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“Not me, but maybe this one.” I looked down Chloe to see if she had an opinion. She was obviously enraptured, falling to her knees next to the feasting kittens.
“Remember, we don’t grab them,” Sammie said to her. “Let them come to you.”
“Yes, Mama.” Chloe crossed her legs and clasped her hands on her lap, looking positively angelic.
After the kittens were done with their food, they became curious about their small guest. The tuxedo and the orange were the bravest, coming close to sniff Chloe. Our sweet girl remained still, patiently waiting to see what they would do next.
The orange one pushed its head against Chloe’s bare knee. She squealed and said it tickled. The tuxedo wasn’t far behind and climbed into Chloe’s lap as if she’d been waiting for it.
“They usually choose you,” Mr. Murphy said. “Looks like you have your answer. The orange one’s a boy and the tuxedo’s a girl. You’ll have one of each.”
I glanced at Sammie. She had tears in her eyes, which was not unusual over the last few days. Everything seemed to evoke intense emotions. “Happy crying,” she’d told me last night when she’d started sobbing during a touching part in the book she was reading. “I never knew how beautiful the most simple things could be. Now that I know I’m free, it’s like the world is new.”
Chloe giggled as the orange kitten joined his sister on Chloe’s lap. While Chloe played with the kittens, Mr. Murphy asked about my folks.
“Doing just fine,” I said. “How are you and Mrs. Murphy?”
“We’re doing good. We’ve decided to sell the farm,” he said. “To enjoy our golden years near our daughter and grandchildren in Boise.”
“Really?” They’d seemed like the type to stay on their land forever. “You have it listed yet?” I hadn’t seen a sign, but maybe I’d missed it.
“No, not yet.”
I looked back at the charming farmhouse with its wraparound porch. A vegetable garden in the back of the house had a fence around it to keep the deer out. Mrs. Murphy’s impressive flowers were in bloom, and bees buzzed as they flew from one to the other. It was quiet here. No sounds of cars or other people to disturb the peace. Nothing but the big blue sky above us and the surrounding fields as far as the eye could see.
“We raised our two kids here,” Mr. Murphy said. “And loved every minute of it—but there are seasons in life, and we’re ready to embark on the next one.”
“It’s a really nice place,” Sammie said, a hint of longing in her voice. “Especially for a family.”
“We couldn’t have asked for a better place or community,” Mr. Murphy said.
“You have an asking price?” I asked.
“Why? You know someone?” Mr. Murphy asked.
“Yeah, me,” I said. “I’ll be getting married soon and need a place for my new family.”
Sammie shot me a look but didn’t say anything. She knew my intentions, but I had yet to make it formal. The ring I’d ordered in Bozeman would be ready tomorrow, and I planned to get it on Sammie’s finger before sundown.
Mr. Murphy smiled as his gaze flickered between us. “I see. Well, we could work something out, I reckon. Keeping the Realtors out of it could save us both some cash.”
“I’d have to get a loan and all that,” I said. “But I don’t see as that’ll be a problem. I’ve got a bunch saved and a decent income.”
“Why don’t we go inside,” Mr. Murphy said. “I’ll show you around.”
We followed him into the old farmhouse, immediately hit with the scent of apples and cinnamon. The house was tidy but needed a facelift to bring it into the modern age. When I got a loan, I’d make sure I had a renovation budget decided already. I wanted Sammie to have the kitchen of her dreams and anything else she desired.
We walked through the entire first floor and then upstairs to see the five bedrooms, all crammed with remnants of busier years. I’d talk to Pop about what he thought would be best, but already I was thinking about knocking out walls to make a larger ensuite bedroom for my bride. That left three bedrooms. Chloe would have her own room, and there would be a few others waiting in case we were blessed with another baby. Or two.
Sammie’s eyes sparkled as she explored the space, stopping briefly in the hallway to look at all the family photographs hanging on the wall. I let Chloe follow Mrs. Murphy and lingered in the hallway with Sammie.
“This house has such a good feel, doesn’t it?” Sammie asked, eyes shining. “You can tell there were happy people who lived here.”
“Could you see us here?” I asked. “Because if you don’t, then we’ll find somewhere else. Whatever you want, I’ll get for you.”
She looked up and into my eyes. “I’d live anywhere with you, but if I were to choose, it would be a house like this.”
“We’ll update everything,” I said. “Pop’s done it dozens of times.”
