Page 82 of Your Second Chance
Luna nudged Nova. “We should at least see it. You know, give the man a chance.”
Nova sighed, her lips twitching slightly as if she was fighting a smile. “Fine. Show me.”
I led them back toward the garden, gesturing to the separate entrance of the apartment. “This way, you’d have complete privacy. The yard is shared. We’d bump into each other here, especially if you’re out sunbathing or whatever it is you do, Luna.”
Luna laughed. “A shared yard? That’s fine by me. As long as you’re okay running into ball gags and naked men here, we’re golden.” She looked back at Mum. “Sorry, Mom.”
I ignored her comment and motioned for them to follow me up the back steps into the main house. “The only downside islaundry. It’s all in the main house, so you’d have to come up here for that.”
Luna waved it off. “Totally fine. I’ll steal some detergent while I’m at it.”
The downstairs looked the same—comfortable, warm, familiar—but I kept the tour moving, heading straight upstairs. The loft area at the top was cleared out, a blank slate of possibilities. Nova glanced at me, her brow raising slightly, but I only smiled and walked to the first guest room.
“This is your room.” I pushed the door open and stepped aside.
Nova’s brow furrowed, and she turned to me, clearly about to argue.
“I knew convincing you to move into my room would be harder, so this is for you.”
The room was painted a dark blue. Dark black furniture lined the space, and a massive bed sat in the center.
“Or a guest room.” I teased lightly, but Nova shot me a look that silenced any further suggestions. I raised my hands in surrender. “Your room.”
She didn’t say anything, just looked around, her expression unreadable.
“One more space,” I said, leading them back into the hall.
We stopped at the second guest room. I opened the door briefly to show them. “This one’s the same. It’ll be for guests. Mum or whoever stays over.”
I closed the door and gestured for Luna, Will, and Mum to hang back. “This one’s for Nova,” I mumbled quietly, catching Luna’s curious glance before nodding toward the door.
I turned to Nova, stepping aside. “You go in first.”
She hesitated, resting her hand on the doorframe for a moment.
Nova pushed open the door and stepped inside, only to freeze. Her hand hovered over the doorframe as she swept her gaze over the room. I held my breath, unsure if this was her style, but I’d poured every bit of care I could into it.
The walls were painted a soft beige, the kind of color that felt like a hug. Mum had helped me with the furniture, and together we’d chosen a modern white crib that sat perfectly against the far wall. A fluffy cream-colored rug covered most of the floor, and in the corner, a changing table stood ready to be stocked.
I didn’t want to think about how much we’d overpaid to have it all delivered and assembled within a few days, but the moment didn’t make me regret it.
There was an oversized rocking chair in another corner, and on the crib lay the scarlet-colored blanket, carefully folded.
“What?” Nova’s voice cracked slightly, incredulous as she turned to look at me.
“For the baby.” I gestured around the room, keeping my tone simple.
Her gaze landed on the blanket, and I pointed to it. “We got that at the market.”
Her eyes were wide, her voice trembling as she asked, “What did you do?”
I stepped closer, unsure how to explain it all without overwhelming her. “We got ready,” I said softly. “For you. For her. For both of you.”
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“Do you like it?” Ollie asked, his voice hesitant as he took a small step inside, his gaze flicking to mine.
