It’s true because the inside’s been done up already, and there’s a double height living room set with contemporary furniture. To the left is a fancy chef’s kitchen with huge stainless steel appliances, and to the right is what appears to be a sitting room, done up to be light, airy, and utterly enchanting.
“Wow,” I breathe again, eyes wide. “You won’t have any trouble selling homes like this, Bridge. It’s gorgeous.”
He smiles then before giving my bottom a squeeze while leaning in to kiss me.
“But you haven’t even seen the second floor.”
I giggle.
“I don’t need to see the second floor! I know it’s going to be gorgeous.”
He laughs too.
“Well, I’m glad you like it because this house is for you, Renee,” he says in a simple voice. “I built it for you and our growing family.”
I pull back for a moment, confused.
“This is ours?”
The older man nods. “Yes, sweetheart. We need more room with the baby coming, and so I thought a place here, in Everland Circle, would be perfect. You like it right?”
I throw my arms around his neck, tears in my eyes.
“I love it, Bridge,” is my whisper. “Thank you so much. This is the best surprise ever.” We embrace for a few minutes in the living room, our hands all over one another, but then my phone dings and I sigh while looking down. It’s a text from Kaci.
Bridge sees her name too and grins.
“How’s your best friend doing?” he quips. “Still going to sex parties?”
I laugh. “Yes, and things are getting even crazier with that girl, actually. I mean, I’ve always known that she hooks up with multiple men. That’s not a crime because if you’re not in a relationship, then going out with one guy Thursday, and a different one Friday makes total sense. But you know Kaci…”
Bridge shakes his black head, blue eyes amused.
“No, what?”
I giggle.
“Well, she’s started to sleep with multiple men simultaneously. Like she’ll let one guy use her mouth while another uses her pussy.”
My boyfriend stares at me.
“So like a gang bang?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know? Maybe? How many men need to be there for it to qualify as a gang bang?”
Bridge whistles. “Holy fuck. I have no idea.” But then his expression goes confused. “Does Mike Stott know about this?”
I sigh.
“I don’t think so because her dad would freak out, right? I mean, that man is scary. He’s run other girls out of the church before, and I’m not sure he wouldn’t do the same to Kaci even though she’s his daughter.”
But Bridge merely frowns again.
“But didn’t Kaci take that promise vow thing? You know to stay a virgin until marriage?”
I pretend innocence.
“She did, but obviously it’s all for show because that vow has been broken multiple times already. I mean, I took that vow too, but I didn’t take it seriously. I was with you, Bridge.”