Page 99 of Dream Girl
“We can make a blanket fort,” I offered, wanting to make her happy. “Wherever you want and we can keep it up for as long as you want. We’re not too old. Do you want some help arranging things in your room to get them just the way you want? I’m pretty good at it. Also, I brought you some things that Rose and Riley picked out for you,” I offered. After all, nesting could take some practice–and everyone had a different approach.
“They did? Did you have fun?” She turned over and tipped her head up to see me.
“Yep. Want to see?” I caught the bag with my foot and brought it over so I didn’t have to get out of the nest. “They got you these lights to drape over the canopy on the bed and this pink circle canopy thing. I’m not sure if it’s for the window seat or the beanbag chair in Wes’ office.” I held it up.
“We should hang that up with more lights,” she laughed. “I’d like some lights for the window–if that would be okay.”
I kissed her nose. “Yes. It’s your room. Lights for the window, sure. A canopy for the window–or a curtain that goes across the seat to hide the pillows, we can do that. Or maybe a screen that goes inside the door so you can have your door open but people won’t immediately see into your room?”
She nodded. “Those are all such good ideas.”
This room was long,so it might need something extra to make it cozy enough for her to feel safe. I should also talk to a contractor about a door between her room and my bathroom.
“We’ll get it figured out. Now, where should we start?” If we stayed here any longer, I was going to start making out with her.
Together, Grace and I rearranged everything to her satisfaction, which included stealing a very soft rug from a room we never used and placing the daybed on top of it, hanging the lights, and trying to get all the pillows and blankets to look neat without having to put any in the storage under the window seat.
“What are you doing up here? It sounds like you’re dropping things.” Brennan stood in the doorway, frowning. “I thought you had work to do.”
“I’m procrastinating. Why work when you can decorate?” I replied.
“Oh, I didn’t realize it was late. I’m so sorry.” Grace’s shoulders slumped. “We were moving things around.”
Brennan looked around and shook his head. “It looks nice. It’s fine.”
“I love all the lights,” Jett said from behind him.
“I worry that it’s still too messy.” She frowned as she eyed the window seat.
“If you’re happy with it, it’s fine. If not, we’ll keep rearranging it.” I wrapped my arms around her, trying to comfort her.
“Who isthat?” Jett eyed Mr. Hippo, who had the place of honor on the bed, along with the bear I’d gotten her in the hospital.
“That’s Wes’ favorite childhood toy.” I grinned. “Mr. Hippo.”
Jett started laughing. “Mr. Hippo?”
“I think it’s sweet, it was the last toy his mom gave him before she left.” Her voice went soft.
“I know. He gave it to you?” Brennan’s voice was quiet as he crossed his arms over his chest.
She flinched. “Mr. Hippo’s an old friend. He’s just keeping me company for now.”
“That was nice of him. I know Mr. Hippo means a lot to Wes,” Brennan said quietly.
“We just wanted to make sure you were okay,” Jett said.
“As you should. She’s dangerous with a reel of lights.” I tried to lighten the mood. “Also, Grace doesn’t know the difference between step stools and sitting stools.”
“Evan,” she laughed, elbowing me.
“I’ll come see you after I finish with Grace,” I promised Brennan and Jett.
“Sounds good. We were going to watch some TV anyway," Brennan said, as he and Jett left.
Grace turned to the window seat and frowned.
“It’ll take time to get it right.” I took her hand. “Let me show you something.”
