“What?”

“Please believe me when I say I love you. I really do, and I know I never really showed it, but there was a reason I was so jealous of you for so long. Because you were all the things I wanted to be: sweet, loving, selfless, and just perfect. I take back what I said about you being lucky. You’re not lucky to have Abel, sissy. He’s lucky to have you.”

Nellie didn’t even try to hold them back anymore. Her tears ran freely down her face. “I believe you, Courtney, and I love you too. I never stopped loving you even after everything happened.”

They cried together and spoke a little longer before her sister said Nellie needed to rest. Nellie had just gotten off the phone with Courtney when she heard the front door open and heard Abel walking quietly toward the bedroom. As much as she wiped her tears away, she knew she was a mess.

Abel peeked in, and his face was immediately alarmed. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

He rushed to her side and took her hand, wiping her tears with his fingertips, searching her eyes.

“Nothing’s wrong,” she assured him, but his worried eyes still stared at her. “I just got off the phone with my sister. She got out of rehab today.”

His worried expression turned to stone. “What did she say to you?”

She smiled at him, touching his rigid face, knowing what he must be thinking. “Everything I didn’t even know I’ve been waiting to hear from her for so long. It was a good call.” She sniffed. “I promise.”

He stared at her for a moment then hugged her, exhaling. “I found a house.” He didn’t say anything else for a moment as if he were waiting for her to react. When she didn’t, he continued. “As soon as you’re feeling better, I’ll take you to see it.”

She pulled away to look at him. They’d talked about the possibility of buying a house, but they hadn’t said it was a sure thing. He stared at her, and she could tell he was waiting for his reaction, so she smiled. “Really?”

“Yeah, really.” He laughed. “Hector’s dying to move in here already, especially since he knows my aunt’s moving in next month. The house is in move-in condition, so if you like it, I’ll pay cash and escrow will take a lot less time to close. And it’s not too far from here, but far enough.”

That made Nellie laugh. “Your mom’s not so bad.”

“She can be, and just wait ’til this baby’s here. She’s really gonna want to take over. I need to get you out of here pronto.”

He leaned his forehead against hers as her eyes brightened. “Can we go see it now?

Abel pulled away then seemed to mentally take inventory of her body from top to bottom. “Are you sure you’re up to it?”

“Up to what?” She laughed. “Walking through a house? I think I can manage.” Truth was she’d been cooped up in the house all week, and she was ready for some fresh air. Abel still stared at her, a bit unsure. “I’ll be fine,” she assured him as she pulled her legs off the side of the bed.

Finally, he smiled. “Okay. But you promise me you’ll tell me the moment you’re not feeling so hot.”

“I promise,” she said, already rushing to her bag so she could change.

~*~

It had come as a surprise when Nellie told Abel about the necklace his mom had given her. But even more surprising was what his mom had said the heart represented, not that he disagreed in any way. Nellie didn’t just own his heart. She was a part of him now, a part of him that he was certain he couldn’t live without anymore. So what his mom had said was spot on. What surprised him about his mom’s gesture was that she was so happy and all for this so quickly.

They finished walking through the house. Nellie had been a bit quiet as she took in every room: The huge family room with the massive fireplace in the corner. The granite counter tops in the big open kitchen with the center island and state-of-the-art stainless-steel appliances.

She’d smiled at the double shower heads in the master bedroom shower, and he knew she was remembering San Francisco. When they stepped out into the yard, she nearly gasped.

The intricate cedar play set had taken his breath away as well when he first saw it. It was three parts with slides coming out of both ends. Wooden bridges connected all three parts. One side was shaped like a castle while the other end was in the shape of a ship with a helm and steering wheel.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, her hands at her face.

Abel walked up from behind her, hugging her by the waist, and kissed the side of her face. “So, as a whole you like this house? The location? The inside? This yard? The pool?” He stared out into the spectacular view beyond the play set.

“It’s perfect,” she said, glancing back at him with a smile then turning back to admire the play set. “When are you planning on telling your mom that we’re moving out?”

“I already did,” he said, nuzzling her neck.

He felt her stiffen. “Really? What did she say?”

Abel kissed her neck before responding. “She knew it was coming. I’d already mentioned that the back house wouldn’t be big enough anymore, and she agreed. I told her I was already looking for the perfect place for my family.” His heart sped up a little before asking. “Would you say I found it?”

“Yes,” she nodded quickly. “It’s absolutely perfect.”

Smiling, Abel reached into his back pocket with one hand while he caressed her belly with his other then pulled away. “Then only one other thing would make it even more perfect.”