Page 136 of Conquering Oz

“Elle?”

She spun around to find Noelle, Dahlia’s security, at the edge of the hallway. She hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “The delivery guys just dropped off the bounce house. Oz said to tell you he has cash in his wallet for them.”

Elodie held up her finger. “Let me grab it.”

While their house in the city was huge, the lake house was more reserved. It was homier with only five bedrooms. She rushed upstairs, rounding the banister and into their room. She zoned in on his nightstand. It was closest to the door. She grabbed his wallet and flipped it open, grabbing the bills. She was about to close it when the corner edge of a slip of pink paper caught her attention. She pulled the business card out of the sleeve, smiling. Years later, marriage, and a baby, and he still kept her business card from the night they’d met.

The day went on, and she couldn’t have asked for better weather or company. The barbeques at the lake house had become tradition. They’d grown over the years. What began asapprehensive security showing up for Oz’s birthday party turned into an annual event.

Again, family.

Not traditional but family just the same. With a twist.

Elodie had finished her plate of food and sipped her beer, eyeing the grassy knoll of their property. Children were running around, enjoying the playset they’d installed at the beginning of summer. She was taking in the scene when she felt his hand grip her shoulder.I know his touch.

“Take a ride with me.” Oz slid his hand down her arm and clasped her palm, pulling her up from her seat. The gathering had died down, but there were still a few people hanging around.

“Now?”

“Yes.” He glanced across the table to her uncle. “Hank, come with us.”

This was odd. Yet no one questioned Oz. She followed his lead and watched her uncle stand up.

What the heck is going on?

****

It was a twenty-minute drive, but they never left the community. Had they taken their boat, it would have only been five minutes. But that might’ve given too much away.

Oz pulled into the long driveway. It was steep, but during renovations the builders had done their best to level it as much as possible. He pulled in front of the garage and parked.

“What are we doing?” Elodie asked from the back seat.

“We’re getting out.” Oz stepped out of the car, rounded the fender, and walked toward the backyard.

The yard had sod put down and had a small fence. It didn’t obstruct the view but posed as a barrier to a straight run to the dock one hundred feet away.

Elodie walked to the edge and smiled then pointed across the lake. “Is that our house?”

He gave a curt nod.

“So this is the house that’s had all the construction for the past six months?”

“Yes.”

She looked over to her uncle, who was scoping out the house, walking up to the windows. It hadn’t been much more than a small shack when Oz had seen it for the first time. It also hadn’t been for sale. The previous owner had died, and his nephew had been holding onto it for a decade in hopes of remodeling. It was beyond simple renovations. The house had been neglected for far too long.

“So, it’s for sale?” Elodie asked.

“No.”

She raised her brows sharing a look with her uncle. “Are we trespassing?”

His lips twitched. “No.”

“Can I get more than a one-word answer?” She winked and started toward him.

“I bought it.” Oz said.

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