The view is stunning, just like the rest of them, but this room looks out onto the bigger house down the way that I assume belongs to Bea. It’s lovely, weathered and worn in a way that screams of memories andhome.
“That’s the house I grew up in.”
I jump, letting out an embarrassing squawk. My hip throbs in protest, and I wince.
Kade steps up to my side, brows drawn tight, eyes sliding over me in a way that makes me shiver. “You alright?”
Bobbing my head, I ignore his question and force my eyes away from the concern in his. Spinning around the room slowly, I murmur, “This is your house, isn’t it?”
He doesn’t respond for a long time, and when I finally look back at him, he’s staring out the window, jaw tight, arms braced over his chest. I step up next to him and our arms brush, but neither of us backs away.
“I looked everywhere,” he finally says, voice low and thick with something I can’t place. “Wasn’t a good house available in this whole fuckin’ county?”
I scoff and nod. “Summit is seriously lacking in that area.”
He glances down at me. “You lookin’ for a place?”
“No,” I say softly, then shrug. “I mean, I already have one. I sub-leased a little two-bedroom for the rest of the year; it’s right off the highway. But I was still in New York when I signed the contract, sight unseen, and, well…” I trail off, huffing. “Let’s just say I’ll never make that mistake again.”
“Off the highway?” His face scrunches. “There aren’t any neighborhoods out there.”
“I never said I was in one.”
“Then where the fuck is your place?”
“Not that it’s any of your concern, but my rental is in the country and overlooks a big field. The view’s pretty, but the house leaves a lot to be desired.” I smile a little and bump his arm. “Stop trying to change the subject.”
Kade stares at me for a few more beats then looks away.
“This house has been on my family's property, sitting vacant and mostly built for years. I needed a place, and it was here, so…” He palms the back of his neck and points up to the roofwhere banging and shouts have become a constant echo in the background. “Couple of my buddies came into town, and we’ve been working on it nonstop to get it ready for the final inspection next week.”
My heart soars at that. He really does want Aurora—he’s working his ass off for her. Pride fills me so fast, the room practically spins.
“I know it’s bare. It’ll be tight, but I’ll get it furnished in time. At least her room and mine. The living room, too.” He glances at me, his expression so vulnerable, it hurts. “That’s enough, right?”
My hand finds his, and I squeeze it, ignoring the sparks and tingles that fly through me at the tiny connection.
“Yeah,” I breathe, chest hitching. “It’s enough, Kade. Aurora will be very happy. You both will.”
We stare at each other for a long, tense moment before I force myself to let go and look away.
“Well, it’s really beautiful.” My gaze moves to the hallway. “And big. How many bedrooms?”
“Six.”
My brows jump. “Is this the primary?”
“Guest room,” he murmurs, stepping toward the door where he pauses, watching me. “Four rooms on this side, mine and Aurora’s are across from the family room.”
My mind spins with the implications. Why would he need such a big place for just him and her? And she’s so tiny. She doesn’t need a house this big. Unless he’s not single.
Oh my God.
Why didn’t I ever ask if he was single?
He selected it on his intake paperwork, and said he’d be doing this alone, but that doesn’t mean he’s going tostayalone. And why would he? A guy like Kade Archer is destined for marriageand a happy future on this perfect farm next to an even more perfect wife.
“And the other three?” I ask, voice high-pitched. “You said there are six bedrooms. That’s a lot.”I bite my lip hard enough to draw blood. “Home gym?”
