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Sure enough, Luke noticed a few people walking down the street in front of Lindsey’s Beauty Shop staring at their jet-black Range Rover. The stares from passersby only confirmed that they were outsiders in a small town that didn’t see many high-end SUVs.
As they turned down another street, they passed by All Creatures Animal Hospital and Second Chance Rescue. Luke wondered for a moment if Jeremiah would be interested in adopting an animal. They would have the space for one now, and since Kate had been allergic to dogs, they never had one in Chicago.
“There’s sand on the road,” Jeremiah commented.
“Well, the beach is right over there, so that makes sense.” Luke pointed over to Jeremiah’s side. “Do you want to stop and check out the water?”
Jeremiah shook his head. “I just want to find some air conditioning.”
Luke smiled. “We’re almost there. At least, I think we are.”
As Luke and Jeremiah drove down the street, the scene outside their car window transformed into a picturesque vision of Southern charm. The bungalow-style houses that lined the street were adorned with intricate details, and had porches that extended out into the front yard. The trees on the sidewalk had Spanish moss draping down from their branches, giving the street an otherworldly feel.
The white picket fences that separated the front yards from the sidewalk, along with the well-manicured lawns, completed the idyllic scene. Luke couldn’t help but imagine himself sitting on one of those porches, sipping iced tea and taking in the slow pace of life in Hadley Cove.
He noticed that some of the houses looked older than others, but that only added to the charm. It was as if the town had been frozen in time, preserving its history and old-fashioned way of life.
Luke drove for a few more minutes, turning onto a quiet, tree-lined street that was a welcome relief from the heat. The houses were more spacious here, with verdant foliage that created a sense of privacy and seclusion. As they approached their new home, Luke pulled up next to the moving truck, which was already in the driveway.
“We’re here. This is it, 1422 Muscadine Drive.” Luke stepped out of the car and gazed up at the large, two-story cape cod house. It was exactly as he remembered it from the pictures he had seen on Zillow and the virtual walkthrough with the realtor before the closing last week. The dark brown color of the house and its forest green shutters blended in with the surrounding trees.
As Luke walked up the driveway, the sound of someone clearing their throat caught his attention. He turned around to see an older woman across the street, watering her plants and smiling at him. Luke smiled back and waved, but Ada Harrison took it as an invitation to cross the street.
“Hey y’all! I’m Ada Harrison, your new neighbor.” She greeted them cheerfully.
Luke shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Harrison. I’m Luke Grayson, and this is my son, Jeremiah. We’re new here.”
“Oh, just call me Ada. I already knew you weren’t from around here,” she said, in a knowing way.
Luke arched his brow. “You did?” he asked, intrigued.
Ada nodded. “Everyone knows everyone here in Hadley Cove. Other than the tourists that come every summer for the beach, we don’t get too many new residents around here, especially in this house. Where did you say you were from?”
“We’re from Chicago,” Luke answered.
Ada eyed their Range Rover. “We don’t get many cars like that around here either,” she commented.
Luke smiled, trying to be polite. “Well, we’d better get inside. It was a very long drive down from Chicago and I know Jeremiah is probably ready for dinner.”
Ada nodded. “I’ll get out of your hair. I’ve got to go and remind my husband Frank to take his meds, anyway. I’ll leave you boys to settle in and rest.”
“Thank you, Ada. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again,” Luke replied before going back over to the car to pull out his and Jeremiah’s bags. The movers were almost finished unloading all the boxes and furniture off of the truck already. As he passed by Ada, she waved and went back to watering her plants.
Luke and Jeremiah made their way up the paved walkway, bordered by pink and white flowers, to the house’s entrance. As they entered the foyer, their eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the details of the almost eighty-year-old house. Despite its age, the interior radiated a warm and inviting atmosphere, without a hint of mustiness.
“So, what do you think?” Luke turned to his son, seeking his opinion
Jeremiah shrugged, barely sparing a glance at the house as he slumped his shoulders and trudged along behind Luke. He mumbled, “It’s whatever, I guess.”
“I know things haven’t been easy lately, but I was hoping this new house could be a fresh start for us. Can’t you try to be a little more positive?”
“Why does it even matter?” Jeremiah scoffed, crossing his arms defensively. “It’s not like it’s going to change anything. Can I go to my room and unpack now?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Luke set down his bags and tried to push away the frustration he felt toward himself for not being to connect with his son. He exhaled and looked around, taking in the unique details of the house. The woodwork was impressive, with intricate designs carved into the panels and moldings. He trailed his fingers along the smooth surface of the built-in shelves in the pantry, admiring the craftsmanship. In the dining room, he paused to examine the stained-glass window, marveling at the way the colors shifted in the sunlight. The furniture was a mix of vintage and modern, infusing a charmingly eclectic atmosphere.
As he made his way upstairs, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of the house. The curved banister and carved newel post were stunning, and the wallpaper lining the hallway was a muted floral pattern that reminded him of his grandmother’s home.
