheepish grin, he looked at Sierra. “Um…if it’s okay with your mommy.”

Hoping her face appeared normal, Sierra nodded, lost in her thoughts.

Could she grow to love Austin?

Did that even matter anymore? Her life had been so mildly miserable since she could remember with few respites. Not loving Austin wouldn’t be the worst thing.

Mia was a huge joy, the best thing that had ever happened to her. As Austin played peek-a-boo with the child, making her giggle while distracting her from the dangers of the house, Sierra let it settle in her bones. Austin was everything a woman would want in a husband: good with children, a solid provider, kind and thoughtful.

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