♥️

The yellow roses adorn every square inch of the enclosed greenhouse. My fingers trail along their soft petals, tears brimming in my eyes at the kind gesture. We walk hand in hand, in happy silence through the entire greenhouse. In the very back, separate from everything else sits a bed. It's in a separate area from the flowers, when I open the door I'm met with more comfortable air.

"I didn't want us to miss our rooftop bed, so this is our new rooftop." He tells me, with a dimpled smile. I survey the room. Pristine, crystal clear walls showcase the backyard while the bed sits flush in the middle. From it, a perfect view of the roses can be seen. I would be worried about people seeing us but there are massive privacy tree fences around the entire perimeter of the mansion and from what I can tell, no one is around for miles.

"I'm sorry I'm so speechless," I say shyly, unable to understand all of the love and personal beautiful things from him.

**

Walking back outside into the cool air I notice a chimney puffing out smoke nearby. "What's that?"

A smaller, but still beautiful home comes into view. "That's Howard's guest house."

A frown takes over my face, "Doesn't he have a family that wants him home?" It's like he's always at work.

"We're his family."

I snicker, "And he couldn't live in our house with the sixteen rooms?"

Shrugging he pulls me closer as we walk back inside, "I need my privacy with you. I'm tired of sharing your time." He winks, "Plus, do you really want your mom staying here when she stays the night with him?"

I shiver, "Okay, eww. Point taken." I love Howard and my mom but I definitely don't want to think about them staying the night together.

Guiding us towards the room, he picks me up. Gently tossing me on the California king size bed. I land on the soft cotton sheets and sink in, it's so comfortable. "So you're telling me... there were two beds here and you chose for us to sleep on the rug?" I've been wondering this since I first saw it but didn't want to sound like I was complaining. Last night by the fire was... perfect.

A laugh escapes his lips as he jumps in beside me, "I knew if we came back here the greenhouse surprise would be ruined. The gardener left about an hour ago, it wasn't quite finished when we got here yesterday."

I squeal, "Aiden, everything is so perfect. Like I don't know how to explain it." I look around our empty bedroom, thinking of all the decorations I'm going to get to make it ours. "It's our home." I say finally.

"Our home." He repeats, melting into the blankets beside me.

***

We've been in our home for a few days. The designer, Mrs. Nowak is a sweet old polish lady. She takes notes as we walk through the house, jotting down every idea I have.

But one room, I've designed and finished completely on my own. I've had plenty of time since Aiden's been busy at work, he's making sure everything has been running smoothly in his absence now that he can physically and safely return to the city.

Ashley and Ricky just haven't left their house. We went to visit, but they just keep hitting the intercom and giggling. They're in their own little world, just like me and A.

My mom has been extremely busy at her shop, but she's coming to visit soon. Christmas is in a couple of weeks and everything should be fully decorated by then. I can't wait!

Aiden drove his challenger to work today so when I hear the hum of the engine I rush to the door in an excited hurry. He smiles when he walks in, I greet him with a kiss. Throwing his jacket on the rack he takes a deep breath. This is his element. When I met him, I bet he never would of imagined living with a girl in a home. Starting his life out for real.

"What's with the excitement?" He asks, I didn't realize I was bouncing on my heels.

"I finished a room!" I tell him, clapping my hands together.

"Oh." He smiles, "Where are the workers?" He asks, peeking his head around me.

"I wanted to do this one on my own."

He winks at me, "Is it like a fun room?"

"A fun room?" I ask, hurrying him along to showcase what I've been working on all day. The furniture and everything else had been getting delivered for the past couple of days when he's been at work. Today was all about painting, which I didn't need any help with.

"Like a room for us to..." he trails his fingers down my arm, "have fun in?"

I shake my head as we make our way upstairs. "I don't understand."

"A room for me to fuck you in, Emilia."

If I had water in my mouth, it would have been spit out. I laugh, rolling my eyes playfully. "Get your mind out of the gutter," I tell him with a kiss, then he takes a step back taking in my appearance.

"And why are you absolutely covered in paint?"

I point to the last door in the upstairs hallway, "Follow me to find out."

"You know I have painters, right? When you said you did this one yourself I didn't think you meant like all by yourself. I would have helped."

"I wanted to surprise you." I tell him.

When we stand in front of the door I get on my tiptoes and try to cover his eyes with my hands, but he's too tall. He does it for me, letting me guide him with his free hand. I open the door and walk in before him so I can gauge his reaction.

"Surprise!" I tell him, he removes his own hands from his eyes and instantly brings one hand to cover his mouth. Oh no, he's not saying anything. Does he hate it?

Finally he speaks, his eyes slicing into mine in the most perfect way. "Emilia. It's beautiful."

I gesture around the space, "I put your easel here, to look over my rose garden."

"It's just... wow." he's speechless. I knew building him an art studio would let him explore his creative side more.

"I'm happy you like it." I say, practically squealing. "I'm sorry the tarp is still on the ground, you got home earlier than I thought."

He comes up to me, pulling me tightly against his chest. "You're so different than any woman I've ever met."

Looking up at him through batted lashes, "Why?"

He laughs, "I hire a designer to make these rooms into anything you want. With all of the money in the world at your disposal." His fingers trail across the paintbrushes I bought at the store today. "You could have made it into an extra closet, a spa room... anything."

He brings his hands to cup my face, "But no, my girl is so incredibly selfless that she designs an entire room for me and spends her free day painting it and getting it ready... just for me."

"You deserve it." I tell him, our bodies inching closer to one another. His lips a feather away.

He tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear, "I don't deserve you baby." I feel him smile against my lips, "but I'm so happy you're mine."

♥️

See y'all once more on Christmas Eve! It will be a Christmas special! 🎄 Then I'll be taking a week break to spend with family for the holidays, that's why I've been posting multiple chapters, so merry Christmas lol ;) (Christmas eve will just have one chapter as I've already posted 4 this week ♥️)

What's your favorite part of Emden's new mansi... I mean home?