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Chapter 30
"What about this one?" Mike asked Christine. The kids were all in bed and they were laying in bed, looking at a book with floor plans.
"I do like how it has that porte cochere driveway." Christine replied.
"The what?" Mike asked, obviously concerned.
"Its an awning over the driveway, connected to the house. You can park there, unload stuff and then drive to the garage." Christine explained; showing Mike a photo.
"I can see the convenience; especially if the garage is away from the kitchen." Mike replied.
"We should ask the girls if they want something special before we meet with the bank and contractors." Christine said.
"Katie looked horrified when I told her she and Hannah would have their own rooms. Before that was a big thing. Now; she's terrified of it." Mike remarked.
"I think she's scared something will happen to Hannah if she's not there. Its a psychological thing." Christine said.
"She also seemed shocked that there would be a space for her." Mike replied; playing with his hand.
"Mike; its going to take her some time to trust you fully. She adores you and she appreciates you but you were pretty tough with her. And she hasn't forgotten it." Christine remarked.
"I remember the morning after they were found; she woke up really dazed and confused. Hit her foot really hard. I was bandaging it and she asked me when I was taking her back. She honestly thought since I had Hannah back, I would have her taken back to where she was. Of course; I wouldn't have ever. But…it was devastating." Mike replied.
"I bet. Mike; she does love you and I think she's forgiven you, but there's gonna be some mistrust for a while." Christine said before kissing his temple.
"Why don't we make sure their rooms are close together? Maybe give both rooms an option for if either girl wants to sleep in the other's room. Not sure how to do that though." Mike suggested.
"Let me play around with ideas. Maybe they can share a bathroom too?" Christine said.
"Yeah, good idea…like bunk beds?" Mike asked, going back to the bedrooms.
"Amplified. Make them nice, like a built-in. Eventually; we might need the space for grandkids too." Christine said.
"Can you draw them out?" Mike asked.
"I will tomorrow. I'll also talk to both girls." Christine said as she sat the book on her nightstand and shut her light off.
"Hannah did tell me she wants a walk-in-closet." Mike said.
"I'm not shocked." Christine said.
"And Katie wants a desk by a window. She was asking about online classes. Doesn't want to try sit down college classes right now." Mike said.
"As long as she doesn't feel pressured." Christine remarked.
"I don't think so." Mike said.
"Alright. I'm gonna go to sleep. I love you." Christine said.
"I love you too…even if you love fancy driveways." Mike replied.
"Porte Cochere." Christine said. She gave Mike another kiss and then snuggled close.
The next morning; Mike had to run some errands and so Christine sat down during Levi's morning nap and drew out what she was thinking for the 'bunk beds.' Katie came downstairs and looked at the drawing.
"What's that for?" Katie asked.
"Your dad and I both think you and Hannah need your own rooms, but we are going to have something like this in both rooms if you want to sleep in the other's room." Christine said.
"Okay." Katie replied.
"And your dad said you requested a desk by the window." Christine remarked.
"Yeah. I want to go back to school soon. But…online classes at first." Katie said.
"Same course of study?" Christine asked.
"No. I'm actually thinking about architecture or…designing homes. Hearing you and Dad make decisions about this house…its a dream house for you two. I like that idea." Katie said.
"Maybe we should be letting you do this." Christine said as she handed her the sketchpad and book. "I like the porte cochere and a big kitchen with a big pantry. Your dad has requested a decent sized shop, which would work with the porte cochere. Hannah wants a walk-in closet. Four regular bedrooms plus the master suite with its own bathroom and large walk in. Besides the master, I figured two full sized bathrooms and a half bath in the living area." Christine said.
"More modern or what style?" Katie asked.
"Comfortable. A family home. What that doesn't seem cold. And remember, Levi. He's still figuring out walking but once he gets going, he'll be on the run." Christine said.
"One or two stories?" Katie asked.
"This is our forever home, which means your Dad and I will want one-story." Christine said.
"Alright." Katie said.
"Thanks, sweetheart. I can't wait to see what you come up with." Christine replied just as Levi started crying.
They could have come up with what they wanted, but it was good for Katie to have something to concentrate on. Hopefully, Mike would agree.