Page 175 of On Cloud Nine

“Or the Lovers’ Lair.”

Her laughs turn into my favorite snorts. “I love that. We may be able to open up for the summer season. Can you see it? Birds chirping, horses, hikes?”

I close my eyes. “I really can. You in a bright pink dress, welcoming all the guests. Me trying to rally the cats together.” The agendas have already been drafted, and Molly’s been working overtime processing her ideas with Lolita. “I’m most excited for the painting class in the southern part of our property.” I give her a playful grin, watching her cheeks turn the color of her hair.

“Our property,” she sings. “What have you done to me, dear husband?”

We loop around the grand hall and into the back room leading out to what will be the outdoor patio and garden.

Every time I look out into the woods, I remember Molly sprawled out in the snow. My heart races at the mere memory.

“Now, Lily and Avery will be here tomorrow. They’re bringing the guys, and the three of you can move the grand piano into the room right over there.” Molly nudges her head to the small nook by the stairs. Her laser focus, the pencil tucked behind her ear, and her firm nodding are causing my body to warm. “Oh, Lily also asked if she and Nico could book a room for an entire month, for research on a Renaissance romance she’s writing.”

“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re absolutely irresistible when you’re bossy?”

“You might need to remind me,” she laughs.

“Shall we go now?”

“Tsk, tsk, Matthew. We’re at work.”

I playfully lift my brows at her. “Don’t worry; I won’t tell the boss.”

Molly’s focused stare scatters around the room. “I think we should look at some linens this week. There’s a whole world of fabrics out there, and we need to pick just the right ones.” She scrunches her nose in amusement. “Are you taking notes too?”

“I’m a bit distracted.” I kiss my wife.

“Maybe you can take me upstairs once we finish up down here?”She smiles, a mischievous look folding into her eyes.

“Must we wait?” I exaggerate a sigh that makes her laugh.

“Hmm.” Molly pretends to consider me for a long moment, deliberating the question with great care. “Maybe we mustn’t.”

I bend, scooping her off the ground, one arm beneath her thighs, the other at the groove of her back. “As milady commands.” I rush out of the room, causing her giggles to escalate to the point of tears on her face.

Molly’s phone vibrates in her pocket. She removes it and looks down to see her father’s name on the screen. Ray has called four times this week, but she tucks her phone under the journal in her lap.

“Not yet?”

“Soon, very soon.” She shakes her head back and forth. “They’re trying to arrange a meeting.”

“What do you think?”

Molly drops her temple into the bend of my neck. “I’m going to reach out next week and invite them over to our house for a talk. I want to speak with them before my birthday next month.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I squeeze her close.

“Do you think I’m weak for waiting this long?” Her voice feels small.

“Hey.” I pull back, getting a better look at her face. “Of course you’re not. Besides, watch what you call my wife. She’s the strongest woman I know.”

Chapter40

Molly

“Hi,”I say, standing in the doorway of my house.

“Hi, Molly.” Dad adjusts the wiry frames on his nose and puts his hand on my mother’s back, nudging her forward.

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