Page 55 of Love Like Ours

“And you?” he asked.

She tilted her head. “If I can have one with a swing in it.”

“I can do that.” He smiled and wrapped his arms around her. “The deck too. Do you want it covered? You know, to sit out on when it’s raining and snowing?”

“That would be amazing. I don’t know if I have the budget for it, though.” She sighed.

He chuckled. “I know a guy who’s handy and can give you a deal.”

She smiled up at him. “I can promise you tacos and beer while you work.”

“It’s a deal.”

She laughed.

They spent the rest of the evening planning out a list of things she wanted done around the home. Palmer helped her unpack a few new decorations and knickknacks she’d picked up at Classy and Sassy, offering his opinion on where things should go, though she playfully ignored most of his suggestions. He loved that she was feeling good enough to really make the home hers.

Only once, when she was putting out a picture of her, Lucas, their mother, and their grandfather, did he see her eyes tear up. She set it on the fireplace mantel, as if it was the heart of the home.

By the time the sun was setting, the house felt warm and welcoming, a true reflection of Sophia’s spirit. They sat out on her small deck and watched Loki run around the yard playing with a ball while the sun sank lower in the sky.

“This feels like home.” She leaned against his shoulder. “I know it’s early, but…” She looked up at him. “What would you think about moving in here with me? You and Loki.” She laughed when the dog set the ball in her lap.

“I think he’s already made up his mind,” he joked and then pulled her closer and kissed her. “I was trying to figure out a way to get into your bed every night.”

She laughed. “Is that all you want?”

“No, but it’s all I’ve been thinking about for the past hour.” He wiggled his eyebrows, and she laughed some more.