Page 62 of Better Together

He planted a kiss on her temple. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for the final touches.”

The Hennings arrived at the same time Maggie pulled into the drive. A smile formed on Maggie’s face when she noticed Zeke and Alexis’s hands intertwined.

“Good to see you, Zeke,” James said.

“Good to be here.”

Susan hugged everyone. With all the greetings out of the way, she stood back and spread her arms wide. “Wow. I’ve been dying to drive past the houses but refrained. It wasn’t easy! I can’t believe this is the same house. The covered porch is beautiful. I could look at it all day, but it’s cold out here. Let’s go inside.”

James had the camera on his shoulder, and Maggie stood by Alexis’s side. Zeke held Alexis’s hand. She took a deep breath. “Yes. I hope you’re pleased,” she said.

The four of them walked up the ramp, and Zeke held the door open for James.

“Oh my! Alexis . . .” Susan covered her mouth. Her eyes darted around the living room, which was now open to the kitchen.

“Wasn’t there a wall here?”

Zeke squeezed Alexis’s hand and nodded, urging her to give the tour and point out the hidden treasures of the home. She smiled at Zeke before saying, “Yes. The rooms were small. Too small for someone in a wheelchair to get around . . .”

When the tour was over, they all gathered around the kitchen island. James handed Alexis an envelope. She didn’t need to open it to know it was the final payment. She simply pocketed it and said, “Thank you. I hope you’re pleased with the results.”

“I am. Excellent work.” He glanced at Zeke and Maggie. “All of you.”

“Are you ladies buying a new dress for the reveal party? I already found the perfect outfit at Chloe’s darling shop,” Susan said.

“I already set mine aside. Chloe’s making me a necklace for it as we speak,” Maggie said.

Alexis glanced at Maggie. “Well, I guess I better get over there.”

“Are you excited, Alexis?” Susan asked. “Only two days until the big reveal.”

“I am.”

James wanted to shoot more footage of the house, so the rest of them left.

“Can I steal Alexis away for the evening, Zeke?” Maggie asked.

Zeke grumbled, “Only if you bring her back to me.”

Maggie grinned from ear to ear. “Of course.”

“What do you have in mind, Maggie?” Alexis asked.

“We’re heading to Chloe’s for some girl time and to celebrate.”

Although girl time sounded wonderful, she wasn’t ready to leave Zeke so soon. She looked to him for his opinion.

“Go. Have fun. I’ll be at your house when you get there. If you need a ride home, call.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I need some Boo time. I missed the little guy.”

She kissed him on the lips, intending it to be a quick peck, but they got carried away.

Maggie cleared her throat. “Okay, you two. Break it up.”

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