Page 80 of Wild Promises

Thankfully, we had time to look at three properties on a weekday morning. The realtor, Luke, seemed knowledgeable about the area and listened to my criteria for the perfect home. I wasn't sure what Tori wanted, so I hoped I'd get a better idea by viewing the properties together.

We pulled up to the first option. It was on two acres, backing to woods. The driveway was long and flat, lined with mature trees. I could envision lights on the trunks during the holidays and wreaths on the windows.

Since when did I care about decorating for the holidays? Since I started dating Tori and realized there was so much more to life. It was like I'd been living a half-life before she came back to town.

I parked next to Luke, and we got out to join him on the porch. "The kitchen and bathrooms are updated and the roof new in the last five years. But the windows are original."

"I can deal with that."

"I think you're going to like it. Why don't you two walk around, and I'll wait for you in the kitchen." He unlocked the door and pushed it open for us to precede him into the house.

As soon as I stepped into the kitchen, I could see the windows showcasing the forest in the living room. The kitchen had white cabinets, marble countertops, and a gray island. There was room for a table and plenty of storage space.

Tori was quiet as she opened this cabinet door and that.

"What do you think?" I asked as we moved into the living room. There was a large stone fireplace with a wood mantle. I could see us watching TV in front of the fire on cold winter nights. The view was just what I was looking for. I hoped the second floor was as good as the first.

"It's really nice."

"Could you see yourself living here?"

"I think everyone could. It's kind of perfect. Spacious and updated. Everything is clean and well cared for."

There was a study downstairs and a formal living room. Then we took the stairs to see the second floor. The master bedroom had an adjoining sitting room and large bathroom. I could see us living here as a married couple, then filling the remaining four bedrooms with kids. Both of us working our dream jobs. My kids growing up with my brothers. This was perfect.

"I don't know about this." The basement was unfinished. It would be expensive to renovate, and I didn't have time to do the work myself.

"You could make it what you want it to be."

"True." I could make it a gaming room or something else.

We went outside to see the backyard, and the first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. There were no cars passing by or pedestrians talking and laughing.

"I think this is the house," Tori said, her voice filled with excitement. "Can you see yourself living here?"

"I can see us grilling here on summer evenings. A fire pit for s'mores. Plenty of chairs to enjoy the outdoors. Maybe a gaming room in the basement." I liked to be in constant motion, so if Iwasn't on the slopes, I enjoyed shooting hoops or playing pool. But I couldn't do any of that in my current apartment. My chest felt tight when I thought of living in my dream house by myself. "You'll move in with me, right?"

Tori nodded. "As long as I have a job here."

"It'll work out." Because it had to. I didn't say anything about my conversation with her father because I wasn't even sure it would pan out. Maybe the buyer wouldn't be interested, or her father would change his mind. I had no way of knowing, and I didn't want to rush anything.

She curled a hand through my elbow. "I hope you're right. Now that I'm home, I can't imagine living anywhere else."

"Do we need to look at any other houses?" This was outside of town with enough property not to see any neighbors. It was backing to woods and far enough away from the road to feel private. It met all of my criteria.

"Not if you think this is the one."

"What you think matters too. You'll be living here." Hopefully forever. But it was too soon to have that conversation.

Tori shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "I love it."

"You'll help me pick out furniture and decorate?" I asked her.

"I might need Noelle's help. It's a big space."

"Noelle does interior design too?"

"She does everything. That girl is always hustling."

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