Nora's POV
The familiar knot forms in my stomach as I settle beside James on the couch. He's absorbed in whatever Star Wars episode I dozed off during earlier, but his attention shifts when I show him the photos.
"Everything's different now." My voice carries a mixture of anticipation and dread.
"I figured it would be." James takes my phone, scrolling through the renovation pictures with careful attention. "Though the progress exceeds what I anticipated."
"I know, right?" Excitement battles with fear inside me as I speak. The thought of living in that beautiful estate with James thrills me, but the terrifying possibility that he might not be there haunts every happy moment. "Look at all that scaffolding, and the siding looks incredible now that it's been restored."
"There are enough finished rooms now that I could take you properly in several of them," he states with typical directness, continuing to examine the photos. "Tonight might be perfect for that."
