Olive's P.O.V.
**Song Suggestion: To Build A Home by Holly Henry**
"Can I open my eyes yet?" I asked Lucas, feeling so impatient. I wanted to know what this surprise was.
When we arrived home from our honeymoon, he said we had one stop before we were going to get Abi. I was ready to see my daughter, but he said this couldn't wait. He tied a tie over my eyes. I'm pretty sure it was the tie he wore at the end of the aisle as he waited for me. I will forever remember that moment, when our eyes met and the rest of the world faded away.
My husband.
"Almost," he said with his hands on my hips as he guided me. I could see cobble stone steps through the small slit left between my cheeks and the tie.
Where are we?
He finally stopped pushing me forward. I could feel him step around me and stand before me as he slid the tie off my face. My eyes squinted as they got reacquainted with the light.
"I had this made for us when I found out you were pregnant. I used what I knew from your journals, and from the Daniels' house as a sort of guide."
Lucas seemed so excited as he spoke, flashing that beautiful smile of his at me. Those intense brown eyes held my gaze lovingly for a moment before he stepped out of the way, allowing me to see the most spectacular view.
Amongst a planted garden, with a lot of the same flowers from the botanic garden we were married in, stood a tall stone house. Weathered stone covered the exterior of the house, along with various large windows. Elegant white shutters framed each window, which added a touch of sophistication to the overall design.
The beautiful garden surrounding the house is an oasis of colorful flowers, verdant trees, and well-manicured bushes. A winding cobblestone path led up to the house through a white archway covered in vines. It connects to a small wooden fence that encircles the entire property, constructed from rich, aged wood. They adorned the fence with intricate carvings and patterns that showcased the skill of its craftsman. It provides a sense of privacy and security that complements the serenity of the garden perfectly.
It was absolutely perfect and all I could do was tear up as I stared at its marvelous beauty.
"Is this really ours?" I asked in utter disbelief.
"It is, do you like it?" He asked, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind and resting his chin on my shoulder the way he loves to.
"I love it!" I cried. My joy flowed out of me through slow tears that slipped down my cheek.
"Let's go get our Abi and bring her home. I've had all things moved in already, so you don't have to worry about packing or unpacking. That's the beauty of having too much money."
"For once, I don't mind this." I laughed.
We headed out to Sarah's house to collect our beautiful baby girl. My world lit up again the moment I laid eyes on her round face. A week without her felt like an eternity. Her head looked even smaller with the large flower on her headband. Sarah had dressed her in an adorable white dress with pink flowers that swallowed her whole.
"My baby!" I cooed as I picked her up and nuzzled my head against hers. I sniffed the beautiful baby smell I had missed so much.
"Did you show her yet?" Sarah asked Lucas with an excited smile. It seemed she knew of the house.
"Yeah, I did."
"I love it," I added.
We spoke about the honeymoon and Sarah filled us in on what she and Abi had been up to while we were gone. I was happy to have Sarah in her life. She will teach Abi things I cannot, things you learn to grow up with money. I want her to be successful in any situation she may be put in. We left her house with our baby in tow and smiles all around.
"Ready to see the inside?" Lucas asked as he opened the red front door.
What he had accomplished was my lifelong dream. He had given up a house that gave that warm and inviting feeling. He adorned the cream-colored walls with various pictures ranging from our wedding to Abi's newborn pictures. It felt surreal to see myself in these loving pictures, to be surrounded by a family.
The hardwood floors were stressed with plush area rugs, each adding a layer of comfort to the space. To the left was the living room with a plush sofa and several armchairs ranged around a fireplace. There was a built-in bookshelf filled with books, more family photos, and various mementos, including the framed journal entry I read at our wedding.
To the right was the dining room, which beckoned to be used for large family dinners. There was a large wooden table, surrounded by comfortable chairs that called for you to sit on. A sparkling chandelier hung above, adding a touch of elegance to the room. The kitchen, which was just beyond the dining room, was large, begging to be used to make enormous meals. It was spacious, with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, plus plenty of storage space.
Once I felt satisfied exploring the first floor, we all headed up the stairs to discover the second floor of our new home. The first room I ventured into was Abi's. Lucas had her walls painted a soft shade of pink with shelves hung against them. Stuffed animals share space on the shelves with books and toys. A comfortable rocking chair sat near the crib, perfect for late-night feedings and quiet moments with my Abi girl.
Our room was down the hall from Abi's, but unlike hers, we had double doors that opened to our room. In the center sat our large king sized bed, as if on center stage, illuminated by the sunlight cast from the large window that takes up nearly an entire wall to the left. The sunlight bounced off the light-colored walls, illuminating the space, giving it a warm and inviting feel.
To the left were two separate walk-in closets, one for him and one for me. Although mine seemed to hold more clothes than I owned before we left for our honeymoon. Between the walk-in closets was the door to the en-suite bathroom, which split into two sections. One side featured a large soaking tub for two and the other a spacious glass-walled shower. The vanity has two sinks, providing ample space for us both to have our own area.
This room, Abi's nursery, the whole first floor, the entire house really, was absolutely perfect. Lucas had made us a house in which we could build a home in. The thing I most longed for, he had given to me without me having to say a word. He built my dream house from just my journal entries and visiting the house I most envied once.
"Thank you, my husband.d Thank you so much." I cried as he kissed my forehead tenderly.
The sound of my ringtone ruined this beautifully perfect moment, bouncing off the wall. It was Joe's ringtone, which worried me greatly because the man never calls me.
What's wrong now?