Chapter 6 New home
In the intimate sanctuary of their bedroom, Regina gaze lingers on Emma, her desire to discuss a matter evident, yet hesitant to a broach the subject. Aware of the significance of Emma's wanting to contribute to their lifestyle and financial stability, Regina had agreed to maintain a 50/50 arrangement within Emma's budget, despite Regina's substantial wealth. However, now that they were married, Regina had made the decision to forgo a prenuptial agreement, ensuring that Emma would be as financially secure as she was.
"Spill it," Emma responds, lifting her eyes from her phone to meet Regina's gaze.
Regina takes a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "I've been thinking" she begins slowly. "Now that we're married, what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine." She pauses, allowing Emma a moment to grasp the implications of her words. "I would love for us to build a new home together, our home, where we can have everything we've ever wanted."
Emma sits in contemplative silence, her mind processing Regina's words. After a few moments, she looks up at Regina, her eyes filled with understanding and love.
"You're right Regina." Emma says softly, her voice filled with warmth. "It's not just about your money or my money anymore, it's about our life together, our partnership. We're married, and that means everything we have is shared."
A smile spreads across Regina's face as she reaches out to hold Emma's hand. "I'm so grateful to have you in my life, Emma. Let's embrace this new chapter together, I can't wait to build our dream home together."
Emma gives Regina who goofy smile and squeezes Regina's hand back. "Our journey starts now, as equals and partners. . . it's gonna take me a little to get use to not having to worry about finances."
Regina chuckles at Emma's comment, appreciating her lighthearted approach now to the topic of finances. "I know this will be an adjustment, but we're in this together. Welcome to my life." Regina laughs.
The next day Regina meets with her father, Henry, waste no time in hiring a reputable construction company to bring to life Emma and Regina's dream home. The project is set to take two years, and with Henry's support, the crew is swiftly assembled to begin.
As the plans take shape, Regina's vision for the home starts to materialize. The heart of the house, the kitchen, is designed to be large, modern, and equipped with the latest appliances and cooking gear, fulfilling Regina's passion for culinary. Meanwhile Emma's desire to have a working gym and half basketball court will come true. She wants to keep in shape for her job, as well as watch Devlin begin to play sports.
The master bedroom is a sanctuary of luxury, boasting a California king bed, a spacious walk-in closet, and an exquisite master bedroom. The bathroom features a walk-on shower, a relaxing spa tub, double sinks and ample storage space. To add a touch of romance and tranquility, a private balcony is attached to the master bedroom, enclosed by glass and housing a hot tub.
Devlin's bedroom is carefully crafted to suit her growing needs, complete with a queen size bed, a walk-in closet, and her very own bathroom. In anticipation of expanding their family, four additional bedrooms are included, each with it's own walk-in closet and attached bathroom.
The house is designed to accommodate various interest and activities. A sitting room off the dining area provides a cozy space for entertaining guest, while a home theater, playroom, game room/video game room offer endless opportunities for relaxation and fun. A library with an office is also incorporated into the design, providing Regina a work space within the comfort of her home for days she will not make it to class.
The basement is designed to host small gatherings, featuring mini kitchen and bar, providing a space for entertainment and socializing with friends and family.
Devlin's request for an indoor pool is met with enthusiasm, and to make it even more versatile, the ceiling is designed to open, transforming it into an outdoor pool area when desired.
To cater to the needs of their growing household, a five-stall garage is built, with an apartment on top to accommodate visiting guests. Recognizing the importance of maintaining such a large home, Regina, with some convincing from her father, decides to hire a cook, three maids and a full-time nanny. Additionally, maintenance, pool cleaning and landscaping crews are enlisted to ensure the upkeep of the property.
With the crew assembled and plans in motion, Regina and Emma continue to add to their dream home. How they will decorate the new spaces.
"Devlin, what color would you like your bedroom?" Emma asks as she and Regina discuss decorating.
"I'd like my room to be gray" Devlin simple replies.
"Gray? That's an interesting choice, Devlin." Emma responds, her curiosity piqued by her daughter's unexpected preference. She exchanges a puzzled glance with Regina, who shrugs slightly, equally intrigued by Devlin's decision.
Regina kneels down to Devlin's level, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Why gray, sweetheart? Is there a particular reason you'd like your room to be that color?"
Devlin nods thoughtfully, her tiny browns furrowing and biting her lip, like Regina, when thinking. "Gray is calming Mommy." she explains in her way. "Makes me feel safe and cozy"
Emma and Regina exchange a surprised yet touched look, moved by depth of Devlin's explanation. They realize that their daughter, even at such a young age, has a unique perspective on what brings her comfort.
Regina smiles warmly "If gray is what makes you feel calm and safe, then gray it will be. We will create a beautiful gray room for you."
"I want a bookshelf bed too." Devlin crawls up on Regina's lap. "Where I can put my favorite books and water cup at night."
Regina wraps her daughter in her arms, cherishing this moment. "A bookshelf bed sounds like a wonderful idea. We can design a headboard where you can keep all your favorite books and a special place for your water cup too. That way you'll have everything you'll need for nighttime.
Emma, eyes lighting up looking at her family. "We can even add some lights on the headboard so you can read and snuggle."
"How long till we move into our new home?" Devlin asks.
Devlin's question about the timeline for their move prompts Regina to respond with honesty, though she feels a tinge of impatience herself. She understands the importance of her father's desire for everything to be good quality and work, ensuring that their new home will be perfect for their family.
Regina takes a deep breath, "It will take about two years, my love. I know it may feel like a long time, but your grandfather wants to make sure that everything is just right for us. He wants our new home t be the best it can be, and that takes time."
"In the meantime, we can start planing and dreaming about our new home. We can make lists of what we want in each room, look at pictures and visit showrooms to get ideas."
Devlin nods "Is it going to be a big house, big like Maleficent?"
"Not as big as Maleficent's home, but yes it will be bigger than where we are now." Regina explains.
"What if I get lost like at Maleficent's?" Devlin leans into Regina more looking for comfort.
Regina immediately wraps her arms around Devlin, pulling her closer for a comforting embrace. She understands Devlin's worry about getting lost in their new home, especially given her previous experiences at Maleficent's house.
"Oh sweetheart, I understand you're concern about getting lost, but remember, our new home will be different. We will make sure it's safe and comfortable space for you and the layout is easy to navigate."
Devlin's mood shifts after talking about Maleficent. She begins to play with Regina's hair. "I sleep with you?" Devlin yawns and a quiet request barely heard.
Regina's smiles softly as Devlin starts playing with her hair, recognizing it as a comforting gesture that she has done since she was little. She gently strokes Devlin's back, feeling the weight of her tiredness in the quiet request.
"Of course, my love, you can always sleep with Mama and I when you need too' Regina whispers holding her tighter.
"Let's get your favorite stuffy and we'll snuggle so you can fall asleep" Emma suggests love in her eyes watching as her wife holds her daughter.
Devlin exhales and closes her eyes feeling comfortable in her mother's arms. Regina and Emma exchange a tender look, understanding that talking about Maleficent and their very smart three year old, almost four year old, makes her tired and stressed.
With Devlin's breathing evenly, she lays her in the middle of their bed. Regina and Emma get ready for bed and join their daughter. They sleep holding each other.
To be continued. . .