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Chapter 26

When a House Becomes a Home

1830 – Hereford, UK

"There's Chloe ten o'clock." Elvis said. Georgie sat up taller in her seat with anticipation and spied a dark-haired woman dressed in a smart business suit walking across the driveway. She must have arrived moments before and was preparing to open the cottage. Chloe turned when she heard the Harte's vehicle approaching and immediately waved. Elvis smiled and waved in return as he swung the car into the driveway alongside of Chloe's. Georgie looked at him and reached over to squeeze his forearm as he shut the engine down.

"This is it Elvis." She said happily. He watched her, amused she was so thrilled and lovingly touched her hand in return.

"Let's move." He said.

As Chloe began to walk towards them Georgie instantly undid her seat belt, flung open the door, and pivoted out of her seat. The developing bump making her movements feel so different. "Hey Chloe." Elvis said as he shut his door and met Georgie as she stood.

"Elvis. So good to meet you two. Georgie is it?"

"That's right." Georgie said as hand shakes were exchanged amongst the three.

"I am pleased you are punctual. I have so much to show you." Chloe said escorting the couple to the front door. Elvis' eyes scanned the area: the stone work, window sills, door frame, everything his questioning mind could possibly look at. This was an investment, but more importantly, this was potentially going to be their home. Georgie was beyond chuffed. She could not wait to see the interior. Elvis placed his hand at the small of her back and whispered to her, "Steady on." She looked up at him. He grinned when he saw those beautiful brown eyes sparkling at him, the glow of her cheeks warming his heart. Pregnancy made her more beautiful than he ever thought was possible and he lovingly rubbed his hand up and down her back.

As soon as they entered it just felt right. Their eyes were as pin ball machines and Elvis watched as a smile rolled across his wife's face. They listened intently as Chloe began to describe the ground floor plan to them. Elvis fancied the rustic feel of the stone and wood. When they walked into the lounge and saw the lovely fireplace the Harte's grinned at each other. It was something they had always wanted. Elvis immediately went to the mantel and examined the stone work, then proceeded to work the light switches in the room. He nodded when all appeared to be well. Georgie unconsciously rubbed a hand over her belly. This was really happening. Their small family could quite possibly be living here. She never thought her life would take this turn.

The kitchen had ample space with a wooden island. "We can both move about in 'ere." Elvis said checking the water faucets, turning them on and timing when the hot water began to flow.

"Do the appliances come with the sale?" Georgie asked as she opened the fridge and examined the shelves.

"Yes. The seller has opted to leave the appliances in place." Chloe said.

With that Elvis went to the cooker and examined it closely. He pulled out a small journal and jotted down a few notes, then pulled his mobile out to take several photos. Georgie looked out the kitchen window. The garden was lush, if overgrown at the moment, but she loved it ever since she, Elvis and Laura had taken a gander during their Easter drive-by. Chloe directed them to the stairs leading to the first floor. As they began to ascend Elvis came up behind Georgie and as their hands met on the railing, she leaned into him. "That small room downstairs you could use as an office."

"Yeah. That would do nicely." He said kissing the back of her head.

The couple took in everything with sight and sound as Chloe detailed the three bedrooms and bathroom. Again, Elvis took multiple photos whilst Georgie checked each closet. Elvis investigated the bathroom plumbing and was pleased that the fixtures were intact and the commode especially appeared to be working properly. Chloe watched as they inspected the bedrooms. Her mobile rang and she excused herself to answer privately and headed back downstairs.

"These are nice sized rooms. Just need fresh paint." Georgie said.

"Yeah. But the carpets will need pulled up. Especially in that one if you're fixin to use it as the nursery."

"Yeah. That's what I was thinking as well."

"My cousin Marco can help if the floors underneath need any work. Most of the exposed wood looks alright."

Georgie nodded and lingered at the doorway to the intended nursery. She walked in eyeing the four walls and turning in a circle imagining how it will look when they bring their baby home. She rested a hand on her rounded belly. "Pink or blue little one?" She said sweetly. Her eye caught Elvis standing in the doorway. He smiled and went to her. "It is the perfect room for the baby." She said.

"Indeed." He said wrapping his arms around her from behind and resting his hands on her belly.

"So what do ya reckon? Everything seems to be working properly yeah?" She asked leaning back and looking up at him, placing her hands on top of his.

"Yeah. I do want a structural survey however." He answered.

"Yeah. I agree. Your Dad can recommend a good inspector, yeah?"

"Of course. This place will need thoroughly cleaned."

"My Mum would fancy coming to help clean." Georgie said knowing every nook and cranny would be scrubbed spotless.

Elvis laughed. "Yeah, she definitely would. We'll 'ave loads of help to get everythin sorted 'ere. I do not wantcha up and down ladders and shit."

"I'm pregnant Elvis, not infirmed ya know."

"Well aware. Just keepin you two safe." He said squeezing her tenderly.

"I know." She said intertwining her fingers with his over their growing baby. She startled and sucked in a quick breath. "Did you feel that?"

"Wha'?" He said slowly pulling away from her.

"Wait!" She grasped his hand and placed it back onto her belly. "There! Did ya feel that?"

"Negative. Wha' am I supposed to be feelin?"

"The baby. It's moving." Georgie said happily.

"Wha'? Ya can feel it? Seriously?"

"Yes! "

"Honestly George, ya sure it ain't gas or somethin?"

"No! It's the flutters. Oh Elvis, I have been waiting for this!" Georgie gushed.

He grinned. He could not share what she was feeling at the moment but knew it was special to Georgie and a good sign that all was well with their baby. She was blossoming more and more each day that was for certain. Soon she would undergo her second sonogram and they would find out the gender of their tiny one.

"All the more reason we'll need help. The boys will help get the garden cleared and the rooms painted.

Georgie laughed, "They'll be putting in full shifts."

"They won't mind a bit."

"Best stock up on beer." She said as they walked out of the room.

Elvis chuckled. "Exactly, and pizza!"

"Chloe must still be on that call." Georgie said as they started down the stairs.

"I reckon." Elvis bounced on each step as he went, then stopped when he noticed Georgie looking at him oddly. "Just a few creaks." He said.

"It's an old house. Something is going to creak Elvis."

"Yeah, but I don't want it creakin in the wrong places."

"That's true."

"I am so sorry. I had to take that call." Chloe said as she approached them in the lounge.

"No problem." Elvis said as he stuck his head inside of the fireplace and looked up, pulling a compact torch from his pocket and shining light up into the flue.

Chloe looked at Georgie.

"He's a stickler for details." Georgie said, stretching her lower back.

"When are you due?" Chloe asked.

"August."

"Your first?"

"Yeah. Elvis has a daughter, but this little one is ours." Georgie said, gently patting her belly.

"My husband and I are trying. No success as yet I'm afraid."

"Awww, when it's time, it will happen." Georgie said with a smile. "We had to wait a bit. Honestly, I was shocked and thrilled at the same time."

"Do you like the cottage?"

"I love it." Georgie said. "As long it passes his inspection."

They both observed Elvis crouched inside of the fireplace shining the torch in various directions.

Chloe laughed. "He is going about it the proper way."

"It helps that he's an army captain and his Dad is in construction."

"Hmmm. I see."

Georgie gave Chloe a sidelong glance. "Anything we need to know that would effect our decision?"

"No. Everything has been straight forward."

"I hope so." George said as Elvis emerged from the fireplace.

"Alright. He said pulling the journal out again and jotting down a few notes. Georgie's eyes were watchful, waiting for what he would say. He looked at his wife and smiled.

"We're interested Chloe, but I would like to 'ave a structural survey completed before we make an offer. Now, ya had said there was one other interested party."

"Yes, That is correct."

"'Ave they offered?"

"Not as yet."

"Right. So I will fancy movin on with the inspection ASAP." Elvis aid. "I will 'ave someone secured within a few days. Once accomplished you'll 'ave your offer."

"What if the other party makes an offer in the meantime?" Georgie asked with a bit of concern.

"Would just be an offer George. We still 'ave a chance."

"That is correct. Have you ever owned a home before?" Chloe asked as she pulled papers from her briefcase.

"No. No we 'ave not." Elvis said bluntly. I personally 'ave spent most of my life away from whatever home was at the moment."

Georgie noticed the impact Elvis' words had on the estate agent. "It is a whole new world for us." She said. "I lived with my parents whilst on leave before we wed. Now Elvis and I are no longer being actively deployed so we can settle."

Chloe cleared her throat. "I understand. There is a lot to consider when buying your own home. Do you have the information on your lender?"

"Indeed. And our Solicitor as well." Elvis answered. Georgie smiled. Elvis was an accomplished planner. He was prepared and he was shrewd. The negotiations would be interesting.

"I will contact the sellers right now." Chloe said.

"Good." Elvis said. "I want to be 'ere for the survey so I need to know quick as ya can."

Chloe attempted to ring her client on her mobile and stepped away.

"Was the chimney OK?" Georgie asked moving closer to Elvis.

"Appears to be. The damper to the flue seems to be workin properly. I can only see a portion of the flue itself so the surveyor will provide more intel on the stability of the chimney stack."

"Anything really bothering ya?"

"They said there was a new boiler installed so I want to check the energy reports."

"So, if mostly everything is sound we can live with a few creaks yeah?" Georgie asked anxiously rubbing her arms.

"I'm doin my best babe." Elvis said giving her a wry smile.

"I know ya are. It is fairly clean and there are no smells." She said encouragingly,

"Roger 'at. I reckon the windows may need a redo. Some were a wee bit tight tryin to open."

Georgie chewed on her lips as she watched Elvis make further notations in his journal.

"Hartes! It is settled. The sellers agree to your stipulation on the survey." Chloe announced.

"At's wha' I wanted to hear. I'll move on scheduling the survey." Elvis said.

"Thank you Chloe." Georgie said extending her hand and grasping the young woman's for a firm shake.

"Here is the Home Information Pack. If you have any questions whatsoever, please ring me." Chloe said.

"Really good." Elvis said as he accepted the Pack.

Chloe watched as the Harte's left. She could hear them happily chattering as they made their way to the car. Elvis opened the door for Georgie. It took her a little longer than usual to pivot herself into the seat. He waited patiently and smiled. "I think the baby likes the place." He said as she settled herself in.

"You reckon? Why do ya say that?" Georgie asked looking up as he rested an arm above the door frame and leaned down.

"Because you felt him." Elvis said softly as he tilted her chin towards him.

Georgie beamed and touched her belly. "Her." She said playfully.

"I don't know about 'at George." Elvis responded pulling back to close the door.

"Well I do." She said with finality to her voice.

He heard her through the window and laughed as he rounded the car to his side. As he plopped down in his seat he looked at her. "Ya sure about 'at?"

She stared at him with a defiant look on her face.

"We can't really know for sure now can we?" He said playfully needling her.

"No we can't. Not at the moment. But next week. Aha!" She said poking him.

"Yeah. Can't wait to see him." Elvis said as he started the engine and could feel her eyes fixated on him. "Or her." He added and began to pull away from the cottage. Georgie smiled and reached over to pet his cheek and neck.

"I love you." She said.

Elvis pulled his mobile out, placed it in the cup holder and turned the speakers on. Soon they were singing along to their special song. Georgie gently rubbed her belly, she knew their baby would be able to hear sounds and she looked at Elvis and laughed. "She moves in her own way!" She sang out. He laughed out loud.

"Tryin to team up on me eh?"

"Time will tell…." She said as he placed a hand on her knee, tenderly rotating his thumb.

"I love you both." He said