“Get ready. These two weeks in Chestnut Ridge are my Christmas gift to you.”
“Thanks, Nat. I’m ready for a Christmas worth remembering.”
Chapter Two
The Sunday before Thanksgiving, Sheila gathered her things to set up for her last scheduled open house of the year. The Carrolton Estate was a stunning home in a sought-after neighborhood. Houses in this area didn’t come up for sale that often, and she’d sold this one to a newlywed couple just four years ago. Unfortunately, they’d already outgrown the house and were eager to find a new perfect place to call home.
She fussed with fresh flowers until they looked perfectly welcoming on the entry hall table. Luxury listings were what she was known for and, frankly, closing out the year with a commission of this size would be a wonderful way to wrap it up.
Humming Christmas carols as she arranged freshly baked cookies on a platter in the kitchen, she realized she was excited about her holiday plans in Chestnut Ridge.
Sheila was thankful for Natalie’s newfound happiness after the difficult path she’d traveled the last few years. First she’d lost her husband, Jeremy, and then, just as she was climbing out of the depths of grief, Marc Swindell popped into her life and conned her out of just about everything she owned. Then again, if thathadn’t happened, Natalie might not have met Randy.Who’s to say the right path to happiness is always a smooth one? Lord knows, I’ve had my rocky roads. Isn’t it time to bring on my joy yet?
Thank goodness Detective Randy Fellowes had been assigned to Natalie’s case when Swindell swindled Natalie. Not only for the justice that was finally served, but for the happiness Randy brought to her. A joy that Sheila hadn’t seen in Natalie’s eyes since Jeremy passed away.
We’ve both been through a lot over the past five years. I hope my happy days are ahead too.
She heard the front door open, and straightened, assuming her best friendly Realtor demeanor.
Not every visitor who came to an open house was a prospective buyer; she’d learned that a long time ago. But as she gave this couple the once-over, she saw that they hadinterested buyerswritten all over them.
“Welcome. Thanks for coming out today.” The opulent Richmond house would draw a lot of people, even on the busiest travel weekend of the year. There’d be lookie-loos, but she was certain she’d get at least one good offer today. It was just too special a property for the right buyer to pass up.
Sheila handed the couple a glossy booklet with all the details about the house. “Make yourselves at home. It just might be your next one. I’ll let you mill around.”
The husband looked impressed with the pricey marketing material. It was one of her secret weapons. These high-end properties deserved the extra touch, since the commissions were extra big.
The woman peered over her husband’s shoulder. “I’ve got to see that kitchen.”
Sheila had staged special pictures, opting to use different ones from the online listings, for the fancy booklet. Photos staged specifically for this showing, with an eye to the demographic right down to the artwork inserted into the picture frames. Photoshop was one incredible invention. Not that she knew how to use it, but she was smart enough to hire a whiz kid who did.
“Look, hon!” The woman’s blue eyes danced as she looked up from the brochure, and then she turned to Sheila. “I’vealwayswanted a fancy spa bathroom.”
“Me too. It’s a beauty. When you walk in, the relaxation will practically lift you off your feet. Feel free to enjoy the champagne and strawberries.” Sheila had set them up in a shiny silver ice bucket and crystal flutes. Who could resist that?
“I can’t wait,” the woman gushed, and she hooked her arm through her husband’s, practically dragging him down the hall. “This way, right?”
“Yes, ma’am, but I’d start in the kitchen. Don’t miss the pantry. It’s definitely a chef-quality space.”
The husband’s eyebrows cocked in appreciation.
“And there’s an outdoor kitchen too.” Sheila knew how to pick up on the subtleties of body language to pitch the right perks.
A family came in right behind them with an adorable little girl with blond ringlets and wearing a powder-blue dress that matched her twinkling eyes.
“Welcome.” She offered a children’s version of the pamphlet to their daughter. One with a picture of a kitten on the ottoman and a puppy in the backyard. The little girl had adorable Shirley Temple dimples when she smiled.
“There are some fresh-baked cookies on the kitchen counter,” Sheila whispered to the parents as they accepted the brochure.
“We’ve been waiting for something in this neighborhood to come up for so long,” the woman said. “It’s honestly a stretch on our budget, but we couldn’t resist checking it out.”
Sheila dove in. “Well, interest rates are low right now. There are so many advantages. Walking distance to the academy, which makes this a highly sought-after neighborhood for families with school-age children.” Sheila noticed the way the wife shot a glance to her husband. That was clearly something they’d discussed before. “It’s a lot of house for the price point. Take a look around. The HOA is lower than other similar neighborhoods, which is a real plus because it keeps those monthly additional expenses down, and this house has one of the highest efficiency ratings I’ve seen,” Sheila added.
“Thatishelpful,” her husband said.
“I’ll answer any questions you might have,” Sheila said. “My card is in the booklet, and I have a wonderful team that can help you navigate any challenges. Home buying requires looking at the long term, especially when you’re raising children. We’re familiar with this area. We’re here to help you with this house, or find the perfect one in your price range.”
“Thank you so much.”
