The Ransom Enigma

“All right, sweetheart, it is time to wear the blindfold.”

“Darn, I was hoping you’d forget,” Jo said. “Last time I was here, it was almost finished.”

“You’re right. I did the final walkthrough a month ago and had them make two changes I know you’ll love.”

He noticed his wife’s kissable pout from the corner of his eye and heard her groan. He rested his hand on her knee. “These are small but perfect modifications, I promise. This house is a big step for us. Indulge me by letting me make it special with a surprise, a carry over the threshold, and a sip of champagne before we start unpacking boxes too numerous to count.”

Flashing him a sweet smile, she nodded, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling excitedly, and turned to let him apply the blindfold.

“Thank you, darling.” He unlocked the padlock and swung open the gate using his customized mobile application. After he drove through, the sensor box symbol swipe closed the gate automatically. There was no need to re-engage the padlock when they were in residence. The perimeter cameras would capture anyone who entered and provide an alert.

He drove the rental car up to the parking area by the barn, got out, and hurried around the front of the vehicle. He opened her door and helped her out, admiring her shapely, brown legs with his heart racing a few beats. She fit perfectly against his six-foot-two frame. He gently placed her hand in his for the short walk along the vibrant stone path.

She inhaled, “It’s so cool to smell the fragrant scent of sage. Are both the white and purple flowering?”

“Yes, they are, plus you’ll love the splashes of the emerging shades of pink here and there. These plants will grow and thrive within a few more weeks.”

“Can I see?”

“Yes, but later. The line sprinklers running at night optimize water absorption in the summer. There are only a few places where we’ll need to hand water. We can stroll along the walkway later, with music drifting from the pergola’s speakers.” He anticipated her delight at the redesigned parking area, which allowed great front and back yard views. We’re almost to the steps.”

Jo’s pace quickened with her excitement until she almost danced. He swept her into his arms and up the steps. Deftly inserting the key, he opened the door, and his fingers entered the security code. “Honey, our summer home.”

She removed her eye covering. Her entire face reflected delight. “Oh, JJ, it’s beautiful. The textured walls are rustically elegant.” She elbowed him and exclaimed. “That purple accent wall is one of your changes. The pictures we marked for the entrance will pop against that background. Perfect.” She hugged and kissed him, then danced from the entry straight ahead to the hallway as he followed, enjoying her enthusiasm. Left went to the bedrooms, with the master at the end. Adjacent to their bedroom was the workout area and two bathrooms.

Jo boisterously laughed. “You’re right, honey; there are a lot of boxes.”

She raised a hand to her chin and shook her head a bit, which made her long hair swing in shiny dark waves that reminded him of Expresso.

“Boy, I’m glad I tagged the rooms on them. It’ll make it faster to unpack.” She hugged him. “Thank you for the extra effort. It’s lovely. The blinds we picked when open brighten the space. They will make it easier to focus on paintings and nicknacks.”

JJ laughed. “I know how you love your nicknacks. I had Jason open the windows and doors for several days to help it air out.”

“I don’t smell paint or varnish at all. I smell a bit of potpourri in each room: light, fresh scents. These accentuate the bright colors of the accent-colored walls.”

“We can easily repaint any of them if your artist's eye moves you. I tried to match the fragrances from our Brazil home that I know you love.”

She wrapped her arm around his waist and hugged him. “Perfect.”

“Let’s peek into the kitchen, formal dining room, living room, library, my office, and the garden room, which also exits to the pergola. I believe you’ll be pleased.”

They retraced their steps down the hallway to explore the other rooms. Boxes were stacked everywhere. Jo tugged his hand toward the garden room, where he’d set up the furniture so they could enjoy it immediately. “You chose well, husband.”

“It seemed like the perfect place to start the day with access to the fresh air.” Pressing a button on the wall panel opened the rectangle-carved wooden boxes scattered over the dance floor. Large chrome and crystal pendant lights lowered, sending light streams across the entire pergola. “I think these are reminiscent of a Cabaret,” he said. The slight press of another button allowed slow jazz music to fill the area. Holding out his hand, he said, “Dance with me.”

They expertly executed a Slow Balboa across the golden oak-like vinyl dance floor. Even with tables and chairs, ample dance space was available. As the song ended, JJ pulled her into his arms and kissed her. They looked up as two cars and a four-wheeler approached.

Jo raised an eyebrow. “What’s this, company with a hundred boxes? Oh, JJ.”

Chagrined by the impromptu friends' arrival when his thoughts had drifted toward more than dancing, he added another squeeze. “Yep, and our work crew to help us unpack. They volunteered to do this before we arrived, but I insisted you be the placement director for the contents. Ann agreed but still wanted to help.” He frowned. “I believe I lost track of time.” He tapped her gently on the tip of her nose. “We’ll get back to dancing later.”

Jo rubbed her hands together, laughing. “Okay, open some champagne, please. Let’s toast and git er done.”

JJ chuckled. “Sweetheart, let Lily do the twang; your Brazilian accent made that sound odd.”

She playfully punched his shoulder as the crowd of friends rushed into the pergola with hugs and congrats on them finally arriving.