Chapter 37

Iled Noah and Danielle through the living room, the vaulted ceilings quickly stealing my friends' attention.

"This house is incredible," Danielle announced, her gold sandals clicking against the floors as she rushed over to the bay in the dining room. "And the view! I mean, I'm right down the road, and mine isn't this good."

"It's pretty amazing, isn't it?" I asked.

"Uhm, yes," Danielle said, "I can see why this is the one you wanted to practice with."

"Why are we practicing again? You're like a pro at showings." Noah tugged the sleeve of his ironed button-down shirt to check the time on his watch. "You know I get anxious when no one is at the office."

I patted my new business partner on the back, "Your dedication is admirable, but the office will be fine for an hour or two," I said.

I brought a bottle of champagne, something I didn't usually have at showings. It was my little treat, a way of thanking Danielle and Noah for being my guinea pigs for the afternoon.

Danielle, always the hostess, poured each of us a glass.

"Do y'all mind if we head to the backyard?" I asked. "I want to check it out before I practice my spiel."

With a nod of understanding, Danielle and Noah followed me outside with their glasses of champagne.

"I can't believe you'll be deciding who my new neighbor is," Danielle said.

"That's not how it works," I laughed. "And it's not your direct neighbor. You're four houses down."

Danielle rolled her eyes.

I was a stickler for details, and she, well, wasn't.

The three of us stood in the backyard, champagne glasses in hand, and admired the view. Smooth cordgrass spread out before us like a patchwork of emerald and gold. The air was thick with salt and pluff mud, a wonderfully familiar scent.

"Okay, so I've got a confession," I said. I brought the slender flute of champagne to my lips, the bubbly liquid sliding down my throat. "This is my house," I told my friends.

"What?" Danielle screamed, and a Great Egret flew away.

It was Noah's turn to scream, "Since when?"

I checked my watch, "Two hours ago."

"You sneaky bitch!" Danielle swatted my arm.

"I am shocked and extremely impressed," Noah said. "Also, I'm slightly offended that you didn't need me during the process."

"I wanted it to be a surprise. Surprise!" I yelled as I threw my arms above my head. "I'm moving in this weekend."

Noah and Danielle's high-pitched squeals echoed in my ears, threatening to deafen me with their enthusiasm. I felt like I was caught in a tornado of love and excitement.

I was lucky to have them in my life.

"You go, girl," Noah said. "I'm so proud of you!"

"You're my new neighbor!" Danielle screamed. "Kenna, your house is insane!"

"Like, the coolest house I've ever been in," Noah said.

I smiled at them, "I know. I can't believe it's mine!"

"A boyfriend, a house," Noah said. "You're committing to things!"

"Two massive sparkles!" Danielle exclaimed.

My friends clapped for me, and I took a bow. It meant everything to me that those closest to my heart were there to cheer me on.

"What does Mason think about you moving?" Danielle asked. "It won't be as convenient as your current situation."

"Actually, it'll be even more convenient," I laughed.

"How is that possible?" My best friend's head cocked to the side, trying to figure out how I had arrived at that conclusion.

"I'm asking him to move in with me," I confessed.

"My girl is in love!" Noah shrieked. He jumped up and down, which was the last response I expected from him. I thought he would scold me for moving too quickly.

"Head over heels," Danielle added. "You've been Kenna in full force ever since you met Mason, and I'm here for it."

"Agreed," Noah said, tipping his champagne flute into Danielle's. "Mason is the best thing that has ever happened to Kenna."

My cheeks flushed at the thought of him. At the memory of how he read my body. Of how he made me feel safe while also making me feel like my pleasure was going to consume me.

"Someone was having dirty thoughts just now," Noah pointed at me.

"Do you need some privacy?" Danielle joked.

"Ha ha," I smirked at my friends. "Very funny. Do y'all think he'll say yes? He'll want to move in?"

I tugged nervously at the hem of my dress. I never, in a million years, thought I'd be asking a man to move in with me.

With a synchronized eye roll, my friends nodded their heads.

Noah answered first, "The guy is madly in love with you. He would be certifiable if he said no."

Danielle said, "I've seen the way he looks at you, like you're the purpose he's been searching for."

A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth at my friends' words. "Thanks, y'all," I said.

"Let's go check it out!" Noah clapped his hands. "I can't believe you bought a house." He slung his arm around my shoulder. "I know I already said it, but I'm so proud of you."

Danielle was already halfway to the door. "I have to see your closet!"

I proudly took my friends on the grand tour of my new home. They oohed and aahed at the details, and with every gasp and exclamation, I felt more confident about my recent commitment.

It felt like I had stepped into a dream, like everything was too good to be true. Yet, as I reached out and touched the solid surface of my new kitchen counters, I knew it was real.

When life feels like a dream, you know it's good.