Pulling himself away from Jen's mouth he said, "The bed's not even made yet. This place is a disaster."

He watched as she looked around. He had pushed to get the master bedroom completed although the carpet would need to wait. The master bath was also done. The kitchen cabinets were in, but the stoneworks had a delay on the counter. All his paperwork and files and her kitchen items were in boxes.

"Looks like we're back to take out."

"It's close to being done. Maybe you should go when you're done since I'll have crews in here every day," he said, regretfully.

"Now you tell me." She went to work making the bed and Alex helped. "Am I hiding from your crew too?"

"I don't know how you can at this point. I want you here, but this whole situation is a mess." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her hair. Thankfully, the bed was made enough because he couldn't wait any longer.

Afterward, he said, "I will send the guys to another project for Thursday and Friday. You can help me paint. I've scheduled the floors for next week."

"You're sure? I could go to my parents."

"No, no... I want you with me." He thought always.

Alex finished his work at the Higgins house ready for Jen to take over. They walked through on the weekend and he agreed to help her Tuesday evening, like he had before. He loved the way they were becoming a team.

He was almost done with the crazy clients and would need to celebrate when he received that check. He had a bunch of small projects going on, but his next big project was his new house on The Point. He had received approval from the town to build up and expand out. He wanted to create as much space as possible and together he and Jen worked out the layout. It would be similar to Megan and Kristi's, but they were adding a good size office. Jen had assured him, he could put a flat screen on the wall so he could work in front of the game. She also convinced him to build his storage needs for his files around the perimeter. She would keep him organized.

"There's more space than I need."

She replied, "I'll need a workspace, too."

His belly flipped when she said it because every part of him wanted to tell her he loved her. He wanted to ask her to marry him and have his children, but he couldn't, not yet.

There was so much left unsaid as they planned his - their house. The other bedrooms they would fill with children one day. The built-ins in the living room with low bookshelves that could hold children's books and toys. Was she thinking of all these things too? He wanted to ask but needed to wait. How much longer he wondered. Six to nine months, but it had been over four months since she left him - since they met.

He hadn't heard from his brother since the Fourth of July. Truthfully until their lives intersected with Jen and Avery, they didn't talk often, because each worked too much. Jen had talked to Avery, but hadn't seen her since Maine.

"I'm too busy working during the week, so I can fly to you on the weekends."

Alex had a nagging feeling, Tom didn't approve of him and Jen. He hoped he liked Jen. Really, how could he not? Not only was she kind, but she was Avery's best friend.

"Do you think they have an issue with us?" Alex asked.

"I hope not. I think they're too into each other. They were the ones playing games with us trying to force us together back in May." Jen reminded him.

Jen worked at the Higgins' house on Sunday while Alex went home to stop Kate from pestering him about never being around. She had to remind herself that it was the same house she'd been staying in since June. Her vision had come alive thanks to Alex and his crew transforming the entire house.

Alex returned with leftovers and stories of Kate's meddling. Tom had been avoiding Kate, so much of her complaining was about him.

"She's going back to work. Maybe she'll be too busy to annoy her brothers."

"She'll have plenty to talk about after my divorce." Jen hoped Alex's sister would be happy for them.

By the time Alex came to help her on Tuesday, she was nearly finished. The Holts were closing on Wednesday morning and Alex was buying the house on The Point on Wednesday afternoon. When the Holts arrived, Jen was nervous, but they quickly expressed their love for their new home. "We don't know how to thank you... and Alex for allowing all the work when he still owned the house."

"I'm sure that he's happy you like it."

Leaving the house, she called Sterling to let him know that they were more than pleased. "I'll send Lexi the pictures this afternoon."

Later Sterling called, "Jennifer, you are a genius. Those pictures are gorgeous."

At least he appreciated her work. She waited for Alex to come home. The kitchen counter was in, so they could use the kitchen. Jen wanted to shop so she could cook for Alex.

When Alex returned the proud owner of a home on The Point, Jen was waiting for him. They both had a great day, and they celebrated in each other's arms. He bit his tongue because his love for her was overflowing. They took the night off from work, and Jen insisted he should watch the game. She sat and asked him questions. He was happy to explain the rules and strategy to her.

At eight-thirty, she said, "I want to go out to get groceries."

"Are you sure you should?"

"Who do I know that would shop this late?"

"If you're sure."

He wasn't entirely certain it was a good idea. He continued to watch the game while she was gone. The minute she returned, he knew something was wrong.

"Don't be angry."

"Angry? Never. What happened?"

"Peter! I hid from him, but I'm sure he saw me." She paced.

"Peter... are you sure?"

"Definitely. I know Peter," she said nervously.

"Peter may not even realize what he saw. I wouldn't worry. Peter and Megan would never do anything to hurt either of us. Come here. I'll take your mind off of it."

"Come help with the groceries instead."

He jumped up and grabbed her and held her. He whispered, "Being with you doesn't feel wrong. It only feels right."

"Oh, Alex when you say things like that..."

"What?" He hoped she would dare to say what he was thinking.

"I know you're the most wonderful man in the entire world." She smiled.

He felt the warmth spread throughout his body as he helped with the groceries. He knew she loved him too.

He left her in bed when he left the next morning. His project list was two basements, a deck, and his house. He had some guys on vacation so everyone was busy even with no work on his house for two days. He would be ready to start the Point house next week. He could definitely take on one more project. He didn't want to invest in another house if he could avoid it.

When he walked into The Landing, Rick called, "Alex, come talk to me."

His stomach flipped, and he thought, does he know? How can he know so fast?

He approached him tentatively. "What's up?"

"I got a number for you to call. Seems there's a cottage in need of updating."

Alex relaxed. "Thanks."

"What's wrong with you? You work too hard."

"I just have a lot on my mind. How about some lunch though?"

He hated going behind Rick's back - Alice's too, but he and Rick had developed a bond. He really hoped they could bring their relationship out in the open soon.

Going home to Jen and her cooking was like paradise. He had no visions of a wife who stayed home all day and cooked for him, but a future with more days like this would be incredible. He found himself more eager for his future to begin.

He reluctantly kissed Jen before leaving her on Friday night. She insisted he keep up with his friends and the monthly poker game.

"Let me know if Peter says anything to you?"

When he arrived nothing seemed odd. Everyone was excited to hear he now owned a house on The Point.

John said, "I thought you were over at Higgins."

"I sold that. I'm temporarily in town... down the street from you."

"You're the one fixing up that eyesore!"

"I've only been living there a week. It's still rough... no floors, but I'm staying there until I move down here for good."

"Last move. I lost track of how many places you've lived," Peter said.

Alex watched as Megan came through and talked to Peter and left. Everyone looked at Peter. "She's going to see a friend."