Page 133 of Finding Redemption

“For a house?” Her brows pull low over her eyes.

“Well, yes. Hence the book of plans for homes.” I chuckle.

“Fuck you.” She slaps at me. “I meant, why do we have them? Are we buying a house?”

“Building.” I bite my lip in fear of her reaction.

“We’re building a house? Where? With what?” She quirks a brow.

“I wanted to ask you first, but you beat me to it. I picked these up in hopes of planning our home.”

“How long does it take to build one?” She sits down, scanning the books.

“Six months, maybe longer.” I join her on the couch. “Would you like to start planning?”

“Can we? Like, pick one out and get started?” When she looks at me, her eyes twinkle, sending chills through me.

“We sure can. See anything you like?”

“What’s the budget? I mean, I have great credit, although my salary is lower than yours.” She chews her lip, her eyes flickering between mine and the book.

I scratch my neck, running my hand over my face. She’s not gonna like this, not at all. Hell’s coming, and it’s coming for me. “I put half down today.” I squeeze my eyes shut, hesitating. “One’s company is gonna do it. If you’re good with them handling it? They are the best around and for this size project, we kinda need them.”

“If he’s the best and you think it’s the way we should go, I’m good with it.” She nods, skimming the pages. “What are we thinking of financing?”

“Excuse me?”

“You said you gave them a down payment. How much more will we need to finance?” She stares at me in earnest questioning.

“Umm, no, baby. There’s no financing.” I lick my lips, trying to calm myself. I’m scared. “I’m paying cash.”

“Huh?” She glares at me. “You just made that money. Don’t spend it all on this house. How much is it going to cost?”

“Reese, we’re good. I’ve got it covered.” I sigh when she raises her brow. “I put a couple down. It should run between three to four.”

“Don’t you think that’s a little ostentatious? Seriously, three to four hundred thousand?” She spins in her seat, waiting for me.

“It’s not considering the lot needs developed and then landscaping after. And it’s million, not hundred thousand.” I stand, trudging to the kitchen with her following me.

“Million? That’s a big house.” She chews on her lip. “Just tell me. I’m tired of everyone knowing but me.”

“Net? Estimate?” I wink at her.

“Estimate, Walker,” she huffs.

I turn, facing her. She has her hands on her hips, leering at me. “Somewhere in the vicinity of several million,” I lie.

I can’t tell her. She’ll freak out, thinking I’m out of her league or some crazy shit.

“The hell you say? Why are you spending half on a house?” She folds her arms. “You’ll need to retire one day. What if something happens? Your nest egg is gone.”

“Reese, I’ve worked on six deals with Lachlan. We have eight more on the burners. The deal the other night, it’s an everyday thing.” I shrug.

Realization dawns in her eyes. She glares at me. “How much?”

My stomach flips, but I stare back. “A lot.”

“More than ten?” Her brows raise. I nod. “Twenty?” I hold my thumb up. “How much further?” She gapes.