“Hey, guys,” Steve calls out.
Aiden holds out his hand for Steve to shake. “Steve. Thanks.”
“Not a problem, Mr. O’Connell. Would you like me to walk you through or would you prefer to be alone?”
“If it’s all right with you, we’ll walk ourselves through,” Aiden replies, holding my hand.
“Sure thing.”
Walking over, a wooden deck, large enough for an entertaining area takes up the back section of the house. Along the back wall there’s a beautiful water feature, a slate wall with three-tiered sections of water flowing from within the wall and is backlit in a stunning blue. Next to the deck is a large swimming pool also with a waterfall feature and spa. The side door is concertina sliding glass that opens into the kitchen.
We walk up the deck and through the sliding doors. Everything is white, but there is a burgundy accent wall, giving it a splash of color in this pristine room. Opposite the kitchen is the large living room where the color scheme continues in burgundy and white. I fall in love with it instantly and feel like a giddy schoolgirl. The photographs Aiden showed me don’t do this place justice.
Aiden smiles when he notices how excited I am.
Making our way to the grand staircase, it’s similar to the one at the O’Connell mansion in that it separates into two, leading in opposing directions. We walk up the staircase hand in hand and head into a large, spacious room, again white with a burgundy accent wall. We step in, and I notice it has a separation from the main wall. I wonder what’s behind there. I pull Aiden with me, and we walk behind to discover a closet the size of my bedroom at Sarah’s.
“I wanna do sinful things with you in here,” he admits as he slowly edges me against the wall. I wrap my arms around his neck and lean in to kiss him. His tongue finds mine quickly, and that all-too-familiar spark surges through us. I get lost in him as we make out like teenagers for what seems like hours.
Eventually, we break apart, slightly breathless, and I take his hand. We walk back into the room, well, for me, more like skipping, and I’m so happy to see an ensuite. I head in that direction. A pristine white bathroom with a two-headed shower, a giant spa bath, and a vanity mirror takes up the entire wall above the sink. I shake my head in awe.
“Like it?” Aiden whispers in my ear, cuddling into me from behind.
“Like it? I love it. Our home is amazing, Aiden.”
We make our way back into the bedroom where there’s a door leading outside, and we stride over to it. There’s a balcony big enough to put a table and chair set, where we could sit at night overlooking the city below, drink wine, and watch the setting sun. It couldn’t be more perfect than this.
We move out of the bedroom and to a smaller room next door. The walls are white with no accent wall in this area.
“No burgundy?”
He smiles. “No, I thought we’d leave this room to paint later.”
“Why?” I ask furrowing my eyebrows in confusion.
“It’s the nursery,” he says. “Or, at least, it could be. You know… eventually.”
The thought of little Aidens running around makes my heart flutter. My hand instinctively moving to my stomach in memory of the baby we lost, then thinking about the one we could eventually have. Nothing but joy fills my heart. I couldn’t think of anything more precious than starting a family with Aiden.
Casually stepping down the stairs to the left side of the house, we enter a large room for entertaining. We make our way to the very back room—Aiden’s man cav
e—it has a built-in bar and plenty of room for a pool table. Next to the man cave is a theater room with rows of reclining chairs and a giant screen. Near the front of the house is a large office for Aiden.
“When can we move in?” I ask Aiden who’s checking over his office.
“Today, if you want.”
“Yes! I can’t wait.” I beam a little too enthusiastically, making Aiden chuckle.
“Let’s go shopping,” he exclaims.
We spend the entire day picking out furniture, and Aiden works his magic to have it all delivered this evening. It’s amazing how money talks. By this time tomorrow I’ll be in my new, fully furnished home.
Heading back to Sarah’s, we pack our personal items. It takes a little while, but finally we finish and step out into the living area.
“I can’t believe you’re leaving me again.” Sarah hugs me tightly.
“We can see each other all the time, and you can text or call me anytime you want to.”