Page 116 of Beautiful Disaster

“Ugh.”

When we disembark the plane, a driver is waiting for us. Mason has already purchased a couple of cars for us, which are waiting at our new home.

Orange Crush is more lucid now with her calming meds wearing off, screaming in the car to get out of her carrier.

“Shhh, we’re almost home, sweetie.”

“The horses will be with us in a couple of weeks.”

I nod as I stare out the window. Tuscany is gorgeous in August. Everything is so green and alive.

“I’m going to miss the snow.”

“It snows sometimes, though not every year.”

“Bummer.” I sigh and smile at Mason. “I’m really excited. Truly. I can’t wait to start fixing up our home.”

“We’re going to make it a special place. While Italy doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages or, hell, let people have children through surrogacy, strangely, they allow us to foster children. With that said, laws can always change. It’s a risk if we want to help children without homes. We could foster some kids, then have them snatched away if there’s a push for more conservatism.”

“Do we need kids?” I ask, playing with his fingers.

“No, we don’t. But I know you wanted to help them.”

“I can probably still do that down the road, working for a governmental program or something. But I wouldn’t mind turning the farm into a haven for less fortunate kids, teaching them to survive on their own.”

The driver pulls in front of the house, and we get out. I lift the cat carrier while Mason grabs our luggage.

“I only got the chance to learn how to survive because of Julien. I want to do that, too, you know? Give back somehow.”

“I do know, Precious. Let’s play it by ear. First, we need to get this house shipshape.”

I stare out at the land, hardly a building to be seen anywhere. It’s so private and quiet. And it’s all ours.

Mason dangles the key in front of my face. “Ready?”

I smile and snatch it from him. “More than ready.”

I step up to the old wooden door, carved so beautifully, but it needs to be restored. I put the key into the lock and open it, making the hinges protest.

When we step inside, Mason kisses my head. “Welcome home, Precious.”

Chapter 33

Mason

One Year Later

I set down the paintbrush, stand back, and look at the limewash walls of our bedroom. Jinx and I wanted to keep the old-world feel of the house. We’ve spent a year fixing up the place, doing most of it ourselves because it was fun. We hired out for the tougher projects or if we needed an expert in restoration.

I peel back the tarp from the furniture and bedding and look again. It’s gorgeous. Truly. It’s so different from my home in Colorado, but this place is better because Jinx has a presence in every corner of the house.

Most of the main house is done. We still have to tackle two more bathrooms and the guest house, which is next.

We should probably invest in a couple of air conditioners because the bedroom is fucking hot today. The ceiling fans really aren’t doing much, and there’s no breeze.

I head toward one of our windows, looking out to see if I can find Jinx. The barn door is wide open, with plumes of dust blowing out of it. “There you are.”

He’s been tackling all the doors to the house, restoring them to their original beauty. They’re carved and intricate, so it has been taking him some time to get them done. Not to mention, he had to learn how to do it first. But he’s a natural with his hands… in more ways than one.