Page 52 of Being Julia

“You’ll see,” my dad said with a smile.

He led us to a door, put the key in, and opened it. We walked inside, and I looked around.

“Follow me,” he said as he led us to the next apartment and opened the door.

We walked in, and I looked around in confusion. “Okay, Dad. You have me all confused. What’s going on?”

“Well, I’m having both of these apartments converted into one large four-bedroom apartment. I’m having the whole place renovated and redesigned.”

“Wow, that’s awesome. Are you going to sell it or something?”

Jake looked at me and took my hand. “Julia, I think your dad is doing this for us. I’m pretty sure he wants us to live here.”

“Smart man,” my dad said as he pointed at him.

“What?! You mean you’re doing this for us?”

“Yes, princess. I would love this to be your new home after you get married.” He smiled.

“One floor down from the penthouse?” I asked. “Daddy, I can’t. It’s too much. As much as I love it and the idea, it’s too much for you to give us.”

He walked over to me with a smile and hugged me. “No. It’s not too much. I love you and Jake. This is part of your wedding gift. You can design it any way you want to. Imagine that the two apartments are your canvas, and you and Jake make it your home.”

Tears filled my eyes and rolled down my face at the kindness and generosity of my father. “I love it, Dad. It means so much that you would do something like this for us. I can’t believe it. Does Mom know?”

“Yes. Your mom knows, and she’s hoping you’ll accept it.”

“We will accept it, Connor.” Jake smiled. “Thank you very much. But let me at least pay you something for it.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, son. The only payment I’ll acceptfrom you is the happy memories you and my daughter will make here. Oh, and a couple of grandkids too.” He smiled.

“We can definitely do that.” Jake laughed.

“Thank you so much, Dad. I love you.”

“I love you too, baby. Let’s go upstairs and tell your mom the good news.”

CHAPTER 16

Igraduated from Columbia and started my new job at Black Enterprises. My wedding was taking place next week, and I still had so much to do. The apartment my dad bought us was finally completed, and Jake and I spent two days shopping for furniture to make it perfect. My mom threw me the most fabulous wedding shower, and I got everything I needed for the apartment. When everything was in its place, Jake and I took a step back and looked around.

“This is our home and the start of our life together.” I smiled.

“It sure is, and I love every bit of it,” Jake said as he picked me up.

“What are you doing?” I laughed.

“Taking you into the bedroom so we can test our new bed.”

“I like the sound of that.” I smiled as I brushed my lips against his.

We lay in bed, and Jake held me against him. He softly ran his finger up and down my arm while kissing the top of my head.

“I can’t believe we’re finally getting married,” he said.

“You’re not getting cold feet, are you?” I asked.

“Hell, no. I can’t wait to make you Mrs. Julia Jensen. Then, we can make baby Jensens in a couple of years.”

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