The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 258

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As they approached the rental house, Oliver hurried ahead and took out a key. After a moment’s rattle, the wooden door creaked open.

“Stay right there. I’ll go turn on the lights,” he said gently.

With that, he quickly stepped inside and flipped a switch. The courtyard was instantly bathed in light.

Suzie carefully crossed the threshold, her eyes taking in the small, roughly 200-square-foot courtyard as she walked. The ground was paved with cool, slightly damp bluestone tiles that made the courtyard feel fresh and calm. The walls were covered in a lush tapestry of green vines, with a few dimly lit lanterns scattered among them. Small flowers of various kinds grew in the corners, and a bamboo table and chairs sat in the center.

“Do you like it? I figured since you’ll be getting bigger, a single-story place would be better than a loft,” Oliver said with a soft smile as he came to her side.

Suzie pulled her gaze away from the scenery and smiled back at him. “I love it. Oliver, you and Stella have gone through so much trouble for me. It’s always been like this, since we were kids. I’m always the one dragging you two down…”

“What are you talking about? I’d do anything for you, willingly,” Oliver said, then quickly added, “And so would Stella. Come on, let me show you the rooms.”

He started walking, explaining as he went. “This main room in the center is the largest, so you can have it. Stella and I have already set it up with everything you’ll need. I’ll take the one on the east side. When Stella comes to visit, she can stay in the west room.”

Suzie stopped in her tracks. “You and Stella are both staying here? But you have your company, and your mom… you’re busy enough. And Stella’s work is overwhelming…”