"H-Hikaru, this place is huge!" I exclaimed. A month? The boy had bought a seven bedroom, six bath mansion with a courtyard and a swimming pool out back in just two weeks. There was a big semicircular driveway out front with a fountain in the center, surrounded by stepping stones and a garden of wildflowers. "This is too much! I-I don't know what to say!" I gasped as we toured through the unnecessarily large building. Walk in the front door, and there is a huge ballroom with a crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room. A grand staircase lead to two separate hallways: on one side is three rooms and two bathrooms; on the other is the master bedroom and bathroom, another bathroom across the hall, and two bedrooms with an opening partition in the adjoining wall. "This will be the girls' rooms," he explained. There was an archway at the end of the hall that revealed a parlor. He had said that could be a game room. Downstairs to the right of the ballroom was the largest kitchen I had ever seen, equipped with sleek, brand new appliances. The walls were smoothed stone, the countertops a pale grey marble. A counter covered one wall, and curved around the two adjacent walls, a large bay window above the sink. In the middle of the kitchen was an island countertop, pot and pan hooks hanging from its sides. The rest of the room was empty, leading to a grand dining room, also equipped with a dazzling chandelier.

He grinned like a little boy as he watched my expression. I was shocked, amazed, and very much still in disbelief. He put an arm around my waist and led me back into the ballroom. There was a decent sized bedroom downstairs and another bathroom across the hall. "You can do whatever you want with the house, A.J. It's all yours," he whispered. A large mahogany door with intricate designs on it and a gold handle caught my eye. He followed my gaze and chuckled. "Oh right, how could I forget about my little surprise for you?" He pulled me to the door and handed me a small key. "Go on, open it," he said like he was waiting for me to unwrap a box instead of just open a door. I unlocked it, and the door came open with a soft creeeak. I almost hit the floor and started crying.

Floor-to-ceiling cherry oak bookshelves covered two walls, the other wall a pale aqua with a tall cathedral window and beige drapes. A desk matching the shelves sat in the middle of the floor, bolted down. "I get my own study?" I balked, rubbing my eyes and looking again to make sure it wasn't a dream. "Of course. The founder of Heart of Saint Evangeline has to have a proper place to work," he teased, nudging me gently. I was at a loss for words. Apparently I didn't need words, because Hikaru pulled me to him and smacked a heavy kiss on my lips. I pulled away and laughed nervously. "U-um, maybe we should go pick Rose and Lily from Auntie's," I squeaked, ducking out of the room and running for the door before he could protest. This place was...amazing! It was more than I could have ever dreamed of but-

But what? my thoughts snapped at me. But I'm not ready for this; it's too much, too fast, I sighed mentally. Great, I was arguing with myself. I got in my truck and waited (im)patiently for Hikaru. When he finally came out and locked the door, a thought had occurred to me. "How much was this house?" I hadn't realized I thought aloud until Hikaru pulled the passenger door shut and buckled in, responding with a sarcastic, "Wouldn't you like to know?"