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“Are you sure? You don’t strike me as a skilled craftsman.” I flash a playful smile.
Dillan chuckles, catching on. “Oh, baby, you have no idea. I’m not just talking about tools or brushes. I’ve got a whole toolbox of talents up my sleeve.”
“Well, Mr. Handyman, I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Beyond excited, I hand Isaac to Dillan before practically jumping out of bed. Now that I’ve made the decision to move in with him, I can’t wait to pack my and Isaac’s bags. Little Isaac has twice as much luggage as me. But I can’t move in with Dillan right away. “Oh, gosh, there’s so much to do. So much to pack. But I want to at least give Pippa a chance to find someone new. I can’t just up and leave without notice.”
“I don’t expect you to,” Dillan says, watching me dress with amusement in his eyes. “There’s no rush. We can go at whatever speed you’re comfortable with. As long as I get you in my bed more often.”
“You can count on that.” I lean down to give him another kiss. “Do you mind staying with Isaac while I go get a few things from my apartment?”
“I don’t mind at all.” Dillan gets up, rocking Isaac slightly. “Oh, the keys to my car are on the counter. Feel free to take it. I hate the thought of you lugging your stuff through the subway.”
I hadn’t even thought of that. In my excitement, I’d been too focused on everything else. “I’ll only be gone an hour or two.”
“Take your time, baby. Me and the little man are good here.”
I have to stop and observe them for a moment, feeling too damn lucky. After sending Marlene a text and telling her I won’t be in for a few days, I grab my coat and head out.
All my life, I’d resisted handouts and help because I knew it came with strings attached. Yet with Dillan, he never does anything or gives me the slightest inclination that’s the case. What he offers comes from the goodness of his heart, and it makes me love him even more.
The fact he knows I would be uncomfortable if he paid for everything without exception and takes steps to ensure I still have a say and will still be able to stand on my own speaks volumes. It makes me feel seen for the first time ever.
Driving Dillan’s car is a different story. It’s a brand-new black BMW and expensive, so even though I’m excited to talk to Pippa, I still drive overly cautious. When I pull up outside the apartment building, I take a moment to stare at the outside. It’s been my home for so long, and the idea of leaving makes me feel a little sad. Especially when I think about not being roommates with Pippa anymore or going down the hall to have a cup of tea with Mrs. Loughty.
Speaking of which, she meets me in the hall the moment the elevator doors open. I smile at her, taking in the sight of her new shawl and her matching slippers. I’d surprised her and Pippa with some gifts as a token of my appreciation for all their help. Her worn-out shawl and slippers have been replaced by a soft, muted lavender cardigan and matching cozy house shoes that she absolutely adores. Pippa, on the other hand, has scored several sets of risqué lingerie in the hope that the girl I caught slipping out of her room a while back (still MIA) will get a peek someday. Pippa has got her theories: Nova is either avoiding touch-ups like the plague, or she’s secretly the shyest person on the planet. Bless her heart, Pippa’s got it bad for her.
“Elizabeth, dear! I’m so glad you’re home,” Mrs. Loughty says, pulling me into a hug. “Aww, where’s the little one? I haven’t seen him in days.”
“He’s with Dillan. They’re having some father-son time.”
“You’ve really hit the jackpot with that man, love,” Mrs. Loughty says. “I could tell from the moment I met him that he was head over heels for you. And the way he is with little Isaac… it’s just the most precious thing in the world. Mind you, Herbert would have been a good match too. I hope you don’t change your mind. Because as far as I know, Herbert is taken. Don’t be disappointed though, dear. When are you two getting married?”
“Mrs. Loughty.” I sigh.
“Married, dear, married. When’s the wedding?”
“No wedding plans, Mrs. Loughty. We’re just enjoying being together and focusing on Isaac.” I can’t bring myself to spill the beans about the moving plans to her, at least not before I’ve shared it with Pippa. What’s even tougher is to convey to my sweet neighbor that happiness doesn’t always come in a ring-shaped package these days. Dillan and I share an unconventional bond, and I cherish it without the need for any formal commitments.
As if she’s read my mind, Mrs. Loughty says, “Well, I suppose it’s your choice and all that, but if it were me I would lock that man down right away! I asked Charles to marry me only three weeks after we met. I told him he’d better put a ring on it.” She smiles. “What, don’t you think I like a bit of Beyoncé, too?”
I laugh, making my way to my apartment. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Pippa is lounging on the couch when I come in. “Hey,” she says with a grin. “What are you doing here? I thought you were going straight to work from Dillan’s.”
“Pippa…he asked me and Isaac to move in with him.”
Pippa’s mouth drops open before she excitedly jumps up. “No fucking way!”
All the excitement I’ve been feeling floods out, and I squeal, “Yes way!”
She swoops me up into a big hug. “It’s about time! I know living apart with Isaac has been rough on the two of you. Oh, this is so exciting. When are you moving in?”
“He says I can do it whenever I’m ready. I told him I need to give you some time to find someone else.”
Pippa waves her hand. “Girl, forget about me. I’ll be fine. The tattoo shop is doing well, so I think I might actually just turn your room into a game room or something. There’s no way I could possibly find someone else so amazing to live with.”
Her words bring tears to my eyes, and I’m suddenly reminded of everything we’ve been through together. “Oh, Pippa…”
