Page 35 of Diego

“I’m trying to be realistic.”

“Most brokers promise fireplaces and hot chocolate.”

“I assume you already know winter is cold, and fire makes it warmer.”

“I appreciate that.”

We continue into the formal dining room, which sits just off the main living area. It is large enough for a long table while still leaving room to navigate, and another set of windows frames the water beyond the landscaping.

“This is where the house starts showing off a little,” I admit. “You could seat a lot of people in here comfortably, and because it connects back to both the kitchen and living room, it doesn’t feel cut off.”

Diego looks around. “My family could fill it. Easily.”

He gives me an approving look, and the small knot that has been an insistent pressure in my chest since last night loosens a little more.

The home office sits farther away from the entertainment areas but still positioned on the lake side. It is large enough for a full desk setup, seating area, and built-in shelving, with another expansive window overlooking the water.

“This would work well if you work from home,” I say. “Or if you need somewhere private for calls without using one of the main living spaces.”

“I do.”

“Then this gives you separation without putting you in a basement.”

He steps into the room and looks around. “You don’t like basement offices?”

“I think if you have a view like this, it would be criminal to waste it.”

His gaze moves toward the lake. “This is true.”

I take him through several secondary rooms, then head toward the elevator.

“That goes to every floor?”

“Yes.”

He looks at me. “Useful.”

“Especially if you have older family members visiting, anyone with mobility issues, or if you just don’t want to carry luggage up and down the stairs.”

I press the call button. “It also makes the house more practical long-term. People tend to think of elevators as a luxury feature until they actually need one.”

The doors open, and we take the elevator up. When they part again, I lead him toward the primary suite.

I saved this room for later on purpose.

The bedroom sprawls across the lake side of the house, with wall-to-wall windows stretching across almost the entire exterior wall. The bed is positioned so the lake is the first thing visible from it, and there is enough space for a separate sitting area near the windows without making the room feel crowded.

Diego stops just inside.

I watch his face instead of the room.

He is impressed.

Eat your heart out, Randall Shaw.

“The primary suite takes up most of this side of the floor,” I say. “So you get the view without sacrificing privacy. There’s also access to a smaller private terrace from here.”

He walks toward the windows.