Page 78 of Four Dates and A Forever
“I wasn’t snooping, they were at your doorstep when I arrived,” Susan said.
Elsie took the bouquet and opened the door wider. “Please, come in.”
Susan stepped inside the foyer and closed the door behind her.
“Let me set these down. I must have been in the shower when they were delivered.” Elsie placed the vase and flowers on the entry table, and it was as if they had been created to match the colors and feel of the entry.
Rhett,her heart sighed. Of course they were the perfect fit because he was the kind of guy who paid attention to details. When he made a gesture, it was specific and unique—from the heart.
She smelled one of the petals and closed her eyes at the beautiful scent of romance.
“Husband?” Susan asked.
Before she could think of her answer, “Boyfriend,” slipped out. Then she remembered their “no label” rule, but instead of feeling off-kilter or cornered by the term of endearment, a calmness overcame her. A rightness.
They may not have put a label on things, which was her doing, but in her heart she knew that’s what Rhett would have said if asked the same question.
Elsie picked up the card, then paused. “Do you mind?”
Susan waved a hand. “Please.”
She opened the card and her heart melted to goo.
Els,
You take my breath away.
Today and every day.
You’ve got this.
R
“He was wishing me luck today.”
Susan laughed. “I got a similar bouquet this morning from my husband. Wishing me luck for my first walk-through.”
Elsie was taken aback. “This is your first walk-through? Like for the Portland edition?”
“Like ever. I’m new at the magazine and this is my first big project, which is why I’m so excited to be here. If your house is half as beautiful as those photos… ” Susan faded off as she glanced around the entry, taking in everything. And Elsie couldn’t be positive, but she could have sworn Susan gave a soft, “Incredible.”
“Well, then we’re both experiencing a first,” Elsie said. “Which means it’s the perfect time to pop the prosecco I have cooling in the fridge. Why don’t we start in the kitchen for a toast and I can show you around from there.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Elsie headed toward the kitchen with Susan following, but the woman’s head was turning this way and that, her lips slightly parted in awe. Elsie gave herself a mental high-five.
She pulled out two stemmed glasses and topped each off with bubbly.
“I love how you’ve staggered the floating shelves. It gives them a geometric and innovative feel.”
“Thank you.” Elsie beamed. “They’re made from reclaimed redwood that I purchased from a broker in Pennsylvania. The wood comes from a hundred-year-old barn. I saw it at an antique shop and fell in love with the movement of the grain. A little historic character to offset the sleek metals and sharp lines.”
“I love the square copper chandeliers. Even though they give off an industrial vibe, they also add a bit of playfulness.”
Elsie couldn’t speak. That was exactly what she was going for.
Susan turned to look at Elsie. “Are they antique?”
