Page 109 of Recon Rendezvous

I’m giddy, jumping to do what I’m told without question. This man knows I love surprises and he’s upping the ante right now.

Gently bringing the blindfold over my eyes, he steals a kiss, before tying it just tight enough that I’m shrouded in darkness.

“Hold on, babycakes. We just need to get around this bend.”

Bouncing in my seat, I wait as patiently as I can as the truck starts to move again, and in less than a minute, he pulls to a stop.

“Wait right here, cake. I’m going to help you down and put you in position.”

I squeal as anticipation burns through me, the silence once he steps out just adds to my excitement. As he opens my door, my adrenaline spikes and I barely register him unbuckling my seat belt and taking me into his arms. Once my feet find the ground again, my focus is back, and I need this damn blindfold off.

“You ready, baby?” he says near my ear. “Surprise.”

I blink, my eyes quickly adjusting before they land on… a house. A grand home fit for a fairy tale, or an English country manor, surrounded by freshly shorn grass, stately trees, and a mix of colorful flowers. I can tell this home was once loved long ago, with its dark exterior, deteriorating pitched roof, dusty windows, and worn gables. It’s still enchanting as it invites me in.

“What am I looking at?” I ask, unable to tear my eyes away from everything before me.

“Our home,” he replies softly.

I gasp, my heart fluttering when he wraps me up in his love and continues.

“I bought this home for you, for us. She's a beauty, not properly taken care of. She needs some love to bring her back to her glory. Make her sparkle again.”

The stinging in my nose makes my eyes well. “Xan?” I whisper. “You bought this house for us? How? When?” I ask, as I turn in his arms. “I don't understand.”

A lingering kiss lands on my waiting mouth, and I fall into the fairy tale of it all.

“About a month ago. Ana was very helpful.”

“Ana? My realtor?” I sniffle. “Is that why she was unable to find anything for me?”

“She’s still looking for our place in the city, but I made sure she knew this was a priority.”

My brain struggles to wrap around all the words that are coming out of his mouth.

“But… I’ve been here less than three months… and a month ago…” I trail off, trying to do the math.

“I knew you were my forever.”

Me too.

Before I can respond, he plants a swift kiss on my lips and turns me toward the house. His smile is contagious as he hurriedly pulls me along.

“Come on, let's go inside. I'm gonna show you around and explain everything. But I want you to know I heard everything you said the other night.”

The other night?

Hand in hand, we stride into our future. Rocking on my toes, he gives my hand a reassuring squeeze before he opens the door with a key he pulls from his pocket, and we step into a grand entryway.

Hardwood floors stretch out around us, a little worn and battered, but they’ll be glorious once sanded and stained. Soft sunrays filter through the ornate oriel windows, catching the dust particles drifting in the air. Arched doorways beckon me to step in further to explore.

“Xander, this place…” I trail off, unable to formulate anything that would make sense.

“It's beautiful, right?” I can't help but smile at the excitement in his voice. “Do you like it?”

“Stud, how could I not? This is amazing! How did you know?”

“You posted an IG story once. You were watching one of your HGTV shows and said you just found your dream home. So, I had to make it happen. It’s not the same one, obviously, but it’s close and we can make this whatever you want it to be.”

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