He Wants An Open Marriage? Done!

Hours later.

6:30 P.M.

The Chevrolet SUV rolled to a smooth stop before a massive stone estate that resembled an ancient castle, its facade glowing warmly under the twilight sky.

Roxanne’s eyes lit up as she stared at the sprawling architecture. "This is breathtaking," she whispered, stepping out as a butler respectfully held her door. "What is this place?"

She threw her head back and inhaled the mountain air. Then she looked at the ivy climbing the stone walls, the warm lanterns just outside the huge oak doors, and an old fountain running just feet away.

Richard offered a smile, stepping out on his side as another staff member assisted him. "You’ll find out shortly."

"Welcome, Master Richard," the staff chorused, bowing slightly. "Welcome, ma’am."

Roxanne smiled and nodded. "Thank you," she murmured, catching a brief flicker of surprise on their faces.

Before she could take another step, an elderly woman emerged from the grand double doors, her arms opening wide. "Richard Alexander Vance," she called out, stopping dead in her tracks as her gaze landed on Roxanne. She turned her incredulous stare to Richard. "You actually brought a woman?"

Richard simply smiled, meeting her halfway to wrap her in a tight hug. "Hello, Nana."

Mercedes glanced back at Roxanne, then leaned in close to Richard, lowering her voice. "Is she the one?"

Richard chuckled softly, pulling back just enough to look at Roxanne. He reached out, his fingers brushing hers. "Roxanne, this is my nana, Mercedes. Nana, this is Roxanne. The woman I love."

A soft wave of murmurs rippled through the staff, their faces lighting up with bright smiles at the official announcement.

Mercedes beamed, stepping forward to pull Roxanne into a warm embrace. "You are welcome home, darling."

"Thank you, Mercedes," Roxanne replied, the genuine affection in the older woman’s voice easing the last of her tension.

The butler stepped forward tentatively. "Sir, we prepared two separate bedrooms. Should we take the bags to two rooms, or will you be using only the master suite?"

Richard turned his gaze to Roxanne, his expression softening with quiet consideration. "Would you prefer your own space? Maybe you need a bit of privacy after everything today?"

Roxanne smiled, a gentle shake of her head releasing a soft breath. "I think I have spent too much time away from you already. I would rather not be separated."

Richard’s eyes darkened with an intense warmth. He turned to the staff. "You heard the lady."

Without wasting another moment, the butler nodded, directing the staff to carry the luggage inside.

"Seriously, Richard, what is this place?" Roxanne asked again, her curiosity bubbling over.

"Do you not like it? We can always leave if it’s too much," Richard teased gently.

Roxanne shook her head, a genuine laugh escaping her. "Oh, no. It’s stunning. So peaceful, and the people here are so warm."

Before Richard could answer, another staff member approached, bowing slightly. "Forgive the interruption, sir, but dinner is served."

Richard glanced at Roxanne, a playful glint in his eye. "I am actually starving. Do you want to freshen up first, or should we eat?"

Roxanne pressed a hand to her stomach, realizing only then that her adrenaline had completely masked her hunger. "I am actually starving, too. Let’s eat."

The staff member nodded and hurried off.

"Do you own this place?" Roxanne asked, looking around the grand foyer. "The staff seem to know you well."

"Well, this is my quiet place," Richard explained, his hand resting naturally at the small of her back as they walked. "It’s where I escape the noise of the world. My grandfather owned it, and he left it to me because this was the only place where he said I ever truly looked at peace. Come on, I’ll show you some pictures. They are just down this hall toward the dining room."

Roxanne’s heart swelled with a sudden rush of gratitude. "I’d love to see them. Are there pictures of you as a kid, too?"

Richard groaned playfully, capturing her hand in his. "God, I hope not."

Roxanne chuckled, taking in the tasteful furnishings, the rich wooden accents, and a plush swing chair nestled in a quiet corner of the sitting area.

A rich, savory aroma drifted through the air, making her stomach give a soft rumble. "That smells incredible."

"Right over here," Richard said, guiding her toward a gallery wall lined with over twenty framed photographs. He pointed to a portrait of a distinguished older man. "This is him."

Roxanne nodded, but her eyes drifted to the right, a bright smile breaking across her face. She pointed to a picture tucked near the corner. "Is this you?"

The photo featured an awkward teenage boy with a mouthful of metal braces, messy hair, heavy acne, and thick, oversized glasses.

Richard immediately covered his face with his free hand, groaning in sheer embarrassment. "I have no idea who that is."

Roxanne laughed heartily, nudging his arm with her elbow. "Oh, come on, that is definitely you."

Richard laughed despite himself, dropping his hand. "To be completely honest, I avoid looking at this picture. I was not a very handsome teenager. I was a total geek."

Roxanne smiled softly, her fingers tracing the edge of the frame. "Well, looking at this boy, I’m certain I would have fallen for him if we’d met back then. Look at those intense eyes. They look so sincere."

Richard smiled, though a hint of disbelief lingered in his dark eyes. "You’re kind. But I’m not sure you would have. Even I wouldn’t have fallen in love with myself back then."

Roxanne burst into a bright, uninhibited laugh. "Why would you say that? It wasn’t that bad!"

Richard turned to her, his eyes wide with mock horror. "Did you see those teeth?"

Roxanne laughed harder, tears of mirth stinging the corners of her eyes. "I am sure it wasn’t that terrible!"

Richard shook his head, a helpless smile pulling at his mouth. "Well, I am glad you think so. At least our children will have someone to give them a more positive view of my awkward years."

Roxanne’s breath hitched. Our children.

The playful warmth in her chest froze for a fraction of a second. She had tried for years, only for Christian to hurl blame and cruel accusations at her whenever it didn’t happen. A cold shadow from the past threatened to creep in, but she fought it back, not wanting to let old ghosts ruin the present.

Sensing the sudden shift in her energy, Richard’s expression softened instantly. He reached out, his thumb gently catching her chin. "Calm your thoughts, Roxanne. No pressure. Ever."

Roxanne blinked, letting out a trembling exhale. She managed a small smile and nodded. "I know. Thank you. I honestly can’t remember the last time I laughed like that."

Richard pulled her firmly against his chest, sliding his arms around her waist before pressing his lips softly to hers. "Then we’ll have to make up for lost time," he murmured against her mouth.

"I’m all for it," Roxanne whispered, kissing him back.

Richard smiled, his hand resting securely against the small of her back as he guided her toward the balcony. A table had been set up under the open sky, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and framed by a sweeping view of the stars.

As they sat down and began to eat, Roxanne looked across the candlelit table at him, the intimacy of the space wrapping around them.

"Why did you never bring anyone else here?" she asked softly, watching the candlelight dance in his dark eyes.

Richard paused, laying his fork down. He reached across the table, covering her hand with his warm palm. "Because I made a promise to myself a long time ago. I would only ever bring one woman to this place. Only one."

Roxanne’s chest ached with a sudden rush of emotion. She looked at him, her heart entirely bare.

Without a word, they both stood, meeting halfway across the small table. They leaned in, their lips colliding in a slow kiss that tasted of forever.

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