I’mnervous,watchingEmilytake in our house, her gaze roaming over everything.
She enjoyed the bike ride. I felt it in the way tension in her dissipated with each mile. I’m glad, of course, because it’s my favourite way to travel. Now we can share it.
I added a little backrest to it, so she’d be more comfortable. Everything I do is for her.
I spent all day while she was busy at work getting it all set up. In the hall, I’ve hung up all her jackets and coats with mine—I love the way they look together.
Moving further in, I see her eyes widen when we turn right into the living room. Her peace lily—which I’ve watered since it was looking a little sad—is now sitting proudly next to one sofa. I got rid of hers. Mine are better, but I have placed her blankets that she likes to curl up with over the backs. It makes it morehomey.
I wish I didn’t have to keep the mask on so she can see my expression, but I’m just not quite ready yet.
She heads back out into the hall, finding the kitchen at the back of the house.
She sees the bowl I put down for the cat, her eyes narrowing.
“Where is Graham?”
I shrug, enjoying watching her.
She huffs but continues her perusal.
The cupboards are stocked with all her favourite foods.
She blinks in shock.
Back in the hall she races up the stairs.
At the top, two rooms are pretty much empty—one day they can be our kids’ rooms.
Then she comes to the master bedroom, the door swinging open almost dramatically. I see her eyes widening as she takes it all in. My bed. Her sheets. Her clothes now take up one side of the built-in wardrobe. And Graham, of course.
I put him up here, knowing it would be the last place she looked.
Immediately, she rushes to him, cooing and scooping him up into her arms to pepper kisses to his fluffy grey head.
She looks at me, so many questions brewing in her clever mind.
“What’s your plan here?” she questions, brows furrowed. “Am I a prisoner now?”
I scoff. “Of course not, Angel. I would never keep you locked up.”
“So I can leave?”
I wince, even though she can’t see it.
“Not yet.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Your work believes that you’re taking a little break. A family emergency. So, we have seven days—once you’re in love with me, then you can go wherever you want.”
She blinks at me, unmoving. “What happens when I don’t fall in love with you?”
I shake my head. “Impossible. We’re soulmates.”
I’m pretty sure she mutters something that sounds like, “He’sinsane.”
She’s not wrong.