Page 46 of Mending Scars

“Excited?” Ryker chuckled, patting my thigh affectionately.

“You have no idea,” I responded, still not taking my eyes off the passing scenery in the neighborhood. The landscaping of every house was like out of a movie scene, with beautiful trees, colorful gardens, and perfect grass.

I’d read over the listing several times last night before going to bed. The house was about fifteen thousand more than we had been pre-approved for through our lender, but we were hoping that the sellers would accept a counter offer.

I practically jumped out of the car when we pulled up. I felt like I was about to bust out of my skin because of the excitement coursing through me.

“Wait for me,” Ryker laughed as he shut the door to car. He reached for my hand and led me up the walkway toward the house.

When we walked up the steps to the porch, I could see the front door open through the closed screen. A woman stood inside near the staircase to the second floor. She smiled broadly when she saw us. “Welcome!” She opened the screen door. “My name is Tanya. It’s so great to meet you. Please, come on in.”

I fell more in love with the house when we stepped inside. Hardwood floors spread beneath our feet. A fireplace crackled in the living room to our right, and the dining room sat to our left.

We introduced ourselves before Tanya started the tour. She gestured to the living room. “Let’s start in here.”

As Tanya led us through the house, she explained every intricate detail, from the crown molding to the vaulted ceilings. The home had been built in the late 1800s, but the interior had been completely remodeled within the last few years.

All of the bedrooms but the master were upstairs, along with a game room and two full bathrooms. In addition to the living room and dining room downstairs, there was also a half bathroom, a study, and the most amazing kitchen I’d ever seen. Perfect for us to build our life and start a family.

Tanya showed us the backyard last. Another magnolia tree sat in the back corner of the spacious lawn. A large deck led down to a stone-tiled patio and pool area. I pictured our children running around playing as Ryker and I chased them. I was completely in love.

Tanya turned toward us with a smile on her face. “So? What do you think?”

I looked up at Ryker hopefully. His eyes searched mine and he held my hands in his. “What’s the verdict, Warrior?”

I squeezed his hands. “I love it. This is the one I want.” I knew we should shop around and look at other houses, but my heart was set on this one. It was everything I’d ever dreamed of, and never thought I would have. This house was the setting of my happily ever after.

Ryker grinned before directing his attention to Tanya. “Where do we sign?

My joy faded when I remembered that we didn’t have enough to cover the estimated costs. I directed my attention to Tanya. “We were only approved for fifteen thousand less than the list price.”

“That’s okay,” she smiled. She took out her Blackberry and used a stylus to tap the screen several times. “I can give the owners your offer, then call you and let you know their answer.”

My happiness started to return, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. “That would be great.”

We went back inside the house and Tanya walked us to the front door. She shook Ryker’s hand, then mine. “Thank you for coming. I’ll call you as soon as I hear from the seller.”

“I hope they accept the offer.” I told Ryker as I fastened my seat belt when we got in the car.

“Me too, babe.” He put the car in drive and made a U-turn. “We have to think positive.”

My eyes ran over Ryker’s face as he drove and my lips spread widely. I was still in slight disbelief over everything that had happened since Ryker and I met—he had definitely turned my life upside-down, but I’d never been happier.

The following Friday at work, I finally received a call from Tanya. I quickly swiped my phone off my desk and hurried to answer it. “Hello?”

“Kaiya? Hi, this is Tanya with Cambridge Realty.”

“Hi, Tanya, how are you?”

“Good, thanks.” She paused. “I heard back from the seller.”

I felt like I had jumping beans in my stomach from the anticipation that had been building within me over the past week. “Good news, I hope.”

“Well, I have good news and bad news. The seller rejected your offer, but did propose a counter offer. They’re willing to drop the price five thousand, and cover the closing costs.”

My heart sank into my stomach as I felt the sting of tears forming in my eyes. That was still ten thousand more than what we could afford.

“We can’t afford that.” My voice was meek, the sadness evident in every syllable.

---