They turned a bend and the world suddenly opened up to them. Kate gasped. Andrew hit the brakes. Even Buttons whined to get out of the crate.

“It’s beautiful.”

“I think the old shack will do,” Andrew said, smiling wider than she’d seen him do in years.

The house, described by the realtor as a dreamy lakeside cottage retreat, was more than she could have hoped for. A break in the trees allowed sunlight to bathe the blond wood cottage as if it were spotlit by God himself. The small but immaculate front lawn was bordered by perennials. There were only two steps to get onto the porch, a pair of Adirondack chairs flanking the door. A wind chime that looked to have been made by a local crafter, burnished metal cut and pounded into spirals, tinkled in the soft, cool breeze. Behind the humble house was the lake, the pink rays of the sun stippling its serene surface. It was like stepping into a dream, or a Thomas Kinkade painting. Kate wanted to wrap her arms around the cottage and hug it.

“Hold on a sec,” Andrew said, jumping out of the car and running to open the front door.

He came back and lifted Kate out.

“What are you doing?” she said, giggling.

“I’m going to carry you over the threshold like a proper gentleman.”

“You know, guys carry their brides over thresholds so they can be very improper later.”

Andrew wriggled his eyebrows.

She could tell the instant they went inside that the house had been cleaned just that day. The scent of lemon and pine cleaner, along with a fresh bowl of potpourri on the shelf by the door, instantly put her at ease. She’d secretly worried all week that it was too good to be true. The pictures were a lie and the place would be a roach motel.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

With the kitchen on their left, the open living room was spread out before them, sliding doors leading to a raised porch with a stunning view of Round Lake. The furniture looked comfortable and relatively new. Everywhere she looked there was blond wood, accentuating the fading light of day.

Andrew set her down on the couch and kissed her.

“So, what do you think?”

“I think the owners are going to have a hard time getting me to leave.”

He propped Mooshy behind her back. “Now, you just sit back while Buttons and I unpack the car.”

“I’m sure he’ll be a big help.”

“He’s good with the little things. At least I hope.”