"If you follow me I can go ahead and show you the downstairs!" Laura Baugh enthused as she led the way, down the hallway of the polished Brentwood mansion.
"What do you think Marti May?" Reba questioned softly as they followed behind Laura to the stairs, which lead to the game room, theater room, and gym.
"I think it fits you well," Marti answered before pausing a moment.
"Not overwhelming like Blackstock Manor but lavish enough to be the home of a classy cowgirl who sometimes poses a sophisticated businesswoman." Marti finished confidently with a laugh as she gripped Reba's arm delicately, leading her down the winding staircase. Once they'd reached the bottom, both Reba and Marti exhaled a large surprised breath. It was stunning. The first room they were met with was the entry to the "game room" which held a dark southern ambiance. The brick wall complimented the space perfectly, as they continued to twirl around and look at all the goodies inside. The large flat screen TV's that sat above the skeet table caught Reba's eye immediately. The large wooden poker table in the middle was, however, her favorite touch, after all, she was the undisputed Backgammon Queen. It was exactly what she had envisioned for her grandchildren when they all came to visit.
"The Rugrats will love this," Marti said as she lightly spun around, looking over every inch of the room. She personally had been sold when Laura had shown them the mesmerizing cut out fireplace that illuminated the house when fully lit up, and of course, the magnificent kitchen, the fridge alone could feed an army or a single Reba; it seemed that with each room she fell even more and more in love.
"The best part of having rich friends is telling them what to buy..."
"You should buy this house," Marti said with an encouraging smile, causing Reba to laugh softly. She was so sure that there couldn't possibly be a house that measured up to the one she'd lived in for the last two and a half decades but like with everything else, God had certainly surprised her. The neighborhood alone was reason enough to move here, half of her country friends owning house's nearby, and this house's beauty seemed to be an added bonus.
"Do you think that it would make a good house to raise a little baby in?" Reba questioned with a soft smile, her hands resting firmly on her growing bump. Before Marti could reply, however, Reba's eyes suddenly winded, and her hands moved to grip the lower part of her tummy quickly.
"Sweetie?" Marti questioned apprehensively, as she inched towards Reba.
"The baby," Reba whispered softly, causing the hairs on the back of Marti's neck to stand on end. Reba had still been recovering from her recent surgery and even though the doctor had slightly lifted her strict bedrest, Brandon would still murder her if anything happened to Reba. After all, there were only supposed to be out for a quick trip to the store and a light lunch.
"She kicked," Reba muttered softly, almost as if she didn't believe her own words. The baby had been quite reluctant, making Reba believe that she might never feel her baby girl but the light flutter in her lower abdomen told her otherwise.
"What?" Marti asked, a huge smile creeping across her face as she watched Laura step off to the side to receive a seemingly urgent phone call.
"Here feel." Reba insisted as she grabbed Marti's hands and pulled them to rest on her lower tummy, which fluttered immediately upon contact.
"Woah," Marti said, giggling softly as she rested her forehand on Reba's, her hands still firmly on her tummy.
"She's really in there." She laughed again. With her own daughter's grown and both almost out of college it had been so long since she'd felt the presence of a little growing baby.
"You know it's a sign if your own stubborn kid kicks for the first time," Marti commented again when she finally pulled away. She couldn't help but smile back at her friend; Reba was truly glowing.
"Maybe you're right," Reba said with a laugh as she walked a bit further into the room.
"I think it was the pool table that sold her."
"After all, I am gonna need to pass on my Backgammon wisdom to someone, now that I can't force Shelby to play anymore." She added with a fake pout, causing Marti to nod her head, already convinced.
"So ladies, what do we think?" Laura interrupted softly, walking back over to the middle of the room to join where Reba and Marti were still standing.
"I think it's time to draw up some papers.
"This is the one," Reba said as she shrugged her shoulders lightly, trying to hide her growing excitement.
"Oh yes! Music to my ears." Laura said as she rested her hand lightly on her chest. There was no better feeling than knowing that you had helped find the perfect place for someone to call their home.
"Good thing I had Mike save that last batch of pumpkin cupcakes back at the firm."
"It's time to celebrate," Laura added as she pulled out her phone once more, prepared to make the call to her firm; letting them know an offer was about to be made.
"If you'd like to explore the backyard and grill, gym, or even RV lot, you are more than welcome." She said as she motioned towards the brown door behind the red leather chairs that was nestled in the far corner of the bowling alley. Smiling in response Marti led the way for Reba as they went on to quickly explore the last bit of the house.
"So you know that we will definitely have to stop by Stinson's and pick up those cow hide chairs from Steve and Charlene right?" Marti urged as she and Reba slowly wondered around the backyard, waiting patiently while Laura grabbed a few things and locked the house up.
"You think?" Reba questioned back with a sly smile. She and Marti had stopped by Stinson's, a quaint little nick knack bakery shop once or twice before and ever since their last visit Reba had been quite smitten with these twin cow hide chairs.
"I don't think, I know." Marti corrected with a laugh.
"And I mean it helps that Charlene is magic in the kitchen and I could always use some of her lemon meringue pie," Marti added, licking her lips as she thought about the decadent homemade pie.
"Mmmhmm." Reba nodded; closing her eyes a bit as she dreamed about all the different pastries and pie's the bakery had to offer.
"We have to bring Cookie though; she'll kill us if we indulge without her." Reba laughed as they slowly grazed by the open brick outdoor kitchen, equipped with its very own smoker.
"Well it sounded like Laura wasn't going to be able to fit you in until next week, so we could call her and meet up there in an hour or two?" Marti suggested, stopping them a moment, their linked arms still firmly together.
"We did tell Brandon we were going to a light lunch so it would be terrible if we didn't." Reba reasoned evilly.
"Bring him and Mama KB back a pastry and all will be good." Marti laughed back in agreement, turning them around and starting them back in the direction of the house's middle courtyard turned RV lot.
"Alright, little Mama what do you say I drive you to your car and I'll meet you at Stinson's in two hours?" Marti asked a half an hour later, once everything had been scheduled and squared away with Laura. Looking up at the hazy and dreary clouds, Marti had been reluctant to let Reba walk the little ways down the block, by the other house Laura had shown them, all by herself.
"I was actually thinking I'd just walk over if that's okay?" Reba questioned, biting her lower lip in hesitation as she met with Marti's disapproving glance.
"The doctor said walking is fine and I'd really like check out the neighborhood a bit."
"It's just around the corner." Reba continued to reason. She had really appreciated all of her friends and family's help but a little alone time, without the hovering, was much needed.
"Okay, I'll see you in two hours then?" Marti caved with a small sigh. She didn't like the idea of Reba walking alone in this overcast but she was right, she did need a little time to herself.
"Maybe an hour and a half, Baby Girl really want's that pie," Reba said with a cheeky wink as she stood and watched Marti walk to the end of the driveway and enter her 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Smiling a bit after waving her goodbye Reba headed down the road, along her soon to be new house, towards where her car had been parked, taking in the fresh Tennessee morning air. She had just made it around the corner and passed a house or two when a familiar face caught her eye. Walking his husky, a man abruptly stopped dead in his tracks, taking a moment to look her up and down.
"Reba?" He questioned in astonishment, yanking lightly at the leash as he led his dog to the sidewalk Reba was standing on.
"Ezra?" Reba repeated in an equal amount of shock.
"What on God's green earth are you doing around here?" She questioned with a small laugh as his dog came up to her legs and gently poked their nose at her growing belly. Pulling his dog back a bit in amusement, Ezra laughed shyly.
"Well seeing as I live here, I figured this would be as good a place as any to walk Amour here." He said motioning to the big husky that was still sniffing around beside him.
"You live here?" Reba questioned quickly, ignoring his smart response for the moment.
"Only for the last four months, but the one just over there is mine." He said pointing to the house just a short ways behind him. Looking up at the thundering sky Reba laughed awkwardly.
"Doctor's paycheck, I figured I might as well and put it to good use." He added, taking a peak at the darkening clouds as well. The rain had threatened to fall earlier but it looked like it had held off until now.
"Wow and I thought Chockie was small." She muttered laughingly.
"Well since I got the third degree I think it's only fair that you tell me what you're doing around here." Ezra insisted with a confident grin.
"Looking at a house actually."
"Selling the one I currently live in so I thought it might be a good idea to buy a new one." She explained in the same cheeky tone he had used moments before. They seemed to get off quite well teasing one other. Whipping her arm after suddenly feeling the light dampness from a rain drop or two, Reba paused once more to squint up at the doomy sky.
"Looks like it's finally going to rain," Ezra stated lightly as he too looked up again. Motioning for her to come in his direction, Ezra steered Amour back towards their house.
"Why don't you stop by my place?"
"The rain and the cold isn't such a good idea for the baby." He explained with a hint of concern. Patients weren't really supposed to visit the homes of their Physician's but under the circumstances what one didn't know wouldn't hurt.
"Are patients supposed to know where their Doctors live?" Reba questioned in hesitation. She wasn't completely closed off from the idea but she didn't want to get him into any trouble either.
"It's a cup of tea while we sit out a quick rain shower."
"I promise I won't tell if you don't." He laughed back once more when he could tell she still wasn't fully convinced. Ignoring her hesitation he began to slowly walk towards the direction of his house, turning around and beckoning for her to follow.
"Stunning place you have here," Reba muttered once they had made it to Ezra's front porch. The red brick and dark lining really highlighted the house's barn like style, a chic barn style that is. Smiling, he quickly turned the key through the front door, leading her inside to the house's open foyer.
"Wow," Reba muttered, her eyes widening a bit as she took a look at the large brick fireplace, which was on the far end from where they were standing. The high celling's giving the house a very open and spacious feeling.
"I can't take all the credit, Kai did help with the decision making," Ezra commented modestly, once he caught her growing awe.
"Does Kai live here with you?" Reba questioned softly, unconsciously rubbing her hands along her damp arms before crossing them together as she tried to retain some body heat. All she had on was a thin black long sleeved shirt and some dark washed jeans; usually, she still had a sweater or cardigan on around this time of the year.
"Kai and his wife Esperanza," Ezra replied softly as he quickly reached down to unhook Amour, who trotted off immediately after.
"Here why don't I get you that cup of tea." Ezra continued quickly, noting that she was probably freezing from the dampness of her shirt. Even if they hadn't been caught by that much rain, the cold of the day was enough to make any amount of rain freezing. Nodding in approval Reba followed shortly behind as he led the way through the front room to his kitchen.
"One teaspoon or two?" He questioned intently, referring to how many teaspoons of sugar she took in her tea.
"One."
"Is that usually how you take it or are you just trying to be good?" Ezra laughed lightly, causing her to raise her eyebrows in amusement. Was he trying to hint at the idea of her trying to impress him?
"I'm trying to be good, but it's not to impress you if that's what you think." She answered back in a slightly sarcastic manner, causing him to shake his head response.
"Good to know, doctors never like to be impressed." Ezra retorted back in the same sarcasm, giving her a playful wink as he set two white mugs down on the island in front of him.
"So what are your plans for today?" He questioned softly, changing the subject quickly.
"Oh just buying a house and meeting some girlfriends for celebratory dessert later." She replied casually, still standing behind him, near his island bar stools.
"You know you can have a seat." He said chuckling, as he turned around with both of the steaming hot tea's, handing one over to her.
"I thought you'd never offer." She confessed laughingly. Even if they were conversing as if they were old friends, she didn't want to be rude and make herself at home.
"My apologies." He said sincerely, before taking a sip of the scorching liquid. Walking around the island, he pulled out the island stool next to hers, taking a seat.
"So how do you like the neighborhood?" Reba questioned with a smile, clutching the warm cup in both of her hands, looking down momentarily at the dark liquid.
"It's very quiet and peaceful."
"Very friendly too, I see a few other dog walker's regularly as well."
"Isabelle and her dog Flipper are probably my favorite."
"You recognize the dog owners around the establishment?" Reba questioned with a small laugh. It was really sweet how much he seemed to care for his dog. She wouldn't have pegged him for an animal softy.
"How old is Amour?" Reba asked earnestly, smiling at the sweet name.
"Who is also a girl I presume?" She added before taking a sip of her own tea.
"Yes, she's about six months old now," Ezra said squinting a bit as he tried to remember the young dog's age.
"My son decided to bring her home one night not too long ago and like with every other responsibility she quickly became mine." He added with a small eye roll.
"At least she's an adorable responsibility." Reba mused softly, her eyes smiling back at his, holding his gaze, before she quickly turned away with a small cough, suddenly realizing how close they were to one another.
"Can't argue there," Kai said with a smug grin, startling them both. Resting her hand on her chest, Reba looked over at Ezra taking a deep breath laughingly.
"Son," Ezra warned in embarrassment.
"I didn't even hear you come in." He commented, quickly rising from his stool, setting his mug of tea down in the process.
"Clearly you were preoccupied." Kai recognized, before running his hand down his white doctor's coat.
"Anyway don't let me interrupt." He added once more, smiling over in Reba's direction. He didn't dare say a word but he was quite shocked to see one of his father's patient's in their kitchen.
"I was actually just going," Reba said softly, as she followed Ezra's example, quickly rising from her seat and setting her own cup down.
"I'll walk you to the door then." Ezra insisted nervously, following closely behind as Reba led herself towards the door.
"Thank you again for saving me from pneumonia." She thanked lightly.
"It was my pleasure." He said softly. Smiling back nervously once more, catching him off guard and out of habit Reba quickly moved in for a hug before pulling away almost as quickly as she'd moved in.
"I'll see you in a week." She said in a small voice as she then turned to leave, not bothering to catch his reaction. Were patients even allowed to hug their doctors?
"Will do," Ezra replied back faintly as he watched her from the front door, a huge smile plastered on his face. He couldn't help but laugh back at how jumpy she was.
"So much for an uneventful Saturday afternoon." He mumbled to himself, before turning around a moment later and finally heading back to his kitchen.
"You did what?" Janine questioned in shock, with a mouthful of pie. Cringing a bit at the sight of her friend's open mouthful of food, Reba shrugged back innocently.
"I didn't mean anything by it, I just kind of did it out of habit." She confessed nervously, poking at her own piece of sad looking pie with her fork. She hadn't felt very hungry since she'd left Ezra's.
"I'm sure he thought nothing of it, honey." Marti soothed, sending Janine a warning glare. There was no need for Reba to fret over such a silly thing; even it was interesting that she had accidentally hugged her seemingly attractive doctor.
"You know what I think?" Janine added a moment later, washing down the mouthful of pie with a sip of water.
"What's that?" Reba questioned back quickly, waiting a moment as she finished.
"I think it's time we came to your next appointment."
"Meet this Dr. Husky." She finished, sharing a glance with Marti, who was clearly thinking the same thing.