Ready For Love?

Chapter 35

The driveway was well-worn and showed the house was at a good distance from the front fence. There were a lot of established trees and fences showing established front paddocks. I tried not to squeal when I saw two horses in one of the large paddocks.

The house was gorgeous! It hadn’t been painted yet and all the stickers were still on the windows.

It was two stories but with that storybook look where the windows to the second storey were either in the big gable over the front door, the big gable over the garage, or pocking out of the tall roof… if you know what I mean.

It had a big garage with doors to three car spaces at least. I like walking into the house from the garage and if it snows that's perfect for Reid.

It had a nice long porch until it hit the garage on one side and stopped at the end of the house on the other. It was brick about halfway up the ground floor, then weatherboard the rest of the way.

The realtor was waiting near the garage and walked over when we arrived. I saw the swagger of her hips when she saw Reid… actually I had seen that twice already today, including the flamboyant gay realtor for the glass house. He was truly fabulous though, not that Reid noticed.

I will always admit it, Reid was gorgeous. I don’t blame them… but I may still get a bit jealous and self-conscious, so I welcome his warm hand or embraces for reassurance.

Damn! If I could be in love with a house, I would be in love with this house!

The timber floors, the wainscoting around the walls, the tall ceilings, the large doorways for Reid, the picture windows… In love.

It all smelt of fresh paint and even some of the rooms hadn’t been painted yet.

The kitchen was in and had a nice big open feel that I love and is very Australian. It all looked out onto a deck that was half done.

We walked through the house, and its five bedrooms before we were shown around the land. It had an old barn that was also adorable and in great shape. The owner currently lives in a one-bedroom he built onto the side of the stables.

The realtor told us the sad story of how the man had recently lost his wife to cancer. This was their dream home after bulldozing the previous house that was here.

He couldn’t handle the thought of moving in and all the medical bills he was still paying off were making it hard for him to hold onto the property.

My heart broke for him as I knew that pain, although I never got to see Cam suffer and never got to say goodbye, I understood.

I often wonder what it would have been like to say goodbye instead of him just being gone… is it easier? Harder? The same but different?

That’s my guess. You're still lost, broken like you can’t describe and somehow have to try to make it out of the fog that is loss. Try to do life when a big part of you is missing and everything reminds you of them.

I didn’t realize I was crying until Reid engulfed me in his arms and tucked my head under his chin. “Let it out. It’s alright.”

I held him tight as there was no way I could stop these tears if I wanted to. This had brought up so many memories and I really wanted to hold the new widow as well and tell him how very sorry I was for him.

“Is she all right?” I heard a man's gentle voice ask.

I took a deep breath and nodded as Reid told them I just needed a moment.

“Yes. I’m sorry! Yes…” I took a deep breath and wiped my eyes. “Sorry… brings back memories.” I sniffed in the most un-lady-like way ever. “Oops, sorry about that.”

I have no idea why my emotions are all over the place or hitting me so much. I understood it for the first time I slept with Reid but now?

Yes, I always get sad thinking about Cam and the life we missed out on together. The idea of us buying a house with property was a pipe dream we did have, but why is it hitting me so hard again? Is it just empathy for the widow?

Reid… he has been a dream. Not what you would expect from such a large, scary-looking man. I have to admit, there is this look he gives people that makes you want to pee yourself and run screaming in the opposite direction. I’ve seen it, and I’m glad I wasn’t on the receiving end.

But with me, he is totally different. He is so kind, attentive and hasn’t once made me feel like a complete wreck… which I feel, like if I could be honest.

The realtor was looking at me horrified as Reid laughed and helped me wipe my tears away.

There was a man in his sixties standing there with a worried face. He was covered in saw dust and dirt all over his t-shirt and pants.

“Sorry, yes… I’m… also a widow.” I smiled up at Reid, and he gave me a reassuring nod. “The story just hit home a bit. I really do apologize.”

The man gave me a sad smile as a tear slipped down his face that he quickly wiped away. The dirt on his face just smearing, making it more obvious. “Yeah…” He cleared his throat and quickly waved to the house. “Do you like it?”

“It’s beautiful. I want to say I’m so sorry, but I know that’s the worst possible thing to say. The worst!” I gave a small laugh and another small sniff after as Reid rubbed my back.

The man let out a sad laugh and gave me a knowing smile. “Sure is. You… ummm… you’re Australian. So, into horses?”

“Yes and yes. Sorry I’m Annie and this is Reid by the way.”

He shook our hands and introduced himself as Ed. “Those two are Charmain and Cisco. Twelve and thirteen. Charmain can be a bit of a diva if Cisco isn’t there, but both are good souls. Charmain needs a bit more of an experienced rider and will test ya. Cisco doesn’t care but does everything he can not to get the saddle done up. I want them to stay together.” That had me laugh.

I know a lot of horses like that, they will puff out their bellies to stop you.

I could see Reid was surprisingly interested. He started asking a lot of questions about them, temperament around children and children riders, their welfare, diets and any other needs. Also, if there was anyone close by who could look after them if he was away.

The realtors’ eyes were sparkling with dollar signs as she said she was more than happy to help find contacts as well.

“I can help with all that before I go. I’m moving to Missouri to be with the kids after the settlement, but happy to make sure you’re all set before I go. Why don’t you bring the kids by tomorrow for a ride? Well on Cisco at least.”

The kids’ plane was to touch down at about one, and they would be exhausted… but then again if they found out, I said no to horse riding. Especially Addie… my life will be hell for the next month.

That girl does NOT let anything go easily.

Reid seemed to read my mind and suggest three o’clock, which Ed agreed to.

They exchanged numbers before Reid turned to the realtor who was trying to contain her excitement. “Draw up the contract. Full asking plus 10 percent for the horses.”

Ed tried to argue, but Reid wasn’t having it. He even organized for some of the MC to come and help finish the house off.

“Now what were you saying about the kids' bathroom?” He then turned to me.

“What?”

“The other bathroom. You didn’t like the layout.”

“Yeah, and? It’s brand new, and works perfectly well,” I shrugged.

But he didn’t take the hint and dragged me back into the house and made me show him how I would have designed it. I reluctantly told him before we finally left to go and get some food.

I was happy for him, Reid had a house that fit him and I know he will enjoy. One day I hope I can give the kids something like this.