Page 11 of 4ever Daddy

“I know I will, kitten.” I don’t think he’s talking about my decorating skills.

An hour later, I walk into Brick and Baker’s Antique Hut. I’ve always loved old-school antiques, especially if they come with a good story. Immediately, I spot three marble vases I adore. White, rose gold, and silver. Each match in design but are varied sizes. The largest one will be set by the front door with decorative branches and ivy inside. The smallest will go on the dining room table with fresh flowers every week. And the medium-sized one will look perfect on a table in the upstairs hall. I just need to find a table.

Spotting throw pillows and matching blankets for the sofa, I grab those as well as a wicker basket to put between the couch and chair to hold extras inside. I spend time browsing through restored rugs, and when I spot a white, black, and grey woven carpet that is soft to the touch, I realize it’ll be perfect in the living room. The colors match Coltrain’s rugged furniture tones, so I think he’ll like it.

The last thing I want is new curtains and the hall table, so when I come across a whitewashed credenza with mirrored doors, I add that to the rest. It’ll match the vases beautifully, too. As I walk up to the textiles section, a set of curtains catches my eye—lovely black lace valances attached to floor-length white silk drapery with matching lace flowers embroidered into the material. Two pairs are left, which will fit the bay window and the sliding doors off the kitchen to the backyard.

Once everything is purchased and delivery is arranged, I head to the grocery store to shop for the week, with a planned meal list that I can’t wait to cook for Coltrain.

CHAPTER 8

Coltrain

“Well, hello, Coltrain. Fancy seeing you here.” Nancy Meadows slinks her way into the open house I’ve been hosting all day. This place is a harder sell because of the needed upgrades, but the sellers can’t afford to do them, which is why they’re selling to begin with.

They’re a family of four who have fallen on hard times. They came to my attention when I overheard the mom telling the four-year-old they couldn’t get the cereal he liked because there wasn’t enough money. She was overwhelmed and spilled the beans about her job loss when I’d offered to buy it for the boy. She poured her heart out, and I met with the husband the next day. They’re currently residing in one of my rentals for a fraction of the cost in monthly rent because sometimes you need a hand up.

“What are you doing here, Nancy?”

Two couples wander through the house, looking around. One is a contractor, and I think this is a project he’d like to dig his hands into. Literally.

“Saw your name on the sign outside and just had to stop for a chat.” She places an unwelcome manicured hand on my arm.

Pulling away, I keep my tone calm. “You should have kept going. I already told you I’m not interested.” In fact, I’d rather pluck my eyeballs out. The woman will fuck anything with a dick.

“Oh, come on, Colt, don’t be that way. We could be good together.” She leans into me this time, rubbing her fake tits on my arm and pouting in a way that is not attractive.

“I’m getting married, Nancy.” Gabs might not know it yet, but we are. As soon as I can get the ring in my pocket on her finger.

“Married?” She frowns. “I didn’t know you were seeing someone.”

“I am,” I grunt as one of the couples enters the living room.

“Well, what did you think?” I ask them.

“It’s going to need a lot of work,” the man replies, and I know he’ll try lowballing an offer.

“It will; however, it’s a prime location with the boardwalk two streets over, the beach a ten-minute walk away, and the school district is one of the best in Jacksonville.”

One look into the guy’s eyes, and I can tell he won’t purchase it without a deep drop in price. Which I won’t allow to happen. Already, the owners have only asked for its value, which is about ten grand more than what they owe. They won’t make a dime on this house once all the fees have been paid—another reason I ditched my commission to help them out.

“This place has great bones.” The contractor and his wife enter the room. “We’d like to make an offer.”

“Now wait a minute,” the first man says, “we were just talking about prices.”

Interrupting them both, I say, “The house price is firm. I won’t be entertaining any lower offers.”

I cross my arms, watching the two men. The contractor smirks, knowing full well what I do. The other guy is out, and he proves it by guiding his wife away without saying another word.

“Ready to talk logistics?” the contractor asks, and as we begin speaking, the couple surprises me by telling me he went to high school with my client and knows how hard they’ve been hit lately. What blows my mind is that they offer twenty grand above asking for a quick closing. With that kind of money, my clients can get back on their feet again.

I end the open house and make a few calls on my way back to the office. Once I’ve got the paperwork lined up, I deliver it to my clients. I don’t explain who the buyers are, but I tell them that their generosity comes from a place of genuine care for their community.

As I leave them crying happily, knowing things will turn around for them, I go to the buyers for more signatures before heading home to the woman of my dreams.

Before the open house this morning, I stopped at an independent jeweler for an engagement ring and necklace for Gabs. After spending a small fortune, it’ll be worth it for the look on her face alone.

The nature-inspired marquise-shaped diamond rests on a band of vines winding towards the two-carat stone in the center. I know how much Gabs loves the outdoors, and the ring will suit her. The necklace is a white gold lariat-style choker, with a heart-shaped diamond that will hang between her breasts tantalizingly. I was able to place a large order of clothing for her as well—dresses and skirts for days.

---