Something In Between: Sequel to On The Edge of Tomorrow

Chapter 10

My focus on her hair distracted me from the useless facts she was sharing about each room. I only came back to the conversation when we came to a pause at the front door again.

"So, initial thoughts?" She prodded with a hopeful smile.

"It's, uh, it's sizable." Billy settled on.

I stifled a laugh. His job was words, and he came up with sizeable in this instance.

"I don't think it's what I'm looking for, but you sure gave me something to think about," he evenly added.

We pleasantly parted, but both Billy and I burst into laughter as we headed to the car.

"What exactly did that house give you to think about?" I asked in a whisper as we got into the car.

"Finding a new real estate agent," Billy laughed.

"Did she ask you a single question about what you wanted?"

"Nope, couldn't you tell?"

"I'm so glad you didn't like that house. I get that some people might like it, but it was the least relaxing place I've ever been in my life."

"It felt like it was a stone sculpture of a house," Billy agreed.

"Bleh, plus you need more land than that," I absently said.

"I do?" He let out an honest throaty laugh.

"Yeah, I know you want kids, so you'll want to have a yard for them. Plus a garage to work on your cars. And..." I let my voice drop out as I realized I was rambling a little too much about what I thought Billy should do with his money.

"And..." he prodded.

I blushed, "it's silly."

"I expect nothing less." I could see one dimple as his eyes stayed on the road.

"I picture you having one of those amazing post and beam barns with the tiny building at the top."

"Cupola," Billy offered.

"Yeah, a cupola," I smiled, fighting the urge to melt into his side.

"Why the hell would I have a barn? Do I have farm animals?" He pressed.

"Oh, right. No, no farm animals, just a dog, maybe. The upstairs of the barn you convert into a home recording studio, and downstairs you use for rehearsal space and to play with friends during bar-b-ques."

"I throw bar-b-ques? Am I like a Midwest Gatsby or something?"

"Don't make fun of me." I swatted at his shoulder.

"I'm not making fun of you," but as he spoke, a laugh erupted from his chest. "Come here," he pulled me to his side.

"You know, for someone that hasn't thought of our life together, you seemed to have mapped out mine. Is there anything else I should know?" He kissed the top of my head.

"You have two kids, a boy and a girl, and you're the second greatest dad in the world," I sighed.

"I am?"

"Yeah, you're patient and calm. I think you're going to be one of those dads that always has terrible jokes. Every kid pretends to be embarrassed by it, but it's super charming. And you're always interested in what they're doing. You aren't one of those annoying parents that just push their kids into the humans they want them to be. You let them explore and learn, within reason, of course."

"Mmhmm, I do sound like a pretty great dad, but why am I only the second-best dad?"

"Oh, my dad's the best. You don't get to be this awesome on accident."