Page 185 of Dream House
Two dates.
I have a boyfriend.
“What?” Lark asks, frowning at me.
“N-Nothing.”
“Nothing?” He pins me with his gaze.
I realize then thatnothingis absolutely the wrong word.Everythingis much more fitting.
I think about all of the things that had to happen to lead me to this moment. To leadusto this moment. All of the things that could have gone differently but didn’t. Going back as far as Nanna’s wish to leave me this house. Because without the gift of this house, I wouldn’t have met Lark. Or Nina. Or Livy.
And all of our lives would have been the poorer for that.
“I’m just really grateful my Nanna left me this house.” My eyes sting and my throat pinches, but my smile is stronger than the tears.
His smile warms me. “She knew what she was doing, putting it in good hands.”
I feel it then, the honor of her trust. “You think so?” I ask softly.
Lark’s eyes spark. “I know so. You’ve filled it with life and love and dreams. What could be better?”
Better than life and love and dreams?
“I don’t know.” I grin. “I guess we’ll find out.”
Epilogue
TYLER
They’re going somewhere.
Maisy and… What’s-His-Name.
I lift my head and wait. Wait for the door tothunkandsnickwhen it’s locked.
Lock the door,I want to say.
I can’t.
Even if I could.
Because Golden is asleep.
Tried to run twice. Golden.
You’re not going anywhere without me,I wanted to tell her.
I couldn’t.
Not like that.
Thunk... Snick.
I lower my head on the pillow. Right behind Golden’s.
Thud.
