Page 80 of Gary

Her hand flew to her chest and for a few seconds she stared at him speechless.

“Just think about it.” He continued. “There is no need for you to be at that house by yourself. If you are thinking that you would be in our way, there is a complete apartment with two bedrooms, living area, kitchen, and bathroom as well as a sitting room.”

“Mom, please say yes.”

“I was about to.” Her eyes filled with tears as she took the few steps towards them. “Thank you.” She told him.

“You are most welcome.”

“For tonight, I will leave you two alone.”

They said their goodbyes and finally they were alone.

“Want to see the rest of the place?” He asked her softly and she nodded, too overcome to speak.

He still held her cradled in his arms, reluctant to put her down. The downstairs consisted of the kitchen with its antiquated appliances. “I know how enamored of antiques you are.” He explained as she gazed at the old-fashioned range and the simple dining table and chairs tucked beneath a wide window overlooking a pond.

The dining room was large, with formal tables and chairs, large enough to seat twenty people. There was also a sitting room, a yellow and white salon that led to the patio.

The library had her gasping.

It was as large as her shop, with books lining the shelves from floor to ceiling. An antique desk was placed next to the group of windows and the view was spectacular.

“Whenever you have the urge to work from home.”

She buried her face in his chest and fought the tears.

“Baby?”

She shook her head. “I love you.’ She whispered, lifting her head, eyes shimmering. “And I keep wondering if I am dreaming.”

He kissed her tenderly. “What do you think?”

“I think I am the most fortunate woman in the entire world.”

“I am the fortunate one. You saved me, darling.” His throat worked as he tried to tamp down his own emotions. “Shall we continue?”

She nodded.

The bedrooms were lovely, with colors ranging from bold green and blue to delicate pastel pink, lavender and yellow.

The master bedroom was huge, the closet twice the size of her former bedroom and there were already clothes on hangers and stacked on shelves.

“How?”

He grinned as he deposited her on the sofa in front of the hearth where a cheerful fire was blazing.

“I gave Monique your size and she did the rest.” Kneeling in front of her, he went about taking off her boots. He had also insisted on taking her shopping in Italy and there were packages in the living room to be sorted. “Tired?” His clever fingers were working the kinks out of her feet.

“A little. That feels good.”

“How about a glass of wine?”

“If you have to go downstairs…?”

“Shame on you.” Tossing her a smile, he rose and went to the side of the fireplace and touched a button. A cabinet slid out, revealing rows of shelves.

“A Cabernet, I think.”