Why?
After a few deep breaths, she sat on the edge of the sofa and slipped her finger under the envelope flap, pulling out a folded note written in a spare, clean, and masculine hand.
Vivien,
Consider this a thank you for giving me a respectable and soothing man cave and for putting up with my low enthusiasm level for wallpaper.
I couldn’t let you settle for anything less than what you really wanted. So, here it is. No more searching. I hope every time you look at this, you smile.
— Danny
P.S. If you hate it, I’ll take it back. But we both know you won’t.
Vivien let out a shaky laugh, her eyes misting despite herself.Dang it.
How was he so effortlessly charming and disarming? How did he pull this off without it being an arrogant flex, but merely the kindest of gestures? Just a generous tip for her work and a subtle flirt that didn’t ask for anything in return.
She honestly had never met a man like Danny Sullivan.
Folding the note carefully, she stood to spin in a slow circle as she admired the chandelier from every angle. It was flawless.
But instead of feeling pure joy…she felt that gnawing twist in her stomach again at the echo of Peter’s words.
I need to know where you stand with me.
Well, this sure didn’t help things.
“Viv! Oh, my gosh, you found one!” Tessa’s voice rang out as she stepped in from the entryway. Vivien had been so enthralled she hadn’t even heard the front door open. “It’s stunning!”
She forced a smile, tucking the note behind her back. “Yeah… I didn’t exactly find it.”
Tessa’s golden eyes flashed to her, curiosity sparking. “What do you mean?”
Vivien exhaled, gesturing upward. “Danny did. He had it installed today. It’s a surprise for me.”
“Oh, my.” She crossed her arms, aching a brow. “Definitely a power move.”
“Or a really nice gesture to thank me for my hard work.”
“Puh-lease. Flowers, a bottle of wine, even a little gift card would say thank you. This?” Tessa pointed overhead. “This says I want to light up your world. Literally and figuratively.”
Vivien let out a soft, breathless laugh, but didn’t deny it. How could she?
“Well, whatever his motives, it’s perfect,” Vivien said. “This whole first floor feels complete now.”
Tessa gave her a playful nudge. “Except for my pink bedroom way in the back,” she cracked. “Tell your rich boyfriend you have a hankering for a cashmere upholstered headboard and a limited-edition Hermes throw.”
“I better not or you’ll be wrapped in Hermes before next week.”
“Don’t knock it, hon.” Her pretty smile faded. “Although I will tell you that my experience with the wealthy ones has never ended well. But then, neither has my experience with the poor dudes, either. All in all, we’re better off alone.”
She added a musical laugh and floated off to the not-yet-pink bedroom, leaving Vivien to wonder if Tessa hadn’t just unwittingly given her the best possible advice.
Because right now, she felt like she was teetering between a safe harbor and a wild, open sea.
And for the life of her, she didn’t know which way she wanted the wind to blow.
When Kate, Eli, and two teenagers all poured in through the front door with much squealing, hugging, and familiarity, Maggie could feel things shift.
