by Alison Mello
“Yeah, it is pretty big.” I pull into a spot reserved for visitors and climb out of the truck. I help her down and we hold hands as we make our way into the building. The agent is already there waiting for us. We exchange pleasantries and she guides us toward the apartment. She tells us that it’s on the fifteenth floor, which is the top floor in this building. She continues pointing out all the amenities to the place, the doorman, gym in the basement, two reserved spots for our cars, and so on. When we finally arrive on the top floor, the elevator opens to a hallway.
The agent points to our door. “There are only two apartments on this floor. Yours and the one across the hall.” She nods in the direction of the other door. She opens the door to the empty apartment, letting us in, and as soon as we step through, Miranda’s eyes go wide.
“This place is gorgeous.” Miranda wanders around the gourmet kitchen. “Baby, you’ll have a blast cooking my meals in this kitchen.” She winks at me and steps into the large living room.
“You have the snack bar if you want to eat your everyday meals here, but then over here is an actual dining room.” The agent points to the room off the kitchen that is lined with the same hardwood floors that are spread throughout the kitchen and living room. She then leads us to the two bedrooms, which are across the hall from one another. The master is really big with a large walk-in closet and its own bathroom. The second bedroom is slightly smaller, but still has plenty of room and a large closet.
“Be honest, do the other two apartments we’re scheduled to look at even come close to being competition with this one?” Miranda has a huge grin on her face while she awaits the agent’s response.
“As you know, this is the biggest of the three apartments, but they are all two bedrooms, they all have a gym in the basement, but in my opinion, this one is the nicest.”
“Fair enough. It’s also the most expensive. Is there one thing you like about one of the other two that this one doesn’t have?”
“I like the style of the kitchen better in the next one, but that’s personal preference, and why I recommend you look at more than one place.”
“Okay, let’s move on.” She looks at me. “This is going to be tough to beat, and if we don’t like the other two, I would like to snag this one before someone else does.”
The agent locks the door behind us. “You have this on hold until six this evening. That means no one else can take it before then. Now if you can’t decide tonight, well then, all bets are off. You have a chance of losing it.”
We get into Stone’s truck and follow her to the next place. The outside is nice, but not as nice as the first one. We again would have two reserved spots, and there’s plenty of visitor parking, but I feel like that’s the norm for this area. Miranda takes a deep breath as she climbs out of the truck. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just a little heartburn from the pizza.”
I place my hand over her belly. “Or the baby.” I smile and press my lips to hers, and when I pull away, I find the agent waiting for us while we finish our private moment. Miranda slips her hand into mine and we follow the agent into the building. She grabs the key and takes us to the seventh floor. This one isn’t as high as the other building, and the apartment is smaller. Everything about this place is smaller, and yes, I do like the kitchen cabinets and counters a bit better than the ones in the other apartment, but I don’t like much else in here. Plus this one doesn’t have a dining room, so we would have no room to entertain.
We leave this one after fifteen minutes, unhappy with what we saw, and move on to the final one. We pull up and we both agree that this one already looks better than the second one. It’s on the eighth floor, which is the top floor in this building, and while we were in the truck driving here, we decided that being on the top floor would be best because we wouldn’t have to worry about noise from someone above us.
We all walk into the apartment, and Miranda and I take off together to look around while the agent stands in the kitchen to give us some privacy to talk. This is going to be a tough decision. The two apartments we like are set up similarly, and they both have everything we want. The other kitchen is nicer than this one, but this one is a bit cheaper. We can afford both, so I guess it’s a matter of which one we are really happier with.
“Well, this is harder than I thought. I definitely think the other one looks newer and nicer, but this one is cheaper.” Miranda glances around the bedroom closet.
“Baby, we can afford either one. Another one-fifty a month isn’t going to kill us.”
She turns to me and wraps her arm around my waist. “Which do you like better?”
I plant a kiss on her lips and then rub my nose on hers as I whisper, “I like the first one.”
She gives me the biggest smile. “Good, because I do too. Let’s go find out when we can move.”
Taking her hand, I pull her toward the kitchen, where the agent is still waiting. “Well, what do you think?”
“We would like to take the first one. How soon can we move in?” Miranda is smiling from ear to ear as I inform the agent of our decision.
“Great. I will get everything processed and get you a date by this evening.”
We thank her for her time and head back home to start organizing things. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and although we’re going to Logan and Sky’s for Thanksgiving to see their new place, we both agreed we’d like to be moved by then as well. That way we can decorate our new place for the holiday.
We’re walking out of the building when the agent asks, “What was the deciding factor?”
Miranda smiles at her. “The pizza.” I start to laugh.
“Are you serious?” The agent is shocked.
“Well, we had an awesome pizza for lunch before meeting you. We really liked the first one better, and since we really enjoyed the food by the first one, why not? The place is right up the street and there are plenty of other restaurants in the area if we want to eat out.”
She nods her head. “As long as you’re happy. I ask because there’s always a different reason, but it helps me as an agent to point out things that I know my clients like.”
I tell her, “We also liked that the first one looked newer and was a tad cleaner. You could tell the last building was older, and don’t get me wrong…they’ve kept it in shape…but why go for older when you can have new?”
“Fair enough. I’m going to get out of here so I can get everything squared away for you two and I’ll be in touch this evening with a move-in date.”
We thank her and then climb into the truck to take off. “Are you ready to head home?” Miranda asks, putting on her seatbelt.
“One more stop,” I tell her as I put on mine. She narrows her eyes at my unexpected stop, but says nothing as I pull out of my spot. I noticed a dealership on our way here. It was only a few minutes away and it’s on our way home.
When I pull into the parking lot she chuckles. “You are determined to get me into a car, aren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say determined, but it’s a beautiful day, and you’ve been spending a lot of time in the house, so why not? I’m not saying you have to pick one, but you do need to drive soon.” She sighs, but says nothing more as I pull into a spot.
“I thought you wanted to look at Jeeps?”
“Well, this is an Audi place, and I figured it’s right here, and it’s what you had before, so let’s see what they have.”
When we step out of the truck, the vultures are already watching. One of them steps up. “Can I help you folks today?”
“Yes, my fiancée needs a new car. Actually, I want to look at an SUV. I’m thinking a Q5.”
The gentleman smiles. “Right this way.” He leads us to a Q5 that is black on the outside but the inside is tan.
“I’m having a baby. I do not want a tan interior.” Miranda looks mortified at the color.
“Baby, we can get a different color interior. What do you think?” I ask, opening the door for her to climb int
o the vehicle. She sits in the driver’s seat and I go around the passenger’s side.
“It’s comfortable. I just don’t like the interior.”
“No problem. If you follow me, I’ll show you another one we have on the lot. It’s silver and the interior is deep gray.” The gentleman closes the door for Miranda after she climbs out and leads us toward the other vehicle.
Miranda opens the door and sits inside. “This is much better.” She has a smile on her face. “Boy, this thing has everything.” She looks at the salesman.
“Yes, ma’am. This one is fully loaded.”
“Do you like it?” I’m really hoping she says yes. It would make me really happy for her to have a car again.
“I do, but I think you should test drive it.”
“It’s your car, why don’t you test drive it?” She gives me a nasty look and instantly I know I’m going to hear shit as soon as we’re back in my truck. “Okay, I’ll test drive it.” The salesman grabs a plate and we switch seats. While he’s gone, I grab her hand and squeeze it. She looks at me with frustration. “I’m sorry, I was just trying to be encouraging.”
“I like the vehicle, but I’m too nervous to test drive, especially with a stranger in the car. Plus…” She holds up her arm. She’s going to use that arm as long as she can.
He comes back and puts the plate on, and then climbs in the back. I can tell he wants to ask questions, but chooses wisely and sits quietly while I start the vehicle and pull out of the lot. The test drive is short, but it’s fine, and it’s a sturdy car, so I bring it back to the dealership and tell the guy we’ll take it. Miranda’s chin drops. “You don’t want to test drive something else first?”
“No, I like it. You like it, so why not?” I shrug my shoulders.
“Who will drive it home?” She has panic in her voice and now I feel I have to explain to the salesman, because he’s looking at her like she’s crazy. Once I inform him of the situation, he tells her not to worry, that the car can be delivered, and that they would be happy to take care of that for us. She thanks him and we sit down to finalize the paperwork. Forty-five minutes later we’re done, and Miranda has her SUV being delivered in the morning. Now I just have to get her to drive it.
Chapter 22
Stone
I haven’t told Miranda yet, but not only is her car being delivered today, her friends are coming over to help her pack while I’m at work. The agent got back to us last night, and said we can move in whenever we’re ready. I’m paid up on the rent through the end of the month, and because I’ve been here for years, my lease is month to month. We decided we’ll move next week, and just make sure this place is clean before the end of the month.
“Baby, I’m home with the boxes.” I shut the door behind me, leaning the flattened boxes against the wall, and put the six rolls of packing tape on the counter.
“In here,” she shouts from the bedroom. I head to our room to find her grunting in the closet as she’s stuffing summer clothes into suitcases.
“Baby, what are you doing?”
“Packing.” She stands to face me and her cheeks are all red from bending over in the closet.
“I was trying to keep this a surprise, but clearly I can’t.” Her brows furrow and her hands go to her hips. She’s giving me a look that screams what secret? “Sky, Sadie, Katie, and Lila are all on their way over to help you pack tonight while I’m at work.”
A huge grin spreads across her face. “Really?”
“Yes.” I step closer to her, placing my hands on her belly. I love her belly because she’s got a little baby bump and I think it’s adorable. I lean over and press my lips to it.
“I can’t believe how big I’m getting. I’m glad the doctor says it’s normal and that everyone shows at different times because I’m really starting to get nervous. I’m only about fourteen weeks.”
“You’re fine, and I love that you’re showing already. Now come relax and wait for your friends.
“I’m sorry, but we have so much to do between the wedding, getting ready for the baby, and moving. I feel antsy.” She wraps her arms around me and hugs me tight.
“I know, and I promise you we will get it all done. Talk with the girls tonight about what you need for the wedding. They’ll help you figure it out.”
She presses her lips to my chest. “I know and I will. I need to decide where we’ll get married. Although at this point, I’m thinking we should just do it at the club.”
I pull away from her and look down into her eyes. “Baby, are you sure that’s what you want?”
She bites her lip. “I know I want to be married to you, and I know I want as little stress as possible. If that means getting married at the club, then that’s fine with me.”
“If that’s what you want, then talk to Sky tonight and let’s figure out how we make the wedding of your dreams happen there. I want you to be happy.” She gives me a warm smile and presses her cheek to mine. “Now, I ordered pizza and wings to be delivered. They’ll be here any minute, as will the girls. Once you’re settled with them, security is taking me to work, and then coming back here to keep an eye on you. They’ll be here all night until it’s time for me to get out of work. One of them will stay here and one will come get me. No opening the doors unless security announces themselves.”
“I won’t.” Her cheek is still pressed to my chest.
I kiss the top of her head. “Good girl.”
She finally pulls away to move to the living room and there’s a knock at the door. I look out the peephole and it’s Sky and Sadie. The girls instantly get giddy, like they haven’t seen each other in months, and they just saw each other at the beginning of the week. Sky hugs Katie. “What’s the plan for tonight?”
“Pack and talk both baby and wedding. I’m so overwhelmed with everything I have to accomplish.” I can see Miranda’s eyes welling with tears.
Sky instantly hugs her. “Girl, don’t you worry about a thing. We will take care of you every step of the way.” Sadie rubs her arm too.
“I told her you guys would look out for her and help her. Maybe after you pack for a bit, you can help her make a list of everything she needs to do for the wedding so she can cross things off her list.” I lean against the doorway with my arms across my chest. I want to wrap her in a hug and whisk her away from all of this, but I know I can’t do that, and right now her girls are trying to comfort her.
There’s another knock at the door and this time it’s Katie and the pizza. I’m signing the slip when Cole and Slade get to the door. “Hey man, you ready to go?”
“Yeah, they’re just waiting for Lila to get here.” I turn to Miranda. “Listen, baby, please make sure you check the peephole before opening the door. You have your friends here, and the doorman shouldn’t be letting anyone up besides them.” I kiss her on the lips. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Bye babe.” She shows me her gorgeous smile before I walk out the door.
“You guys are coming straight back here, right?” I give Cole and Slade a stern look.
“Of course. Don’t stress it. They’ll be fine.” Cole pushes the lobby door open to let us out.
“Easy for you to say. Your girl isn’t being run off the road and sent flowers by some jack ass.” I climb into the SUV.
***
Miranda
“We’ll give Lila a minute to get here before we start eating, but no more than that, because my prego ass is starving.” I burst into laughter, and just like that my mood is back to normal. I’ve discovered my mood swings are completely normal, and something I have to deal with. I’m just glad they’re not freaking Stone out.
“While we wait for her, grab a notebook and let’s make some lists for you. Stone is totally right. It will make you feel so much better.” Sadie takes a seat at our snack bar, ready to write. I open a junk drawer we have in the kitchen and pull out both a notepad and a pen. Sadie grabs them from me and removes the cap from the pen. “Okay, we’ll start w
ith the wedding, because you have quite a while before the baby comes, and Sky and I can easily help you make a list of everything you will need once you find out the sex of the baby.”
“Are you going to find out the sex or be surprised?” Sky grabs the tape from the counter and starts making boxes up while we talk.
“We’ll find out. I’m too OCD to not know the sex. I have to plan every little detail out.” I take a deep breath and slip into the seat next to Sadie.
“I’d want to know too.” Katie is pulling plates from the cabinet for us to eat dinner on.
“This is what I have so far.” Sadie shows me her list.
Miranda’s Wedding
Location
Justice of the peace
Bride’s dress
Bridal party dress
Flowers
DJ
Food
“Okay, location. We’re thinking about using the club.” I look at Sky with questioning eyes.
“Of course you can use the club. Let’s pick an exact date so I can have Logan close it off and we can plan.” She puts the tape on the coffee table now that she has four boxes ready to go.
“We can do a Sunday afternoon wedding. That way the club will be closed. Then we’ll hire caterers for everything so all of our friends can attend.” I get up and flip through the calendar. “February 12th is the Sunday before Valentine’s Day.” I drop the pages of the calendar and turn to Sky.
“Not a problem. I’m sending Logan a text right now.” Sky pulls her phone out from the back pocket of her jeans. She looks at the list over my shoulder. “Do you have a JP in mind? If not, ours was awesome. We can see if she’s available.”
“I’m fine with using yours. I don’t know anyone. I was going to call around.”
“Her JP was awesome.” Sadie writes the name of the woman on the paper next to justice of the peace. I’ll call her this week.
“And Sky’s club already has a caterer.” Katie peeks her head out from the fridge, where she’s pulling drinks for our dinner. “Plus you’ve had their food already, so you know it’s good.”