Page 27 of My Crush's Brother

“You did this for us? Can we?” She points toward the house.

“Yes. Let’s go inside. It’s just the framing, I wanted to let you make some of the design decisions.” I walk her through the front door, “This is the family room and I left it open concept, if you prefer walls we can certainly add them in. Over here is the kitchen, I knew you mentioned how much you loved my mom’s kitchen island I built so I made sure to include a similar design in here.” We make our way through the house as I point out different rooms. I can’t wait to show her the back.

“Come this way, I built a custom deck with plenty of room to have people over and I’m currently building an elevated garden for you. I remember you telling me how much you enjoyed working with your dad in your garden growing up.

She still hasn’t said much, she’s just taking it all in, a huge grin plastered on her face. “And now for the best part,” I say taking her hand and leading her back into the house to the second floor.

“So this is our bedroom,” we step into the room. “There’s a full ensuite and a walk in closet. I figure you can pick out the exact type of custom built-in shelves and organizers you want.”

“I just...I can’t believe you did all this. How did you do all this without me knowing?”

“Well I might have let you believe I was working on a job locally the last few months, I did a lot in the early mornings and weekends. I’m sorry we lost that time together but I wanted to surprise you.”

“One more thing,” I say leading her out of the room and down the hall. “We have three extra bedrooms. I figure for Trevor and his wife and soon to be baby when they visit or other family from out of town. Or...when we want to start a family of our own?”

She spins around so fast she almost falls over, “A family of our own?”

I can’t help but smile at the excitement in her eyes, “Yes sweetheart, a family of our own.”

It’s been almostthree months and the house is finally done. It’s been a blast to watch Pearl turn this house into a home. Iswear every time I stop by there’s a new painting or cute touch that reminds me of her. She has amazing taste.

I kicked her out of the house yesterday and made her stay at the cabin so I could organize one more surprise for her. I told her to meet me at the house after she wraps up her work day.

It’s nearing six and I have dinner almost complete, candles throughout the house and rose petals leading out to the back deck. Soft jazz streams through the in-house speaker system when I hear the front door open.

“Honey I’m home! Wow smells amazing in here.” She says waltzing into the kitchen with a bottle of win in her hand.

“Hey beautiful,” I say planting a kiss on her lips. “Why don’t you get comfortable and open that bottle. Dinner is almost ready.” She looks around the kitchen and pulls me in for another kiss.

“This place looks so romantic.” She scurries upstairs and returns a few moments later, her face freshly washed and wearing a cute pair of shorts and a tank top.

During dinner we talk about her job, she’s about to celebrate her one year anniversary and loves it. She’s already received a promotion and we enjoy the trips to Chicago together. We stay with Trevor and explore the city but are always more than happy to return to our home in the mountains.

The cabin rental business is thriving still and Pearl even hired her replacement, a young eager kid that is attending UC Denver next fall.

We finish clearing off the table and I reach into the fridge and pull out a bottle of chilled champagne. “Grab two glasses and meet me on the back deck sweetheart.”

She gives me a little look, “You trying to get me drunk Mr. Winthrop? Maybe take advantage of me?” She has no idea.

I flip on the twinkle lights I strung up early over the deck, I reach into the hot tub and check the temperature of the water, perfect.

“Oh my god!” She says as she steps out onto the deck and sees the newest addition, a custom hot tub.

“I’m not wearing a swimsuit,” she says as she kicks off her flip flops and sets the glasses down.

“You don’t need one.” I say, pulling her in and nibbling on her bottom lip. I place my hand on the back of her neck and pull her in for a deep, passionate kiss.

We both strip down until we’re naked and sink down into the warm, bubbling water. I reach around us and pop the cork on the champagne, pouring us both a flute.

“What are we toasting to?” she asks.

“How about we toast to you. To you being the last woman I ever bring into a hot tub.” She giggles as we clink glasses and take a sip.

“Oh I have one more surprise.” I say climbing out of the hot tub. I tiptoe across the deck and grab the guitar I had hidden behind a large planter.

“You’re kidding me!” She squeals as I sit on the edge of the tub and play a few notes.

She’s smiling so big I feel like my heart is about to explode.

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