“Know what?” I asked, feathering kisses up her forearm.
“That I would absolutely love this house.”
“Because I know you,” I declared, tugging her closer. I wrapped my free arm around her back and leaned in, bringing my mouth to her ear. “I know you better than anyone,” I whispered, and her body shuttered.
Before we could get too lost in the moment and do something to embarrass ourselves, Melody returned wearing a pleased grin.
“He’s going to present your offer to the seller. He thinks they’ll accept without a counter since you offered fifteen over asking.”
Delilah’s wide eyes found mine. “You offered fifteen grand over asking price?”
“The market is hot.” I shrugged. This house wouldn’t stay on it long, and I had to ensure no one would swoop in and outbid me. “It’s worth every penny to see you happy.”
Our offer was accepted, and Melody immediately listed my house. Charlie took the news a lot better than I thought she would. She was excited about decorating her new bedroom and having kids to play with in the neighborhood. Where we lived now was nice, but it was mostly older couples and retirees. Most of the kids on our street were teenagers. At our new house, there were kids riding bikes up and down the street and couples teaching their children to rollerblade. It was a fresh start, one we all needed.
Excited as I was to start this new chapter of my life, I was sad about what I was leaving behind. The home I’d built with Sarah and Charlie, the memories we made in that house, good and bad. Perhaps I should’ve left it sooner, considering that was where she’d died, but I hadn’t been able to let go. In the deepest, darkest depths of my grief, leaving our home behind felt like abandoning her all over again. I still struggled with the guilt of leaving the way I did that day, and I probably always would. I never got to say goodbye or tell her I loved her one last time, but I hoped wherever she was, she’d forgiven me and found peace.
I was trying to do the same. And I had Delilah to thank for that. I had Delilah to thank for everything.
* * *