Chapter 12 - THE HOUSE WITH THREE WINDOWS
Six months after the surgery, Nora was well enough to return to work part-time, with medical guidance and ongoing rehabilitation.
She moved into a modest apartment near a park.
Not my penthouse.
Not my mansion.
Her own home.
She insisted.
And I respected it.
I helped carry boxes.
Maisie supervised.
“Mr. Ethan, that goes in Mommy's room.”
I smiled.
“Yes, ma'am.”
“And the blue blanket goes on the couch.”
“Understood.”
She nodded approvingly.
The apartment had three large windows.
One overlooked the street.
One faced a courtyard.
And one looked toward a small playground.
Maisie loved it.
She could see children playing.
Dogs running.
And birds gathering on the fence.
One afternoon, Nora found me repairing a loose cabinet hinge.
She leaned against the doorway.
“You know you can hire someone.”
I laughed.
“I know.”
“Then why are you doing it?”
I looked up.
“Because I like being useful.”
She smiled.
“You were always better with your hands than you admitted.”
I grinned.
“I did make a famous amber necklace.”
She laughed.
“Famous?”
“Very exclusive. One of a kind.”
She stepped closer.
“And slightly crooked.”
I smiled.
“Just like the man who made it.”
She kissed me.
Softly.
Unexpectedly.
For one second, I forgot how to breathe.
Then I kissed her back.
When we separated, Nora smiled.
“Fourteen years.”
I rested my forehead against hers.
“I know.”
She swallowed.
“Let's not waste another.”
That evening, Maisie found us sitting together on the couch.
She climbed between us.
“Can we watch a movie?”
Nora smiled.
“Of course.”
Maisie looked at me.
“Are you staying?”
I glanced at Nora.
She nodded.
I smiled.
“For the movie.”
Maisie grinned.
“Good.”
Halfway through, she fell asleep against my shoulder.
I looked at Nora.
She was watching us.
Her eyes filled.
“What?” I whispered.
She shook her head.
“Nothing.”
I smiled.
“Nora.”
She swallowed.
“I used to think I'd have to do everything alone.”
I reached for her hand.
“You don't have to.”
May you like
She leaned against me.
And for the first time in fourteen years, I felt like I'd finally arrived somewhere I belonged.
