Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66570 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
“What shall we do tonight?” Amy asked.
“We have a surprise for you!” Mia burst out, unable to hold it in any longer.
I began to laugh, shocked she’d stayed silent this long. I had figured we wouldn’t make it through dinner before she succumbed to her excitement.
“A surprise?” Amy repeated. “Did you pick up a cake?”
Mia shook her head. “It’s better.”
Amy widened her eyes. “Better than cake? I can’t even imagine.”
“It is!”
“Now I can’t wait,” Amy said, looking around, expecting to see some sort of treat in the kitchen.
I stood, extending my hand. “Come with me.”
Amy stood, confused. Mia took her other hand, practically dragging her up the stairs. Amy looked even more confused as we stopped outside the closed door.
“Mia had an idea the other day that I thought was a good one.”
“Okay?” she replied.
“No pressure, but if you want to use it, it’s yours.”
“Mine?” she questioned, now completely baffled.
I opened the door, and she stepped in, gasping.
Holly had done an amazing job. The corner held a chair I could only describe as girly. Flowers, stripes, and ruffles. Deep and comfortable, with an ottoman to match, yet not too big. Perfect for Amy. She could sit and look at the view. The lamp behind it provided good light for her to see in the evenings. The desk and bookshelf I’d purchased from Evan were finished with a light stain, the wood grain showing through and fitting well in the space. He had refused payment, but I’d insisted—although I was certain the price he quoted was far less than he would have gotten elsewhere. I would make it up to him with the trip I was planning.
Holly had hung two pictures. One Amy had taken of the three of us on the beach one day, all smiling, with Mia squished between us, her expression one of pure delight. The other was one of Amy’s photos from a small town on the island she loved to visit. I wanted to take her there for a weekend soon. A few books had been placed on the shelves, and a pretty container held some pens on the desk. A few other items had been scattered around that Holly thought were needed. My query as to the need for baskets was only met with a shake of her head. I stopped asking, realizing it was best to leave it to her judgment. She knew Amy well.
The rug Holly found had more flowers in the same pink, green, and cream shades as the comfy, feminine chair. I’d made sure the desk chair had proper support and a back rest so Amy didn’t tire her muscles as she worked. Holly had softened it with a blanket draped over the back. Aside from my giving Holly carte blanche on the room, and paying for things, the chair was my only contribution, along with a fresh bouquet of flowers on the desk I had picked up. Wild flowers I knew Amy would love. The room was simple, pretty, and useful. Ready for Amy to add items as she wanted and needed.
If she wanted the room.
She covered her mouth as she took it all in. Touched the chair. Ran her finger over the smooth wood top of the desk. Looked at the photos. Scrunched her toes on the thick rug. Admired the flowers. Then slowly, she turned to Mia and me. Mia grasped my hand, as anxious as I was for her reaction.
“How?”
“Holly helped.”
Her blue eyes were bright with tears. “This is for me?”
“So you can come here and work,” Mia said. “I won’t bother you, but I’d like knowing you are here. I miss you sometimes.”
Amy’s eyes became brighter, the tears beginning to overflow.
“No pressure, Chippy,” I said softly. “But we both miss having you around. Your apartment is too small for an office, and we have lots of space. If you want it.”
“If I want it?” she repeated, sounding incredulous. “This is the most wonderful thing anyone has ever done for me.” She dropped to her knees, holding out her arms. Mia broke from me, lunging into her embrace. There were tears from both of them and the words “I love you” murmured and declared.
I dropped to the floor beside them. “Can I join in the lovefest?”
I was ensconced in arms, covered with kisses, both tiny little pecks from Mia and far more passionate ones from Amy. She wrapped her arms around my neck, whispering her praise, sobbing her thanks, and murmuring the words I had longed to hear. “I love you, Simon.”
I wrapped her close. “I love you, Amy.”
“I love you too!” Mia crowed.
I laughed as we snuggled, a big ball of happiness. I felt a moment of pure, unadulterated love. It was a moment I basked in.
And one I wanted many more of.
We tried out the chair, all three of us fitting in it. Amy curled into my side, Mia on my lap. Mia pointed out everything, making sure Amy missed nothing.