Chapter 60

Shopping with Matt was fun. They dropped the kites and toys in her car before walking hand in hand to the antiques mall across the street. It was a huge, old feed store that had been converted so numerous dealers each had areas for their wares. Consequently, the place was piled high with junk and treasures. Summer loved poking around in here because she spotted something new every time, even if she hardly ever bought anything. Her tiny apartment was already overflowing. Seeing the place through Matt's eyes was even more enlightening. He had an appreciation for craftsmanship and vintage technology that she hadn't known about from her - their - dreams. She watched him examine antique tools and machinery with a connoisseur's eye.
"There's an old workshop in the garage of my house," he said absently. "Maybe later I'll get to building or fixing up things on my own."
"I imagine you'd be good at anything you try." Oops! She hadn't intended to say that out loud.
"Thanks." He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "Totally untrue. You'll find out how much so as soon as you try to eat something I cook."
Summer laughed. "Well, I can't even change my own oil, so there you go. And truthfully, I'm nowhere near as good a cook as my brother Sam. Notice I fed you sandwiches."
"Good thing we're going out to dinner then, isn't it?" She had the feeling he'd been about to say something else. Just then, though, something in the next booth caught her eye.
"Ooh, look at that dresser, Matt. The burled walnut one they're just bringing in." Summer was already calculating whether it would fit in her bedroom, even though she liked the cherry wood set she'd had since she was a teen.
"Oh wow." He set down the saw he'd been looking at and moved toward the furniture display. As the two men in overalls set down the big, golden walnut chest of drawers, Matt strode right up to it. "This is a beauty."
Made in the art deco waterfall style, it really was. Summer walked up beside him and pointed to some other pieces that had already been brought in. "Look, there are the matching nightstands and a blanket chest."
"Got the bed frame and one more dresser in the back," said one of the workmen.
The owner of the stall, sensing a possible sale, Summer was sure, eased up to them. "The bed was originally a custom size, but has been modified slightly over the years to take a standard king mattress." He gave them a snake-oil smile. "Just right for a happy young couple starting out."
"Oh, but we're not - "
Matt squeezed her shoulder and cut her off. "I'd like to see the rest of it."
"Come on out here," the dealer said, walking toward the storage area out back. "It's all in near-perfect condition."
They followed him into the barnlike addition at the back of the building filled with rows of furniture and other large items. When Matt saw the bed, his eyes lit up the room, and Summer knew he was going to buy it.
A tiny thrill ran through her - approval mixed with a dash of envy. The set would never fit in her apartment, but she'd loved it from the moment she'd spotted it.
"So, what do you think?"
She jumped a little when Matt turned to her.
"Will this work for a master bedroom?"
Her cheeks warmed. Did he think they'd be spending a lot of time in there together? She couldn't say she objected to the thought. Opening one drawer of the dresser, she inspected the dovetail joints and the sturdiness of the old piece. Slowly she nodded. "I'd check the other pieces, but if they're all in this shape, I don't see a problem, provided the price is reasonable."
"I'll need a dining room set too," Matt told the salesman. "I'd like to keep the period similar. Do you have anything along those lines?"
Before they left, Matt had purchased a table, chairs and sideboard in a warm mahogany, a massive oak desk for his study and the bedroom set, arranging to have them all delivered to his new home the following week.
"I think a modern couch in a vintage style is a better idea," he said as they walked toward the exit. "It'll hold up to a lot more use. Once the basics are in place, I can look around for the small stuff - end tables, artwork, whatever."
"That's smart." She paused just for a moment in front of a display of vintage jewelry - one of her small vices. "Does the house need a lot of work or can you move right in?"
"Probably some painting, but that's about it. I can take you to see it tomorrow." He followed her gaze then studied the delicate Victorian sapphire pendant, in gold filigree with tiny seed pearls surrounding the center stone. "The realtor will let me in any time I want. Basically, I rented it until we close but agreed not to move in until the paperwork is done Monday."
"If you're picking paint colors or remodeling, you should get Sam to help. He's amazing with interior design." She glanced at the price of the pendant and turned to walk away. She liked vintage sparklies, but not that much.
"I'll take that pendant," Matt said to the lady behind the counter. "Do you have a chain to go with it?"
The sixty-something brunette smiled broadly at him and began to dicker.
Summer just wanted to hide.
When the woman asked if Matt wanted a box, he shook his head and accepted the pendant, now on a thin gold chain, and held it out in both hands.
"Turn around," he said to Summer.
"Matt, you don't have to..."
"Do you really want to have this argument here?" The corner of his mouth twitched into a grin. "I've waited a long time to buy you presents. And your birthday is coming up this week."
He was right on all counts, so she turned around and held perfectly still while his fingers brushed against her skin as he fastened the necklace.
"There." He turned her back to the counter and picked up a silver-backed hand mirror. "What do you think?"
It sparkled against her skin as if it had been made just for her. Summer swallowed the knot in her throat. "I love it. Thank you, Matt."
He kissed the side of her neck. "It's almost as pretty as you." He turned to thank the woman then grabbed Summer's hand and all but ran for the door.