Chapter 35
We ubered back to my place where we took a few minutes to freshen up before heading out. I decided to put my long red hair in a high ponytail to keep it off my neck and out of my face. Grinning at myself in the bathroom mirror I couldn’t help but think how different I looked from
my usual ‘business style‘. My face was clear of makeup and glowing with health and happiness.
When I exited the bathroom, I spied Bradley lounging on the padded bench at the foot of the bed. His eyes darkened as they traveled the length of my body, stopping at my face. His very audible gulp was proof of how much effect I had on him. He stood up and wrapped me in a hug. “God, Red, you are freaking gorgeous! I wish we didn’t have to go out today. I can think of
a few activities I would much rather do.”
“I hear ya, my Love. Unfortunately though, we have to wait to do those activities later.” I kissed
him deeply, enjoying the tingles that ran up and down my spine. “For now, let’s go do this. The
sooner I close out this chapter the better I’ll like it.”
“Okay, but I am looking forward to later.” He placed one more kiss on my lips before ending our
embrace and walking with me to the living room.
Jenna and Victor had their heads together, talking quietly. Victor reached out his hand and
brushed a strand of hair from her face, running his fingers softly over her cheek. Then cupping
the back of her head he pulled her in for a kiss that looked like it would make her toes curl.
Bradley cleared his throat to let them know we were present, causing Jenna to jump back a
bit. Victor, on the other hand, gave her a very brief peck on the lips, then directed a happy grin
at Bradley. Jenna, face flushed a faint pink, looked at the floor then at me. I shot her a wink
and a quick grin. I was glad to see those two getting along so well. Maybe Bradley was right.
There just might be more than one wedding happening in the next few weeks.
Looking at the time I realized we had to get a move on if we were going to get to the house
before the movers and the cleaners. I grabbed the envelope with all the items needed to pass
on to the buyers and Bradley carried the duffle bags.I took a few extra minutes to call Sean Cummings to verify he had arranged for a full security team to be on site. I have no doubt that
Adam will show up there at some point, but I also wouldn’t put it past Fiona to make her presence known too. And knowing her, she will bring both Alan and Lydia along for the ride.
“Come on, guys. We’ll take my SUV. There’s plenty of room for all of us, as well as lots of room
in the back for my stuff.” We left my apartment, taking the elevator to the parking garage. The
scarlet ember colored Nissan Rogue was a current year model which I had purchased in the
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spring.
Adam had sneered at my choice of vehicle, saying that as a millionaire I should be driving a luxury vehicle. I had ignored his condecending attitude, stating that just because one had money didn’t mean they had to flaunt their good fortune. He had sulked for weeks afterwards, a red flag I should have immediately paid attention to. Ah well, you live and learn, I guess.
I used the keyfob to unlock the vehicle allowing Bradley to stow the duffle bags in the cargo area. Victor and Jenna got in the back seat, and I got into the front passanger seat, handing the keys to Bradley. I think he was surprised I did that, but he knew the city well after living here for nine years. I gave him the address and we were soon on our way to the house on Bayview Road,
The location of the house had been another sticking point with Adam. He had said we should
buy in the Bedford area. But as I told him, I didn’t want to do that commute every day. It was bad enough from Bayview Road to downtown. But I purchased the house before we became
engaged, so as far as I was concerned, it was my decision. He had also been pissed that I
didn’t put his name on the deed. Honestly, red flags all over the place. What took me so long
to see them?
I was glad I had taken Jenna’s advice on this, as well as Tony’s. They had both encouraged me
to keep Adam’s name off of everything. Obviously they could see the signs of a gold–digging man. I still shake my head for allowing myself to be taken in by him. Again, my only excuse is
that I had been dealing with bone–crushing grief, as well as physical, mental, and emotional
exhaustion. I reminded myself to grant me some grace in the situation.
Bradley reached over and took my hand in his, bringing me out of my thoughts. “What made
you choose the Bayview Road area, Red? I thought you would choose something closer to
downtown.”
He was not wrong in his assumption. “Honestly, I would have been happy not to buy a house, but my grandparents had pounded it into my head the Alan and Lydia were not to know I was the only heir to Graystone International. The location of my apartment would have given that
away. So I had Jenna on the lookout for a house for me.”
Having a view of the water of Bedford Basin or Halifax Harbor had been something I wanted. “Jenna recommended the area. My apartment already has a view of the Harbor, so I was okay with the Bayview Road neighborhood. Wait until you see the view. It looks right out over Bedford Basin. I’m glad I’m selling it though. It’s really not my style. You probably picked up on the fact my apartment is designed with the same old–world charm of my grandparents house.
This house is really too modern for
my taste”
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Chapter 35
+25 Point
Bradley had a silly grin on his face. “You really love the style of your grandparents house?” He asked, that grin staying on his face.
“I do! I hated to sell it, but I didn’t see the need to keep it since I was planning on living in Halifax, seeing as Fredericks Design Co. is here.” I sighed as I thought about the house I spent most of my growing up years in. The high ceilings, the solid wood trim, the wide baseboards, the sliding pocket doors between the dining and living rooms. The flagstone patio area, the trellises. I so missed that property.
“i’m glad to hear you love the house, Red. Because I bought it and that’s where I’ve been living for the past year. That house will be our home.” His voice was filled with love as he revealed that little secret to me.
“Are you serious, Lee? You really bought my grandparents house and property?” I was shaking with excitement. I would be going home! The the only place I had felt completely safe and loved, Overcome with emotion, my eyes filled with tears, “Thank you, Lee.” I choked out. “That makes me so happy!”
“I did upgrade the appliances in the kitchen, and did a major upgrade of the master bath, but kept to the style of the house. I hope you don’t mind I made those changes,” he said quietly. Then with a wink he lightened the mood. “The new oven is perfect for baking snickerdoodle
cookies!”
raised his hand to my lips and kissed the back of it, my heart overflowing with happiness. “Well, that will be the first thing I bake for you then.”
“Since Jenna is moving to Toronto, she can stay in one of the guest rooms until she finds a place of her own. Of course, she may decide she wants to share the guesthouse with a certain
someone,” he teased.
“Who’s living in the guesthouse?” I asked, though I suspect I know who it is.
Victor spoke up from the back seat. “I do. You have probably figured out by now that I am actually Bradley’s head of security, as well as his best friend. It just made sense that I live that close. The guest house has lots of space, enough for a family as far as I’m concerned.” He was looking right at Jenna as he mentioned the ‘family‘ part.
Jenna blushed at Victor’s obvious intent, but she didn’t say anything that would suggest she wasn’t onboard with his ideas. Jeez, and I thought I moved fast!
Conversation ceased as Bradley pulled up to the house, parking on the street as the moving truck was already in the driveway, backed up with the open door facing the garage, loading ramps already down and ready to be used.
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Chapter 35
“Let’s get this circus going.” I snickered, stepping out of the Rogue, ready to get this job done.
