This.

This is Grey’s way of being an equal partner. By spending obscene amounts of money on things I didn’t ask for. Things we certainly don’t need.

“So,” Vanessa says brightly. “What do y’all think?”

I look up to see Grey’s eyes glued to my face. They’ve got a hopeful gleam in them.

“Do you like it?” he asks. “I thought you’d appreciate the amazing architectural details. I know it’s new, but everything is top of the line, and the house is built with Charleston’s history and architecture in mind. The exterior, the wood doors, the brass hardware. The molding. I’ve been searching high and low for just the right house. A family place. You know, with a yard and stuff. Neither of our places have anywhere for the baby to play.”

“Grey,” I say. Heart breaking a little.

He’s trying to be sweet. Thoughtful.

But this is wrong.

This isn’t me. This house—this big, insanely perfect house—is not us. This is not the life I wanted or asked for.

It’s a poor substitute for what this baby and I really need—for Greyson to be around. Be present.

He’s Christian Grey-ing me again. Only not in a good way this time.

“Do you mind giving us a minute?” I ask Vanessa.

She smiles. “Sure. Y’all take your time.”

She heads out of the kitchen, leaving Grey and I alone.

“You don’t like it,” he says matter-of-factly.

I take a breath. Look away. Look back at him. Look down at the brochure.

“Don’t get me wrong, this is a dream house,” I say. “It’s—Jesus, Grey, it’s like something out of a magazine. Everything is new. The location is A-plus. It’s a huge lot for this part of town.”

He smiles. A tight thing.

“But.”

“For starters, it’s a whole comma out of my price range.”

“I’d take care of it.”

My pulse skips a beat.

“You don’t have to do that. In fact, I don’t want you to. I want to contribute at least something to a huge purchase like this.”

“What if I want to buy this house for you?”

“I appreciate the sentiment. And I see what you’re trying to do here. But when you said you wanted only the best for me and the baby—Grey, you don’t have to buy a house like this to prove that. You can just stick to ice cream and I’d be perfectly content.” I put a hand on my belly. “Same with Charlie Brown. I mean, I’ve been contemplating where she’d sleep. Like whether or not we’d need two cribs, one at my place and one at yours. Now you just want to up and buy a house without ever asking me if I want to move in with you?”

Slipping his hands into the pockets of his slacks, he takes a step toward me. “Do you not want to live with me?”

I blink. “I mean, I’d definitely consider it. Yeah. But we’ve never really talked about it before.”

“What if I want to treat y’all? I have money, Julia. I work hard to be able to afford stuff like this. Let me treat you. Buying this house—having you move in with me—it’s my way of contributing. My way of making you feel safe and taken care of.”