Chapter 63: New Neighbors?

It’s been one week since that horrific BBQ at Markus’s house but apparently they got it all figured out. Melissa was so happy when Mel told her they were officially a couple, that she was now living with Markus in every sense of the word. Jeremy had commented on how Markus seemed like he was back to the easy-going character he had met last spring. Both feel good for their friends. Melissa goes in search of Jeremy and finds him in his study.

Jeremy is so focused on his computer screen that he doesn’t notice Melissa enter the room until she is right by his side. He is looking at real estate again. “Jeremy, I told you, there is nothing wrong with where we are.” Jeremy swivels his chair so that he can take her in his arms and place her on his lap. “I don’t know if I still fit,” Melissa laughs as he moves his seat well back from his desk.

“You fit perfectly in my lap, woman, always will.” Jeremy assures her as he nuzzles her neck. “Look, I found three houses in Markus’s neighborhood. I know you say you don’t care about being here, but the more I think about Markus’s backyard and the safety of that type of neighborhood for a child. I want that for our child.”

“But Jeremy, you just moved here. I can’t expect you to move already.” Melissa protests.

“I know you don’t expect me to do anything. I want to. This place is perfect for a bachelor or even a family with a teenager, but I want to do everything I can do for my child to have the best childhood possible. Wouldn’t it be nice for our children to grow up in the same neighborhood as Mel’s and Markus’s?” Jeremy asks.

Melissa gets a little lightheaded at his use of the word children. “Children? I think you are getting a little ahead of yourself there!” Melissa laughs nervously.

Jeremy shrugs, “just hopeful thinking about the future. Nothing wrong with being prepared.”

Melissa bites her lip, “do you want more children?” She asks tentatively.

“Yes, I think I do.” Jeremy looks her right in the eye. “Of course, next time we will do it right and get married first, then plan for our baby.” He sees the fear enter her eyes for a flash, then it’s gone. Well, that’s progress, at least he thinks. “Just look,” he directs her to the computer screen. Melissa has to admit, there are some pretty beautiful homes there. Plus two are estate sales, so not as expensive as she was thinking they would be.

“Stop thinking about the price, Melissa. This is a very sought after building. I will make money by selling this condo and moving into one of these houses. If they don’t have too much upgrading. And if they do, no biggie. I’m doing this for us. So we can have a home together, not you moving into my place.”

Melissa’s heart swells a little at that. He notices her biting on her lip again. “What do you say we give these realtors a call and see what we can set up? Two of these properties have the same agent.” Jeremy looks at her intently, waiting for her answer.

“Okay. I’ll go make lunch. You make the call. It can’t hurt to look right?” Melissa asks as she gets up to leave. She cannot get away without Jeremy trapping her between his legs and kissing her nose, then her belly. God, Melissa thinks, I hope this baby is not a girl because she is going to have her Daddy wrapped around her finger so fast.

An hour later they are viewing the first house. It just so happened that when Jeremy called the agent, she was already at the house with another couple. The other one that she had listed in that area had accepted an offer just that morning. Apparently houses are snapped up fast. The agent did however get her hands on another in the area that hadn’t been listed yet and they were welcome to see that one as well.

This first one was a pleasant home. Five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a den, and all the regular rooms a house would have. A nice backyard with mature trees. The pictures online made it seem much brighter and cozier. But Melissa is just not feeling it.

“What do you think?” Jeremy asks Melissa.

Melissa looks around the kitchen they are currently standing in, then at Jeremy. She knows him enough by now to know that he is not feeling it either but is waiting for her because if she said she loved it, he would buy it just to please her. “I don’t think it's for us. It’s too big and there are just too many little things that we would have to upgrade. With the baby coming, we will be busy enough as it is.”

“I agree.” Jeremy looks around, “nope, definitely not us. Next one?” He asks Melissa.

“May as well. It’s just a few streets over.” Melissa says. She is enjoying this a lot more than she thought she would. Buying a house together, because she was paying for it as well, regardless of what Jeremy said, was scary but exciting at the same time.

Ten minutes later they are pulling into the driveway of a beautiful white colonial house with a detached garage. Huge pillars hold up a slanted roof over a long veranda all along the front. Melissa turns to Jeremy, “are you sure this is it?”

Jeremy chuckles, “that’s the agent standing right there.” He points towards the front door. “It certainly has curb appeal, I’ll give it that.” There were rose bushes along the front of the veranda, and the house and garage both recently painted. White with black shutters, very traditional, and just how they both like it.

As they enter, Melissa and Jeremy both suck in their breaths. Open concept, the main floor has a kitchen with brand new appliances, including an industrial stove. There is a family room and a separate sitting room, an office, closed off with French doors, and a half bath. Hardwood floors and marble counters have the rooms shining and looking pristine.

Upstairs, things get even better. Four bedrooms and a bath. The master has an ensuite and French doors that open to a patio overlooking the backyard. Melissa’s breath catches as she steps onto the patio and looks over the backyard. Never has she thought she could have a home as grand as this. It has to be too good to be true. She looks over at Jeremy, who is staring down at her with a big smile on his face. He’s feeling it too. Just then, they hear a voice call out. Both look up at the same time to see Markus standing on his back deck with Lucas on his shoulders.

“Hey, Jeremy! What are you guys doing at Mrs. Peterson’s?” Markus asks.

“We’ll be right down.” Jeremy responds, not wanting to scream back and forth. He looks down at Melissa, who is in shock. “Looks like our backyard borders on Markus’. What are the chances of that?” After a few words to the realtor, they go into the backyard and to the fence at the far end. There is even a little gate there. Markus is through the gate, with Lucas on his shoulders, Mel and Buddy not far behind.

“What’s going on?” Markus asks right away. “Is Mrs. Peterson Okay?” Concern in his voice.

“I have no idea. We were looking at houses in the area and the realtor told us she just got this one yesterday. Hasn’t even listed it yet. You know the house?” Jeremy asks.

“Hell, yes. Mrs. Peterson was one of my aunt’s closest friends. I used to come over here all the time as a kid. Been keeping an eye on Mrs. Peterson since I moved in. Well, I’ll be. She must have finally given in and moved into an assisted living place. I know her kids have been after her to do that for some time now.”

Melissa and Jeremy just shrug. Then the reality of it hits Markus.

“Are you guys buying this place?” He turns to Mel, “wouldn’t that be awesome? Our children could grow up playing in the same yards!” Melissa and Mel both look at each other and smile, both focusing on that word children again.

“Well, as it’s not listed yet, we don’t have many details. The realtor is downloading what she has there now. We don’t even know the asking price.” Jeremy says.

“Well, I can tell you the place was well cared for. One of Mrs. Peterson’s grandsons has a construction company, and he was always keeping ahead of any problems. I’m sure I have a number for him and he could give you a rundown on any issues.” Markus eagerly says.

Melissa is looking at the back of the house. “I don’t know. I’m thinking this is going to be selling for a lot more than the others. It’s gorgeous.”

Jeremy is watching her and thinking that for once in his life, he may just splurge and worry about things later. Seeing the look on Melissa’s face as she walked through that house, you can’t put a price on that. Plus, he really wanted this house. Growing up, he always lived in apartments with nannies and housekeepers. The only time he felt like he had a home was with his grandparents. When he entered this house, it was the first time since they passed he felt at home, this time his home.