Chapter 15

Today wasa big day for Kachelle and I.

We were meeting with the relator to look for our first home together. Last night we'd looked up a few properties. Thankfully, we had similar styles and agreed upon the spaces we found most important. We both wanted a large living space and kitchen with adequate dining for entertaining, a sizable master suite with double walk-in closets, and a nice size ensuite. We also agreed on a big backyard, preferably with an in-ground pool.

Since I was making a cash offer, I was hoping to find something that was move in ready. Elizabeth, our realtor, had already curated an additional list of properties based on what we were looking for. She said that some were on the higher end of our budget, but with a little persuasion, they could be talked down.

Kay was up bright and early this morning, moving around my apartment. She told me last night that even though she was excited, she was also very nervous. Getting married was one big commitment, and buying a home together was another. All night, she'd tossed and turned, so I wasn't surprised when I woke up around three and found her side of the bed empty.

From where I lay, I could see her sitting on the balcony with her knees to her chest. The door was slightly ajar, and I could hear her whispering. As I listened, I realized she was praying. Praying for me. Praying for us and our union. Praying that our hearts would align with His purpose for us in each other's lives. I didn't interrupt her. Instead, I'd closed my eyes and prayed along with her from bed.

Eventually, she returned and snuggled up close to me before finally falling asleep. It was now almost nine, and our first viewing was at eleven. Tossing back the covers, I got up from the bed and started for the bathroom. I was at the door when I paused and looked back at the unkemptness of where I'd slept.

My wife made her bed every morning when we got up. It was always nice, neat, even with the fifty-leven throw pillows she insisted on having. I chuckled to myself as I turned around and went back to fix the bed and clean up. It only took about fifteen minutes to straighten up and I had to admit it looked better.

I headed into the bathroom to shower and handle my hygiene. Twenty minutes later, I was out and getting dressed in a plain white tee and a pair of joggers. After slipping on my socks and my favorite pair of J's, I pulled my locs up into a bun. With a few spritz of my favorite cologne, I stuffed my phone and my wallet into my pocket and headed out front.

The smell of whatever Kay was cooking hit my nostrils and made my mouth water. She stood at the stove singing along to Marvin Sapp's "Praise Him In Advance". I strolled over and wrapped my arms around her from behind. She smiled softly as I kissed her temple.

"Good morning, my love," I said.

"Good morning, baby."

She tilted her head to give me her lips, and I kissed them softly.

"How did you sleep?" she asked.

"Decent. Did you get enough rest?"

"I got something. I'll probably need a nap when we're done for the day."

"Where's your mental?"

"I'm okay. I prayed this morning, and I'm at peace."

"That's my girl. What do you have smelling so good in here?"

"Homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, eggs, and bacon. I made you some coffee, too."

"You are gonna have me gaining weight messing around with you."

She giggled. "I like men with a little meat on their bones. Go on and have a seat. I'll fix you a plate."

"I got it. You did all the hard work. Let me serve you."

I tapped her bottom as I ushered her to the table. Grabbing the plates, I placed them on the counter and took the biscuits from the oven. Once everything was plated, I took them to the table and went back to make my coffee and pour her a glass of orange juice. Seated at the table, we joined hands and bowed our heads as I led us in prayer.

"Father God, we come to you asking that you bless this meal and the hands that prepared it. May it serve as sustenance for our bodies. Father, I ask for Your grace and mercy as Kay and I begin yet another new journey together. May You see fit to bless us with the home of our dreams to raise our family in. Father, I ask that you touch the hearts of both of our families. I know we don't see eye to eye on our version of marriage, but help them to see the wonderful blessing that is our union. You've given me the greatest gift in my wife, and I will honor and cherish her as You cherish us both. These and all blessings we ask in Your son Jesus name, Amen."

"Amen."

Kachelle leaned in and kissed me softly before we dug into our meal. She shared her excitement about which houses we would view today. There was one in particular that she had her heart set on, so she wanted to save it for last. As we finished eating, there was a knock at the front door. As Kay cleared the table, I went to answer it, finding Jessa on the other side.

"Good morning!" she said with a wave.

"Hey, Jess. What are you doing here? And why did you knock?"

"One, you're married now, and I see the way you two look at each other. I'm not trying to walk in on newlywed activities. And two, Kay told me you were house hunting today. I wanted to tag along."

I grinned. "If you missed me, just say that."

She rolled her eyes as she brushed past me. I chuckled to myself. We usually saw each other three to four times a week. Since we got back in town, I'd only seen her twice and talked to her a handful of times. She said she wanted to give me space to enjoy married life.

"Hey, sis!" she said, pulling Kachelle in for a hug.

"Hey, boo."

I smiled at their interaction. I loved that they were getting along and building a relationship outside of ours.

"You mind if I tag along on your house tour?" Jess asked.

"Of course not."

I was surprised that she even asked. Usually, she popped up when and where she wanted, no invite needed. Maybe Kay would be a good influence on her. She was becoming considerate, and that was big for her spoiled ass.

"For the record," Jess said, looking back at me. "I did miss your big head ass. I'm trying to get used to not spending so much time with you, but it's been hard."

She stuck out her lip like the brat she was. Kachelle wrapped an arm around her.

"That's so sweet! You know you don't have to stay away, right? We're getting to know each other, but I wanna get to know you, too. You should come out with my best friend and I. She wants to throw me a post-bachelorette celebration."

When she told me about the party, I told her to have fun and even offered to drive and pick them up so they could get there and back safely.

"Oooo! Turn up! I'm there!"

"Y'all ditching me already?"

Kay rolled her eyes. "I'm coming home to you, sir."

"Just one question," Jess interjected.

"What's that?"

"Are you one of those girls that gets drunk and leaves your girls for your man?"

Kachelle laughed as she walked over and wrapped her arms around me.

"I mean, have you seen my man? Y'all might end up on your own."

Jessa made a face and shook her head. "I don't know what you see in him, girl."

I shot her the middle finger as I grabbed my wife's hand. "Bring your ass on so we can get going."

This was going to be a long day.

We'd viewedseven houses today.

Each of them were beautiful in their own right, but I could honestly say, none of them felt like home to us. Could we see ourselves living there? Yes. Would we be completely satisfied? That was another story. I wasn't in the business of buying multiple homes or starter homes. I wanted a home I could grow into, and Kachelle felt the same way.

Currently, we were on our way to the final showing and my baby was giddy with excitement. She kept looking at the listing and pointing out what we could do in different areas. I could tell she had her heart set on this one and I prayed that it didn't disappoint.

When we pulled up to the gated community, she and Jessa looked around in awe.

"Oh, y'all trying to be fancy," Jess said. "I ain't mad at it. Just let me pick a room in the house."

"Lies you tell," I said as we slowly drove through behind Elizabeth. "What's that saying Grandma had? Come see me ain't like come live with me."

She waved me off. "Remember that when you need a babysitter. I don't know Kay's sister, but I'm already claiming the title of favorite auntie."

"More like lit auntie."

"That, too."

I shook my head as we pulled into the driveway of our potential future home. I already loved the fact that it was a corner lot with more yard space than I'd seen with the other homes we'd viewed. The well-manicured front lawn, complemented by meticulously maintained landscaping. Freshly trimmed hedges, colorful flower beds, and mature trees framed the property, creating a picturesque and welcoming entry.

As we climbed out of my truck, Kachelle couldn't contain her excitement.

"This is it," she said with a wide-eyed expression. "This is it, I can feel it."

Elizabeth approached us with a smile.

"Judging by the look on her face, I'd say someone is in love."

Kachelle nodded vigorously as she grabbed my hand.

"Well, I can tell you that this one is quite the looker. Notice the warm, rich tones of the brick. They create an inviting and stately appearance, hinting at the exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail found within. The roof of the home is constructed with high-quality, durable shingles in a complementary color to the brick. A spacious, attached garage offers plenty of space for multiple vehicles and storage."

"I'm already sold from the outside alone," Kachelle said.

"Trust me, if you love the outside, you're gonna love the inside."

Elizabeth walked up to the door and punched in the code for the lockbox. Beside me, my wife let out a small, excited squeal that was so fucking adorable. I chuckled as I leaned in to kiss her temple.

Elizabeth opened the door and stepped inside, motioning for us to follow as she began the tour.

"The front of the home features a grand, covered entryway with a beautiful arched doorway. Elegant columns support the covering, while decorative brickwork and accents add visual interest and depth to the facade. The large, solid wood front door is flanked by sidelights, allowing natural light to filter into the foyer."

We entered the living room area, and I was surprised that it was such a massive space. I could see a huge sectional right in the middle of the room.

Elizabeth continued. "Expansive windows are symmetrically placed across the front of the home, providing ample natural light to the interior while maintaining a sense of privacy. As newlyweds, I'm sure you can appreciate that," she added with a smirk.

"Yes, they can," Jessa muttered behind us. "Make sure y'all sanitize before you invite people over."

"Shut up, Jess," I said, playfully pushing her.

Elizabeth giggled. "There is also an office space on this level and a separate family room. A fully finished basement is downstairs. I know you two wanted a nice kitchen, so let me show you what you'll be getting."

Her heels clicked across the hardwood floors as she led us into the massive kitchen.

"So, this kitchen features top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, and luxurious granite countertops. A large center island provides space for meal preparation and casual dining, while a separate dining room offers a more formal setting for special occasions."

She motioned off to the side of the large dining room. It was perfect for entertaining friends and family… that is, if the family ever came around.

Elizabeth motioned for us to follow her again.

"As you make your way to the back of the home, you'll find a beautiful, expansive outdoor living area. The large, brick patio provides the perfect space for entertaining, complete with built-in seating, an outdoor kitchen, a cozy fireplace, and, as requested, your pool."

I smirked to myself, imagining my wife strutting her fine ass around in those bikinis she wore in Santorini. Just the thought of her in the skimpy fabric had my dick hard. Discreetly, I pulled her against me, wrapping my arms around her.

She giggled as she felt the hardness poking against her ample ass.

"You can't help yourself, can you?" she whispered over her shoulder.

"That's what mere thoughts of you in a bikini by the pool do to me."

"Do y'all need a moment?" my sister asked, looking between us.

"You are getting left next time," I said, throwing her a look.

She laughed as she walked off to another part of the house.

Elizabeth giggled. "Why don't I let you two tour the upstairs area by yourself? Take all the time you need. I'll be waiting in the kitchen."

"Thank you."

She left us with a smile. Hand in hand, Kay and I took the stairs to the upper level. When we stepped off the landing, we found a large loft area. This level housed the laundry room, two guest bathrooms, three guest rooms, and the master suite.

The guest rooms were rather large compared to the other homes we saw, and they all had walk-in closets. The last room we entered was the master. It was huge, fitted with a sitting area that had a large bay window and a massive walk-in closet with his and her sides and a built-in vanity.

The bathroom was immaculate. There was a huge soaker tub, a glass shower big enough to fit at least three people, double vanities with lots of storage, a linen closet, and a separate room for the toilet area.

Kachelle's eyes glistened as she looked around.

"Baby… this is perfect," she said, smiling big.

"I can agree. It checks off everything on our list."

"Can you see us living here?" she asked, sliding her arms around my neck. "I can see us here with our future children."

"Don't forget Barkly and Pawly."

"Of course, we can't forget the fur babies! I see holidays. Birthdays. Family dinners… you know, once they come around. I'm already picturing the decor. What do you think about rustic? No! Farmhouse? Yes, farmhouse would be perfect. The colors would go great with the overall design of the house?—"

She paused when she realized she was rambling.

"I'm sorry. I'm overly excited."

I chuckled. "It's okay. You really love this house?"

"Yes. It feels like home." She gently caressed the back of my head. "It feels like we could make a lifetime of memories here."

I studied her beautiful face. Call me a sucker, but how could I say no to her?

"You really want it?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Honestly, I was sold the moment we walked in. You want it, it's ours."

She let out an ear-curling scream as she jumped into my arms. The sound of panicked footsteps approaching echoed in my ear.

"What's wrong?" Jessa asked.

"He said yes!" Kachelle exclaimed. She grabbed my face and kissed me passionately. "Thank you, baby. Forget the nap. I'm gonna do that thing you like when we get back."

I grinned. "Which thing?"

"All of them."

Jessa cringed. "Okay, that's enough. Y'all are just nasty."

She sashayed out of the bathroom, causing us to laugh. I placed Kay on her feet, and we followed Jess back downstairs. Elizabeth was waiting in the kitchen as promised, with a smile on her face.

"Judging by the excitement in that scream, I'd say we have a winner?"

"We do," I confirmed. "I'm sorry we had you out all day."

She shook her head. "Nonsense. A home is supposed to be forever. It's always best to weigh your options before you settle."

She went into her briefcase and pulled out a folder.

"As you saw, the asking price is $375,000. I can probably talk them down since it's been on the market for a while, and you're paying cash."

Kachelle's brows furrowed. "Cash?"

"Cash," I confirmed. "I don't believe in owing anybody if I don't have to."

"Baby, that's a lot of money to pay all at once."

"It is, but I've got it. I've been saving for a home since I was twenty-one. Trust me, the money is there and then some."

"He's right," Jess said. "He got the financially responsible genes. Trust me girl, this won't make a dent in his account."

Kachelle looked at me with concern. "I can help?—"

I covered her mouth with my hand. "I'm your husband and your provider. I'm paying for the house and both our names will be on the deed. It will be ours and you will not come out of pocket for anything. Understood?"

Her eyes filled with tears as she nodded her head. "I understand."

I removed my hand and cupped her face, softly pressing my lips to hers. I was falling hard for this woman and it was on the tip of my tongue to tell her that I loved her. The shit was crazy. We'd only been married a few weeks, and I felt more connected to her than I'd ever felt to any woman in my past.

My spirit felt so much peace with her. The little bubble we created was filled with wonder, passion, and happiness. Every day, I learned something new about her and even though it was still fresh, it had been an experience.

Maybe Arranged Hearts really did know what the fuck they were doing.