For The Love of Easton (For the Love Of #2) - A.M. Hargrove Page 0,106
brothers, telling her they’d cheated her out of everything. No wonder her disposition had been so soured. But the one that totally broke my composure was when she said, “Tristian, you did really well with English. I wasn’t so certain at the beginning, but when that little kid of hers drew me a rainbow because she didn’t think I knew what one was, it was my undoing. No one had ever done anything that nice for me, except for Dad.”
We’d invited her over, along with Landry and Stanton, and they’d come and spent time with the crazy Bridges household. It was an introduction to what a normal family was like.
Neither Tristian or I could decide about the wedding. One day, Mom and I talked about it.
“Your father and I did it because we thought you’d enjoy it. How do you think Easton would feel?”
“She’d love to wear the princess dress, that’s the truth.”
“Then why not have a vow renewal and reception at our house?”
“Mom! Are you insane? That’s a ton of work.”
“Not if you hire people to do it all. A wedding planner, caterer, photographer, and so on can handle all the details and your father will write the checks.”
“Fine, if you and Dad are willing. But I want to run it by Tristian too.”
We had our discussion and he wanted to take the burden off my parents and have the event at mansionville.
“But that’s not a happy place for you,” I said.
“Starshine, if we do a vow renewal and host a reception there, it will be my new beginning for the place.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to have any regrets.”
“Positive. Let’s tell the others.”
And they were excited for us. Even Ravina wanted to help, so I put Mom to work with her. I had a baby on the way and didn’t want this to interfere with anything.
A few days later, Tristian said, “I have a surprise for you.”
“You do?”
“Yup.” We were at work and he took my hand and pulled me into his office. “Check these out.” On his desk were plans, architectural plans for a new house. “Thoughts, please. And when you’re done with that, I have something else to show you.”
The floor plan for the house was spectacular. It was open-concept and huge. Gourmet kitchen, with a large island. Six bedrooms, six full baths and three half-baths. The exterior had a built-in pool, large deck and screened porch. It was perfect.
“I love this. But where?”
“Your dad has an acre and a half near them. He offered it to us, if we want it.”
“Dad? An acre and a half? Jesus, Tristian. This is perfect. Easton wouldn’t have to change schools and we’d still be close to my parents and grandparents.”
“Just say the word and it’s ours.”
“The word. I’m in.”
He picked me up and we spun around. “I thought you’d like this. If we break ground now, it’ll be done before the baby arrives.”
“Ha! I won’t hold my breath, but okay.”
“I’m a taskmaster. I’ll stay on them.”
“You can ask Mom for help. She is too. What else did you want to show me?”
He turned to his credenza and pulled out a tube. Inside was another set of plans. “Remember when we talked about remodeling the mansion? Take a look. I want your opinion.”
“Seriously? What about the wedding?”
“This is mostly cosmetic stuff. We won’t be tearing into anything. Just lightening things up, adding new window treatments, furniture, and things of that nature. We’ll be fine. Besides, we’re not setting a date until after the baby, right?”
“True, but I didn’t know how extensive you were getting.”
“Just peek at those.”
All the colors were labeled and all the dark paneling would be painted over, brightening up the place. The floors would be redone in a light stain and the furnishings would be replaced with updated versions.
“This looks great,” I said. He had fabric samples along with paint colors for each of the rooms. “I don’t see anything for the second floor.”
“That will be next. Everything in this stage will be the first floor and the stairway, running into the upstairs corridor.” He also had new carpet samples, and it was so luxurious, I wanted to test it out now.
“Um, can we get this carpet in our bedroom in the new house? I hate hardwood on the second floor. It’s too noisy and I love the feel of luxurious carpet under my feet. This is beautiful.”