Page 73 of Enchanting the Elf
Sadie:*Sparkling heart emoji*
Chapter thirty-five
Florence
“So, what’s the plan today?” I ask Adelbert who hasn’t stopped staring at me with the most adorable grin firmly affixed to his lips. The way those dimples wink at me from across the kitchen table has got me weak in the knees.
“I find myself to be rather attached to you, so I’ll do whatever you want to do,” he says and places his hand out, palm up on the table. I put mine in his and he laces our fingers.
I think I might literally be glowing. Since Adelbert kissed me, it feels like my world has shifted on its axis. Like my heart, brain, and soul have all somehow aligned and everything points to him.
“How about showing me all your favorite parts in the house? I still haven’t explored every hidden corner, and seeing your bedroom has been a revelation to me.”
Adelbert’s brows scrunch up and he sits back in his chair, acting like I’ve just said the weirdest thing.
“A revelation? How so? It’s a plain, functional room with a bed and a wardrobe.”
“That’s exactly my point. There is nothing personal in there. No knickknacks. No paintings. It could be anybody’s room. In contrast, my room in this house is done up beautifully with its canopy bed and fancy linens. It looks like it’s out of some home decor magazine.”
“Ah.” Adelbert nods and I note the flicker of sadness in his eyes. “The house belonged to my grandmother and she decorated it according to her heart’s content. Her lodgings on campus were according to my grandfather’s specifications, so this house was all hers. As you can tell, she had really good taste, though perhaps a bit too baroque for me.
“My bedroom was given to me to do with as I pleased. I’ve been using it for many years and haven’t gotten around to, how can you say, finding my own personal style. At Alberad, Everett took care of the dormitory room we shared, but I didn’t really care enough to do something to my bedroom here.”
I tilt my head to the side and worry my lip between my teeth as all of that information sinks in.
“Wait. So you’ve been living in the same bedroom that you’ve had since you were a child? Why didn’t you move into the main suite after she died? Made the house your own?” It doesn’t come as a surprise to me that Adelbert hasn’t made the house apriority, but to have had the same bedroom for so long and for it not to show a bit of his personality blows my mind.
“It was not exactly a priority for me,” Adelbert says, mimicking my thoughts. “My reasoning was that I’d be moving to the Alberad campus anyway. And it’s not like I needed that. The bed is just somewhere to sleep. My study, on the other hand, is mine. I have taken the time to decorate it according to my own specifications.”
“This is making a lot of sense for me now. It has a very different vibe than the rest of the house. Dede would call the house old-money chic, but your study is masculine and earthy. Your desk especially is beautiful and has its own character.”
Adelbert grins and pride shines in his eyes.
“That is my favorite piece of furniture. It was custom-made, handcrafted from oak trees that are local to Germany. The company I worked with has an eco-friendly, holistic approach to carpentry and considers their environmental impact. Plus, their craftsmanship is top-notch.”
I lean forward in my seat, intrigued by the thought that went into that single desk. Adelbert has rarely shown interest in many personal things, besides cooking, so I find it fascinating that eco-friendly, handcrafted furniture has him this invested.
“You sound very passionate about that. Would you consider getting more pieces done by them for the house?”
Adelbert shifts forward and takes both my hands in his. His throat bobs on a swallow and vulnerability is evident on his face.
“I would love your input on this too. I’d like for us to redecorate the whole house—together. Really make itours. Maybe that was what I was waiting for all along. For us to turn this house into a home.”
A warm, tingling sensation starts up in my chest and works its way down my limbs, goose bumps following in its wake as a strange peace settles over me.
“I’d really like that,” I admit on a dreamy sigh. “Can we give Sir Purrington a room too? One with cat trees and comfy pillows? And lots of sunshine he can stretch out in?” The whole vision is clear in my mind’s eye.
Adelbert’s eyes crinkle in the corners with the radiant smile he’s sporting. “Of course. He deserves only the best.”
Before I get lost with ideas on interior decorating and paint fights—which I’m sure I’d eventually be able to coax Adelbert into—another thought occurs to me.
“But, what about the lodgings on campus? Would I stay here alone and you live there? I know it’s not far away. I’m just curious as to how it would work.”
“Firstly, I want to say I’m very pleased that you’re asking me this so directly. The Florence from a couple of months ago wouldn’t have felt comfortable enough to voice all of her concerns so plainly. Thank you for trusting me enough to be forthright with your worries.
“Now, to answer your questions. I go where you go. I told you, if you don’t want to live here, if you’re not comfortable at Alberad, I’d be happy to follow you elsewhere.Youare now my priority. Ensuring your happiness, showing you my love, that is my main focus. Jobs come and go, but I am not willing to lose you.”
“Can I ask you another favor?” I ask, voice coming out wet as my eyes start to well up at that declaration from my male.
