Keeping Kenzie - Pepper North Page 0,41
type of exterior.”
“It’s probably really expensive. I’m sure whatever you planned is fine,” she rushed to assure him, afraid of costing him money.
“It might have been before I saw this. Now I think this is better. Nothing has been ordered yet. This is the time to make changes,” Osiris assured her. “We’ll talk to him about it.”
“Really?”
“Really, Baby girl. I want this home to be filled with happiness. I love the cabin-like exterior, too. I’m building this for us. Speak up when we talk to the builder.”
Osiris fit the key into the lock and opened the door. The interior was open and full of light. Vast windows revealed the mature trees surrounding it. The décor was simple and welcoming. Nothing stuffy that you would be worried about scratching or breaking. The furniture was oversized, and obviously Deke had selected it to provide snuggle room.
As they explored, Kenzie loved the oversize bathtub in the master bath and the stools at the kitchen counter. She could see herself sitting there while Osiris cooked. Anything she admired went onto Osiris’ list.
When they peeked into the nursery, Kenzie hovered in the doorway. “This is for a baby,” she whispered. Her gaze fixed on the diapers on the changing table before darting to the crib with a high railing. Unknowingly, she backed up to press against her Daddy’s strong body.
“This is for someone who’s really Little. You saw Shelby’s nursery. That didn’t scare you.”
“Shelby was there,” Kenzie whispered. “It felt right for her.”
“What feels right for you?” he asked.
“Can I have a princess bed in your new house?” Kenzie asked, looking at the floor, afraid he would think she was silly.
“Are you ready to tell me about the princess bed of your dreams? Can you describe it for Daddy? I want to picture it in my mind,” he requested.
She searched his face to make sure he wasn’t making fun of her. Reassured by his serious expression, she answered, “It’s a beautiful bed with four pillars that rise up from the corners of the bed. Floaty material stretches between the top of the supports. It’s small. Just for me and Cupcake.”
“I think Cupcake might go on strike if he didn’t get to take naps on a beautiful bed like that.”
Inside Kenzie’s brain, something clicked. “You’re going to design the nursery at your house for the Little who was right for you.”
“That was my plan. And then, luck was on my side to find you.”
“Deke is looking for the Little girl who’s perfect for him,” Kenzie said, relaxing. “She’s going to love this room. It’s very pretty.”
“Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Deke’s found the right Little,” Osiris added. He lifted one hand to show Kenzie.
“Let’s go bring our stuff inside,” he suggested as he closed the nursery door behind them. “We have just enough time to go pick up Lollipop and bring him home before dinner.”
Chapter 20
Lollipop was a lover! Kenzie had her face washed by his tongue twice on the way home from the kennel. Osiris knew she adored the big goofy dog from the first moment she saw him. Deke had already alerted the kennel that they would be there to retrieve him and paid the bill. Loading him in the car had taken seconds. Lollipop was eager to go home and seemed to have healed completely. Once at home, the dog charged through all the rooms with a soft woof.
“He’s looking for Deke,” Kenzie said with a sad expression.
“Let’s fix that. Call Lollipop in here,” Osiris instructed as he pulled up Deke’s phone number. He watched Kenzie fly out of the room as she cajoled the mastiff to come with her.
“Hi, Deke. Lollipop is looking for you. Got time to talk to him?” Osiris asked.
“I can make time. Is he there?” the gray-haired entrepreneur asked.
“I’ll turn up the volume,” Osiris said, turning the phone to show Kenzie backing into the room, waving her fingers at the gigantic creature to lure him into the room.
“Lollipop!” Deke called.
Immediately, the pooch galumphed to the center of the room and slid to a stop in front of Osiris. He looked around, trying to figure out where his owner’s voice came from.
“Lollipop! It’s me,” Deke announced and then laughed as his view obviously became a large black nose pressed to the screen. “Good boy! I’ll be home soon. Play with Kenzie and convince Osiris that he needs a dog, too.”
Plopping down on his butt, Lollipop woofed sadly at the screen.
“I know, big guy. I promise I’ll be home