Chapter 37

Parker and Kelly followed the real estate agent through the house. Kelly watched Parker, knowing she was falling in love with it more and more after each second that ticked by. When they got to the master bathroom, he knew there was no way she was not going to let someone else have the house.

A few minutes later, they were standing on the deck. Parker was rapidly making plans for it. She had envisioned a grill, several tables, an outside fridge, and room for all of Red Watch and their families to hang out after shift or on weekends off. The only bad thing was the yard was too small for her, so there would not be enough room for a pool. Kelly walked up behind her and started to rub her shoulders.

"So what do you think?" he asked.

"What do you think?" she asked him.

"Parker, you want this house. I knew it the minute you sent me the text."

"True. But you have to love it too. That was the deal," she reminded.

"I think we need to bring Mary Alice over before we decide. It's going to be her home too."

"Agreed. You want to go get her?"

"Why don't you go get her? I can check it out some more."

"Ok. She gave his cheek a kiss. "Call her and tell her I'm on my way over."

After Parker departed, Kelly called Mary Alice. Parker returned with Mary Alice and Philip twenty minutes later. The agent graciously gave Mary Alice the tour while Parker, Kelly, and Philip waited on the deck. Parker leaned over the side of the deck, trying to figure out what flower types she could plant. Mary Alice and the agent joined them ten minutes later. Philip ran to Mary Alice and gave her a hug.

"The bedroom on the first floor is mine," she announced.

"Grandma, we haven't figured out the logistics yet," Parker protested.

"Parker Stephanie, I'm 96. There are only two bedrooms on the second floor. That's for you and Kelly, and Philip. If I'm on the first floor, I'm closer to the bathroom and the kitchen. And you two will have privacy."

Kelly looked at Parker. "If that's what she wants, let her have it."

Parker nodded. "Okay, Grandma. You win."

Mary Alice made a fist pump. "YESSSS!"

"I take it you're going to make an offer?" the agent asked.

Parker looked at Kelly. "Up to you," he told her.

"Don't do this, Kelly. It has to be a mutual decision."

Kelly looked over at the agent. "We're going to go check out the back yard and talk about it."

"Can I go too, Daddy?"

"Of course you can come," Kelly said.

Philip scampered away from Mary Alice and over to his parents. Kelly started down the deck steps.

"Ok, careful now. We don't want you to fall," he said gently.

Parker followed behind Philip. "We won't be long," she said as she started down the stairs.

Once his feet hit the grass, Philip was running all over the yard. Parker walked up beside Kelly. "Please tell me what you're thinking. I want the truth whether I'll like it or not."

"It's a great house, Parker," he started.

"But?"

"But you're running on emotion right now. Let's think about it for a couple of days."

"If we do that, we might lose it."

"We won't. Houses aren't selling fast."

He reached down and lifted her chin. "I love the house too. I just want to make sure it's what we both want because we're going to be living in it for the next 40 years. And if we buy this house, we have to think about scaling down the wedding."

"No, don't worry about the wedding. I have savings and investments. Grandpa left me money too. The wedding is covered."

"Let's just sleep on this and we can decide tomorrow."

Parker wondered if he really didn't want the house but didn't want to say no and break her heart. "Fair enough," she agreed.

Parker called Philip and once he was back to them, all three started up the steps to the deck. Kelly walked over to the agent.

"We're still deciding," he said. "We have some things we need to work out before we make a final decision."

"Sure, sure. No worries. Here's my card. Call me and let me know what you decide. I don't think I have to tell you that there are several people interested besides your family, Mr. Severide."

"Oh, Bullshit!" Mary Alice exclaimed.

All eyes turned to Mary Alice.

"You all say that to get people to hurry up and buy a house. I heard the same thing when Phil and I were just married and looking for a house 75 years ago. You say that to everyone just so you can work their emotions and not let them think it through."

She eyed the agent and shook her finger at him. "You should be ashamed of yourself trying to take advantage of my Grandchildren like that. Now tell them the truth."

He looked at Mary Alice in shock. What she had said was true, but he couldn't tell them that. He shrugged his shoulders sheepishly. "I apologize for upsetting you, Mrs. Parker."

"Ok, let's go get some dinner," Parker said as she slipped one arm through Kelly's and held on to Philip's hand with her free hand.

"We'll be in touch," Kelly said. "Mary Alice, are you ready to go?"

"Yes, Sir, I am. I am more than ready."

As they left the house, Parker felt an overwhelming need to go back to the agent and apologize for Mary Alice, but she found she couldn't. Mary Alice was probably right.

"Ok, do we want wings or to go to Stella's?" Kelly asked as he snapped Philip's booster seat belt closed.

"Stella's!" came three voices in unison.

He chuckled. "Okay then. Stella's it is."