That’s what I wrote in this short essay question. Yes, it’s also a boon, a gift, a freaking miracle. It means I can go to college anywhere that I want. It means I’ll be able to focus on my studies instead of having to work three jobs to pay the rent.

It’s an incredible blessing in my life, but it also forces me to face my deepest fears that I can’t do this on my own. I want to be with Beau because I love him and because he loves me, not because I need him to achieve my goals.

I wrinkle my nose at him. “I thought you had a meeting this morning.”

“It was cut short,” he says, a gleam in those storm gray eyes, “when I got a call from the builder. It’s ready.”

Excitement races down my spine, along with a touch of uncertainty. The house means setting down roots. Even if you go to college somewhere else, Beau said, we’ll always have the house near Paige. I want that, but I’m also quietly terrified.

Back when I worked for Beau at Coach House, taking care of Paige, it was kind of like playing house. We were a pretend family, but now, even though we’ve lost Paige, we’re no longer playing house. This is real.

And Beau? He’s my family.

Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

Beau Rochester

“Can I open my eyes?” Jane asks. She’s got one hand blocking her vision and a big grin on her face. “You know, I’ve seen the plans for the house. I’ve been here lots of times.”

“It’s different.” I want to remember her in this moment. Happy. Excited. Our new house has been under construction for months. Building a house seems like it should be straightforward. Approve the plans. Hire contractors. Break ground. Things come up, though. Problems to be solved. Decisions you didn’t think you’d have to make. Delays. Now we’re finally standing in front of the completed home, next to my car in the driveway. “Yes. Go ahead.”

Jane takes her hand away and looks up at the house. A little gasp comes from her lips. “It’s perfect,” she says. “Look, Beau. It’s our house.”

I put an arm around her waist and pull her into my side. “Yes, it is.”

I’m trying not to let on that this house is a goddamn miracle. My life with Jane is a miracle. She had no reason to stand by me after the way I treated her when we first met. I was a sullen asshole who was so hurt he couldn’t see straight. I’m still an asshole. No one would argue that she turned me into a teddy bear. But it’s impossible to be sullen when she’s smiling like that.

“It’s just how we wanted.”

Actually, it’s not just how we wanted.