Bambina - secrets revealed

12. The new chapter

"Where are we going?" I ask, surprise layered like a stack of CD's each one in different tones and moods. 

He smiles as he buckles me in, "you just have to wait and see, babydoll." 

We drive through the winding roads, the countryside unfurling before us like a tapestry woven with golden fields and emerald forests. The air is filled with the scent of blooming wildflowers, and the distant sound of birdsong creates a harmonious backdrop to our journey. I watch him from the corner of my eye, his face calm and confident, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. The mystery of our destination adds a thrill to the drive, making my heart beat a little faster.

"So, are you going to give me any hints?" I ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.

He chuckles softly, shaking his head. "Patience, baby."

I sigh. And after what feels like hours, but is probably only minutes, he turns off the main road onto a narrow, tree-lined lane. The canopy of leaves overhead creates a dappled pattern of light and shadow on the ground, and the air is cool and refreshing. We drive slowly, the tires crunching on the gravel path, and I can feel the excitement building inside me.

Finally, we come to a stop in front of an old, ivy-covered gate. He gets out of the car and walks around to my side, opening the door with a flourish. "Here we are," he says, a joyous grin on his face. He has a very handsome face. I get lost admiring it sometimes. 

I step out of the car, my eyes wide with wonder as I take in the scene before me. Beyond the gate lies a garden, a secret paradise filled with blooming flowers, towering trees, and a small river running by. Wow. It's like something out of a fairy tale, a place where magic and reality blend seamlessly.

He takes my hand and leads me through the gate, our footsteps soft on the moss-covered path. And I've been too focused on the magic of the nature to even see and acknowledge the house. "Is this?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking too loudly might break the spell. 

He smiles. "Yeah. I wanted to take you here and see what you thought about it before buying the place." 

My eyes dart to the little gazebo covered in climbing roses. It's so beautiful. 

"This is perfect. But it doesn't really seem like you," I say. 

He takes my hand in his, "it isn't. But with a few adjustments... I think this place can offer something for the both of us." 

"Are you sure?" I ask, my eyes turning to face his. Those gorgeous fiery hazel-brown eyes... 

"Yeah," he says, opening the door to the house with a flourish, "I've been granted a private tour of the house. Just us... no prying eyes." 

I step inside, my breath catching in my throat. The interior is cozy and welcoming, with a stone fireplace, and large windows that let in the natural light. It's perfect, in every way. It has everything that I find his mansion lacking. But it is grandiose... it has to be, if to fit his standards. 

Tears of joy fill my eyes as I turn to him. "I love this place." 

He smiles, pulling me into his arms. "So do I. You can be yourself here... all the time."

I bury my face in his chest, overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness and love. "It's perfect," I whisper. 

He tilts my chin up, looking into my eyes with a tenderness that takes my breath away. "So you say yes?" he asks softly. "You want this?"

I nod. "Very much." 

He laughs, a deep, rich sound that echoes in the quiet house. "Then it's settled. We'll make this our home."