Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 528(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
“Is he nice?”
His smile comes to mind, along with that look in his eyes that had me mentally undressing. I swallow harder than I should before taking a quick sip to cool down. Unexpected comes to mind when thinking about Daniel Sutton. “He’s . . . I don’t think there will be any trouble.”
“That’s good.” The boards cry for reprieve under the weight of the chairs while we rock, the distraction causing me to regret the last two sausages I ate. “I have a sense this isn’t about the rental. What’s on your mind, Summer?”
“I’ve heard about the interest on the upper shores.” She sips, not revealing any indication of her thoughts about outsiders coming in to snatch up properties. She’d be the only one not thinking about it or gossiping, more accurately. “They’re making offers.”
“I need to be honest with you, honey,” she starts. I was already unnerved by all the scenarios of the way this conversation could potentially play out, but now with my heart stalled in my throat, I need to keep breathing. Resting my hand on my chest, I check. “A gentleman from Seattle wants to have a call.”
My throat tightens. I thought I had more time to talk to her, but it seems I’m the one who’s behind. I clear my throat and straighten my spine. “Regarding Cove Cottage?”
“Regarding both properties.”
I set the glass down and angle toward her. “And you’re taking the call?”
Although she had been rocking, she stills, and takes another sip. “I’m old, but I’m no fool.”
“Can I ask a favor?”
“I can’t promise you’ll get the answer you want, but you can ask.”
Releasing a long-held breath, I say, “I want a shot.”
The corners of her mouth soften upward. “I know you have a strong interest. You’ve treated them like your own, which I’m grateful for, but I’m not sure you’re going to have the money—”
“I have some money.” I stop myself from saying more. My inheritance is limited after I paid for college and helped with the house. There’s a reason the list of issues is growing daily. They take money or time to figure out how to DIY it. I’ve been short on both the past couple of months. She knows my backstory, but not so much about my budget.
With a tilt of her head, a curl that’s gone gray among the remaining blond falls over one eye. With a puff of breath, it floats to its rightful place on her temple. Her eyes steady on mine with the type of soft smile I’ve seen too much for one lifetime. Sympathetic. “Summer . . .” There’s that damn pause I used to hear before every condolence. Though said in kindness, I hate the tone that accompanies it. “I’m not sure if you’re aware of the value—”
“I’ve done my research. I won’t be able to outbid a big company’s banking power, but I’d like to have the opportunity to present my own offer.”
“The letter I received already mentioned possibilities.” She reaches over, and her hand covers my forearm with a gentleness that matches the shape of her eyes. “It’s not going to be in a range you can afford. I’m sorry—”
“Give me a chance, Mrs. Dover. Please.” She sits back and starts rocking again as if the words landed with impact. “If you decide to go with someone else after that, I’ll understand.”
Her gaze shifts to the large acreage before us and then to Bessie, who stands at the fence as if she’s part of the conversation. When Mrs. Dover looks at me, she says, “You’ll get your fair shot, but please remember business is business.”
“Business in Mountain Laurel Cove is personal, and I’ll fight the best I can to keep it that way. The last thing any of us wants is for the Cove to become a rich person’s playground like they did over in Ocean’s Bay.”
“They have a good funnel cake, though.”
Excitement bubbles up, causing me to giggle. “They sure do.” Leaning back, I watch the black cow chew the tall grass in the pasture, content like I am in our pocket of heaven. “You won’t regret this. I promise.”
“I look forward to the pitch.” The conversation veers into maintenance at the mountain cottage while we finish our glasses of sweet tea. When I stand to leave, we hug, and I dash to the car. Tucked inside, I exhale a huge sigh of relief. It’s only step one in what I assume will be a long process, but I’ll take it and run with it to make her not only proud but happy she’s selling to me.
I leave the farm with renewed energy. It’s good to have something to focus on, to have a goal that benefits all of us who live here. I look around as I drive past pastures and continue to the only stop sign we have in town.