Page 152 of Scarred

CAYDEN

Me

Still have any houses that I can look at?

I hit send while I take another sip of coffee. Scarlett’s giggles fill the air, and I smile at the scene before me.

Scarlett, Luna, and Mae are playing the princess version of Candy Land at the kitchen table while I clean up the breakfast mess.

I watch Luna help Scar move her Ariel piece to the right color as they count aloud together. She’s wearing one of my t-shirts again that I purposely put in her new drawer with a pair of sleep shorts she packed. Her hair is in a messy bun, which I still vividly remember getting my fingers tangled in this morning when I buried myself inside her again at first light.

Practice is going to be rough today after a few hours of sleep, but it’s more than worth it. I leave tomorrow for a road trip, and I don’t want to waste these hours we get to spend together.

Mae catches me staring at Luna, and a smile touches her lips. Shaking my head, I take another drink of my coffee.

Yeah, Mae, I know. I’m completely fucked.

My phone vibrates in my hand, and I read the text that just came through.

Noah

I actually have one that I’m finishing up on that I think would be perfect for you. It’s still a couple of months out from being done, but I can send you over some pictures, and you can let me know what you think.

Me

That would be great. Thanks, Noah.

Noah

No problem. I’ll shoot them over right now.

While I wait for the images to come through, I finish wiping down the counters and put the last of the dishes in the dishwasher.

Hearing the vibration from my phone, I pick it up and read Noah’s text.

Noah

It’s an older home with a ton of character, which I’ve managed to keep through the renovations. The yard is big enough for a swing set and for Scarlett to run around in. There is also a separate mother-in-law suite out by the pool, which is an additional living area. Take a look and let me know if you have any questions. If this one doesn’t work for you, I have a couple of others in the works that I can show you.

I swipe through the photos that just came through, and the more I see of the house, the more it feels right. It’s on a private strip of beach set back and elevated enough that you still have privacy, which I like.

The small apartment out by the pool is perfect for Mae and gives her more freedom to have her own space. It even has a couple of turrets that give off a castle vibe at first glance. I smile when I think of Scarlett’s first impression of the house. The only turrets she’s seen are the castles the princesses live in.

Noah did a beautiful job restoring the wood to its natural beauty. He pays very close attention to detail, and I love how he keeps as many original pieces in the house as he can.

“What are you smiling about over here?” Luna comes up beside me and puts her mug in the dishwasher.

My screen turns dark as I click the side button before setting my phone on the counter and pulling her to me. Needing more time to think about the house and what this could possibly mean, I give her another honest answer instead.

“Maybe I’m smiling because you’re here.”

“You get boyfriend points for that one,” she smiles.

“And do I get to cash in these points for prizes?” I murmur in her ear.

“Do I look like Chuck E. Cheese to you?” she asks, her brow lifts as amusement shines in her green eyes.

Pretending to study her, my eyes roam over her features. “Minus the big mouse ears and maybe the two bucked teeth…”