23: NEW HOME TRANSFORMED

Heart Pounding, Emma stepped onto the front porch. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the antique brass handle, that is when she noticed the front door had been replaced with a beautiful dark stained wooden door. The heavy door swung open, revealing a space that took her breath away.

The entryway, once dark and cramped, was now an airy haven. Sunlight streamed through the new skylight, illuminating the wide-plank oak floors that flowed seamlessly throughout the downstairs. They had been sanded down and re-stained. It brought them back to life giving them a glossy shine. To the left, a cozy sitting area beckoned, anchored by a new set of plush furniture that matched the farmhouse vibe. A vintage trunk, repurposed as a coffee table, sat atop a handwoven rug, its intricate pattern a kaleidoscope of warm colors.

Straight ahead, the wall that once separated the kitchen from the living room vanished, replaced by a grand island topped with a beautiful wooden top. The once cramped kitchen now felt open. Emma loved being able to see throughout the house when she was in the kitchen cooking. She spent a lot of time in the kitchen, and she hated how the walls separated her from Jackson. The cabinets had been repainted a distressed white, and an addition of brass hardware.

A lump formed in Emma’s throat. It was more beautiful than she could have imagined. She turned to find the guys trailing quietly behind her. They had not said a word the whole time, but instead followed her letting her take it all in. She smiled at Brayden. No one said a word as Emma continued her journey through the house.

As she wandered through the house, each room unfolded like a chapter in a beloved book. The dining room, bathed in soft light filtering through white linen curtains, boasted a long, reclaimed wood table surrounded by matching chairs. Upstairs, the master bedroom was an oasis unlike anything she had ever seen, with its vaulted ceiling, exposed beams, and a palette of soft greys and creams. The bed took up most of the room and Emma just stood and stared at it.

Brayden walked over and wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her close. “I had this custom made for us. It is the size of two king beds put together. The mattress, also custom made, is the plushest material that money can buy. I even had them design the headboard and footboard out of the oak wood that is throughout the house.”

“It is beautiful, Brayden. The entire house is beautiful. I cannot believe it is ours.” Emma said as she leaned into Brayden and lay her head on his shoulder.

“I am so glad that you like it, but you still have a few more surprises.” Brayden patted her on the behind directing her towards the bathroom. When she walked inside her mouth dropped open. It was like a spa retreat inside her own home. On the one side was a beautiful jacuzzi tub, and a marble-tiled shower large enough for four to five people. On the other side, she spotted a large double door. When walking through it she discovered an entire room that had been made into a closet.

Standing in the middle of the closet, Emma closed her eyes, a wave of emotion washing over her. It was more than just a renovation; it was a rebirth. This wasn’t just a house; it was a home, a sanctuary, a place where she could finally exhale and simply be.

Jackson and Brayden ran to Emma’s side. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Jackson asked with such worry in his voice.

Emma laughed as tears still rolled down her cheeks. “Absolutely Nothing. I am just so happy right now; this is the only way I can express it.” The guys grabbed her up into a heartwarming embrace and they stayed that way for some time enjoying the feeling of each other being together.

The doorbell rang, bringing them out of their embrace. “I bet the moving trucks are here.” Brayden raced down the stairs as the doorbell rang again. Emma heard Brayden from the stairs yelling, “I’m coming.” They followed him downstairs and discovered that Brayden was correct, the movers were there already bringing their belongings inside. Emma was giddy. She couldn’t wait to start unpacking and putting everything where she wanted it. Emma could be a little OCD sometimes, so she really liked things organized and in a specific place.

A couple hours later, they all three crashed on the couches. “Whew, I am exhausted.” Emma said as a loud growl came from her stomach. “Oh, and apparently hungry.”

Brayden chuckled and grabbed his cell phone off the coffee table. “Since it is a little later in the evening, we can just order something and have it delivered. How does that sound?”

“That sounds amazing!” Emma looked upstairs, a smile forming on her face. “Would I have time to test that jacuzzi tub out?”

Jackson stood, pulling Emma to her feet, and kissing her on the forehead. “Yes, my love. You need a break. Go soak in the tub and we will get something to eat. You can finish these last couple of boxes tomorrow.” Emma loved how sweet and loving Jackson was being. He had always been loving, but not like this. He was more attentive, affectionate, and had shown more of his true feelings in the past few days than he had in all the years they had been married. She was loving this new side of Jackson. Emma smiled and placed a soft kiss on Jackson’s lips, then leaned down and kissed Brayden.

“If you need anything just yell, okay?” Brayden said as he tucked her loose hair behind her ear. Emma looked at him lovingly and smiled. “Now go relax.”

Once Emma was upstairs in the bathroom, she started her water getting it to the perfect temperature. She had already unpacked all her bathroom supplies, but she couldn’t find her favorite robe. “Ugh, I must have packed it in the wrong box or maybe I forgot it.” She said out loud. She opened a small door that was beside the tub. It was a small closet for towels, but hanging on the door were three silky robes. Two of them were black with gold lettering, she saw the guys’ names beautifully embroidered on the back of them. As she moved one of them, she spotted a sexy red one with her name also embroidered in gold on the back. She lifted it off the hook and held it in her hands. It was so soft, silky to the touch as she ran it through her hands. She got a devilish smile on her face as an idea came to mind, but first came her relaxing soak in her new tub. Emma slowly eased her tired and sore muscles done into the steaming water, sighing as she felt them start to loosen and relax. Once, those jets came on though she was in pure heaven. “I could do this every day.” She thought to herself as she laid her head back and closed her eyes to relax.