Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

A week had passed since the incident with Analise, and it was high time to get their life back on track. Barron was losing patience. “Yoanni, how long is this going to take?” Barron asked, hands on his hips as Yoanni picked a top from one closet and dashed to the other in search of slacks, leggings, or something else that would work. For this mystery ride, they’d be on the bike, so he ruled out skirts along with a few other choices.

She came out holding her pink overalls. He loved it when she wore them, but not today.

“Nope. No rompers and no onesies. I told you we’re going on the bike. Your legs have to be covered, and you have to wear closed-toe shoes. It’s the rule. No deviation.”

“Okay, but I’m very disorganized. I don’t remember where half my stuff is.”

He sat at the edge of the bed. “I get it. Come here.” He patted his thighs, and she perched there sideways, putting one arm around his shoulders. “We had a wild week, between Captain Weaver’s intense questioning and requests for written reports. Plus, with the feds grilling my behind, we’ve had no chance to take a deep breath. But I think we’re finally over the hump on this.”

“But I want to look pretty for you.”

“You’re always pretty, Nugget. Please don’t go overboard with this. We’re going for a ride because I want to show you something I think you’ll like. We’re not going to a fancy place or anything. A pair of jeans will do.”

She took a deep breath. “If you say so, Daddy.”

“I do. On the way back, we’ll stop to get pizza. How’s that?”

Yoanni grinned. “You’ll always win my heart with pizza.”

“I know what you like. Let’s go.”

She stood, and he slapped her butt. Laughing, she dashed away. “Five minutes.”

“I’ll hold you to it,” he called after her.

Barron couldn’t have asked for a better day. The temperature was perfect, with low humidity that kept the skies pure blue and clear of clouds. An excellent day to show his future bride his vision. Soon, they were out of Garden City and heading for the outskirts of Pooler, where new neighborhoods were popping up. He rode into the residential area he liked the best so far, pulled into the model homes’ parking lot, and stopped between other cars.

Eyes wide as saucers, Yoanni climbed down and held his hand. “What are we doing here?”

“We’re browsing, and if you see anything your little heart desires, we’ll put a down payment on it.”

“Is this the surprise?”

“Uh-huh.”

She dropped her forehead on his shoulder. “I don’t know what to say. ”

“Say that you love me. That’ll work.”

“But a house?”

He frowned. “Why not? It’s the dream most people have, and if we can afford one, there’s nothing to stop us.”

“Oh, Daddy.”

“Come on, let’s take a peek. This is just the first development. If we don’t like anything here, I have a couple more lined up. Plus, there’s a lot to choose from.”

Mr. Womack, the agent, remembered him, of course, which impressed Yoanni. Womack gave them packets with floor plans and brochures outlining the benefits of life in this wonderful neighborhood, then sent them on their merry way to explore the different models.

Yoanni had a discerning eye. She cut through the trappings of decorations and furnishings and went for the functional meat of each home. Two hours later, they came out of the last model home. From this vantage point, they had a decent view of the development set atop rolling hills.

“The lots are nice and big,” she said.

“We should ride around and get a better view.”

“I agree.”

“You don’t have to decide if you’re not ready. Did anything catch your eye?”

The smile she gave him was so bright, it dazzled him. “I loved the second home.”

Actually, he’d liked that one too. The couple’s retreat, boasting a magnificent balcony and a small laundry area, was located on the second floor. Everything else was on the ground floor.

“We should search for a lot high above the others,” he explained.

“Where we can watch the sunset,” she added.

“Absolutely. Let’s go. ”

On their way to the bike, Mr. Womack waved at them from his desk. “Aren’t the homes beautiful?”

“They are,” Barron replied. “Show me your lot plan. Where is the highest point?”

“Right over here.” The agent pointed at different spots on his wall map. “I think you’ll love twenty-five.”

“We’ll let you know.” Barron ushered Yoanni out.

They climbed on the bike and rode to the end of the development, which was still in mid-construction. As they hoped, lot twenty-five’s elevation was the highest in the development. He helped her down, then walked to the marked limit line.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” Staring above a tall line of evergreens, he stood behind her and put his arms around her waist. “I bet the view from the second-story balcony will be amazing, especially the sunsets.”

“I see it, Daddy,” she murmured, leaning on his chest.

“What do you say, Nugget? I want you to be happy. Can you see yourself living here with me, making a life together?”

“Yes.” She sighed. “What a beautiful life it will be.”