Chapter 159

Almara’s Pov

“Here they are!” Arthur exclaims while slapping a stack of papers down on the elegant office desk.

“What is this?” I ask, more so out of habit but my eyes can already see it’s a list of addresses and houses. I hand Grace to Arthur so that I can flip through the different sheets.

“My realtor just emailed them over, she gave us a good mix.” Arthur says running a hand through his still wet hair from his shower. He smells like pine and eucalyptus. I nod because I don’t know how to tell him I think otherwise, not when he smells so good.

“What? You don’t think so?” He says seeing right through my attempt to conceal my disagreement.

“They all seem. . . nice.” I settle on, which isn’t a lie. As I page through the sheets each house, or rather mansion, is fancier than the last.

I pause on one that looks to be made from pale brick, two large stair cases made from stone that wrap each end of the house, oversized windows curve the length of the house, and a turquoise pool bigger than most lakes I’ve seen sits out front.

Normally, I’d prefer the pool to be out back, but I can tell this house is isolated and far back into the woods. Which coincidentally is the only part of the house that I like.

“That ones my favorite.” Arthur says leaning over my shoulder.

“Isn’t it sort of big?” I ask, careful not to watch my tone as not to crush is obviously excited spirit.

“Well, of course it’s big. It cost seventeen million dollars.” Arthur says with a laugh completely missing my point. I thought I’d be used to the large sums of money by now, but I don’t think I really ever will be. “Will you be good to go in an hour?” He asks before I can further explain my point.

“Yes.” I tell him and set the sheets down.

“Just wait until you see it in person. You’re going to fall in love.” Arthur says.

“I hope so.” I say, but he’s already out the door.

Why do you always find problems with things? I hear Lily ask and I roll my eyes.

“I do not always.” I tell her, but even as I say it I’m not even sure if I believe it. “It’s just, I want the house to feel like a home.” I say, is that so much to ask for? Actually, what I’m asking for is way less than what Arthur is offering me.

But what makes it a home is those on the inside. Lily says and I know she has a point.

I sigh and lean back into the plush leather swivel chair. Arthur never knew a life of humble beginnings, I guess I can’t be that surprised he would consider downsizing from his parents luxurious mansion he’s lived in his entire life.

Maybe one of these houses will have the quaint charm I’m looking for, even if the gold door knob cost more than I’ve made in a year.

Before we left, my parents asked to see the houses we we’re going to look at. I figured they were just curious, but when they saw the sheets I wished I never handed them over. Almost immediately their jaws dropped and eyes nearly fell out of their socket. I lied when I told them I didn’t know how much the houses cost.

“You really should come back with us, just for a little, before you make such a big move. Just so you can remember where you came from.” My mother had said.

I only realize her intention in saying that as Arthur and I now make our way to the first house. He’s talking with the driver excitedly about the houses location, casting me wide-eyed glances every once in a while that I return with a nod so he doesn’t see me lost in my own thoughts.

My mother is worried I’m losing sense of who I am, before Arthur. Given, he and I are a team now so things are bound to change- about us both, but I see it for the first time from my mother’s perspective.

I was the one who left them. I was the one who inherited a ton of wealth. I’m the one who gave birth and lived in a mansion with continuous help and service. My parents have remained completely untouched by my changes and all of it must seem a bit overwhelming for them.

We never had money the way Arthur’s family does, to be fair no one really has money the way Arthur’s family does, but my parents always made sure I was taken care of and for the most part I liked my life.

Maybe a visit back wouldn’t hurt, just to connect with my old roots. Not to mention, it might be good for Grace, just so she knows there’s more to life than money.

I look at Grace who’s been asleep this entire ride except for right now. Now she’s staring at me with open curiosity as if to say she’s been reading my thoughts and disagrees completely. “All the more reason to go.” I say to her quietly.

“What was that?” Arthur asked.

“I bet the place looks pretty in the snow.” I say as a cover up. A light ignites throughout Arthur’s being as he agrees enthusiastically.

“The pond on the property freezes over pretty thick so we can go ice skating.” Arthur says looking out the window. That does sound fun, I have to admit.

“Here we are.” The driver says as he pulls onto a wide driveway made of white and green marble. I’m happy we’re here so I can stop thinking and just be distracted with what’s right in front of house- a look at our new home, a place where many memories will be made.

We step out of the car and I try to picture it. Arthur’s right that the area is great. It’s secluded with tall mountains peaking out over the horizon. “There’s a balcony on the other side of the house that sits right in front of the mountains.” Arthur says putting his hands around my waist from behind.

I snuggle back into him and let him paint the picture for me. “We could have our morning coffee out there, our evening wine. You can paint. Grace can see natures beauty everyday.” I let out a sigh. He always says what I need to hear, maybe this house could work.

Of course, we’ll have to remove the golden fish fountain centered at the front of the house. Arthur sees me looking at it and I must have a look on my face because the next thing he tells me is it’s already gone. “Consider it no more.” He says. With that we step up the freshly paved steps.

Inside is impressive with riches. The ceilings are tall and hand carved with images of lacey greenery. Theirs pillars, columns, and arches. I feel like I’m walking through an art gallery, which it dawns on me that maybe this is why the realtor listed this as an option.

Maybe she thought since I’m artist I would like that art history feel. Unfortunately, what the house provides in elegance it lacks in coziness. The kitchen is black and white tiled floor with modern appliances and sleek countertops. It’s very fancy.

In fact, the modernized house does very little to complement the deep woodsy landscape, from an artistic approach anyways.

There’s a movie theater in the basement complete with a concession stand, a billiards room, a bowling alley, and a home gym. We’d never even need to leave the house.

Finally, we finish touring the 12,000 square foot house and my paws are aching. I can’t help but think that when Grace is a teenager, we may never see her in our own home. I’d have to call Arthur on my phone to tell him dinner is ready.

“What do you think?” He says.

“I think I’m going to go to my hometown for a little.” I say and I don’t even mean to say it. I didn’t even know that was on the forefront of my mind, but it’s out there and I decide to stick with it.