It had large sash windows and a wrap-around porch made of dark mahogany.

“It’s beautiful, Tessa,” Jennifer said, walking up beside me.

“And it’s entirely in your name.”

Elliot stepped forward and shook my hand.

“The seller signed the final papers an hour ago,” Elliot said.

“Your wire transfer has been received and verified.”

He handed me a heavy brass key.

“Congratulations, Ms. Sterling,” he said.

I took the key.

The metal was cool and heavy against my palm.

I walked up the stone steps and inserted the key into the oak front door.

It turned smoothly, and the door swung open with a soft, solid click.

The air inside smelled of beeswax and old, well-cared-for wood.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the polished pine floors.

I walked through the foyer and into the living room.

There was a large stone fireplace on the far wall.

I could already picture a thick rug on the floor where Ivy could safely learn to crawl.

“The security system is state-of-the-art,” Elliot said, pointing to a small keypad on the wall.