Page 67 of Don't Look Back

Chapter 38

Zoey

As soon as Colt pulls in the driveway, I'm rushing out the door and meeting him at his truck. I'm smiling ear to ear, more than excited to spring this surprise on him.

“What’s going on, baby?” He chuckles at my excitement.

“I have something to show you.” I'm bouncing on my toes. It’s been so hard for me to keep this a secret and now that I can finally tell him, I don’t want to keep it any longer.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so excited.” The grin on his face has mine spreading even wider.

I take his hand in mine and lead him through the grass towards the house next door. Colt glances at me a few times with a furrowed brow, but doesn’t say anything. When I push open the front door, he tugs me to a stop.

“Are we breaking and entering? I need to know before I enter since I'm the sheriff.”

“If I was going to break into someone’s house, do you really think I’d bring a cop with me?” I arch a brow.

“Well, I mean I’d hope you’re not breaking into any buildings at all. That could give me a really bad reputation.”

“We’re allowed to be here, Colt. I promise. Now, will you go inside?” I motion to the door and wait for him to enter first.

He’s hesitant and that makes me chuckle. Sometimes I wonder how he was the town’s troublemaker when he seems so nervous about entering a house when it’s unlocked.

“What are we doing here? I'm sure Mrs. Geralds doesn’t want us in her home.”

“Go into the kitchen.”

“Ok…” he trails off and slowly walks towards the kitchen.

The house is set up just like ours, but it’s not nearly as renovated as ours is. Colton put a lot of time, money, and work into our house.

The kitchen is in desperate need of a facelift. Some new cabinets and counters, a fresh coat of paint, and better lighting would transform this room. The wooden floorsare all scratched and scuffed up. I’d love to refinish them, but I think we’ll have to wait a while to do that.

Colt stops at the island and stares down at the paper on the counter. He slowly picks it up and his eyes scan the writing.

“You bought a house?” He blinks at me.

“You said you always wanted to buy one of the properties next door to you. I thought this one would be nice to start with and maybe we could buy the other one if it ever goes up for sale.”

“But this property wasn’t on the market.”

“It wasn’t, but I saw Mrs. Geralds a few weeks ago. She was having a hard time getting around and told me she didn’t think she could live alone much longer. Her daughter offered for her to move in and she said she thought she was going to take her up on it, but she was worried about selling the house. I kind of offered to buy it and she accepted!”

“What are we going to do with a second house?”

“I can't tell if you’re happy or mad.” I frown at him. I really thought he’d be happy about this.

“I'm happy, but you’re crazy, baby.” He chuckles and shakes his head. “You bought this because I mentioned it a few times?”

“You said you wanted a farm. This way you could have one.”

“You’re the best wife in the world, do you know that?” He sweeps me into his arms and kisses me.

“I have another surprise for you,” I whisper when he pulls back.

“What could possibly top a house?”

“Go into the master bedroom.”

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