“That son of a gun. I knew he was shady. Of all the parcels of land around here, why would he try to snatch yours?”
“I’m beginning to wonder about that myself. I don’t know the man, so I don’t know why he’d target me. And that’s what it’s beginning to feel like. That he’s doing it on purpose. If it’s even him, of course. I’m assuming a lot here.”
“Do you have wiggle room? Is the property worth raising your bid?”
“I think it’s worth it. It’s not as though I’m buying it for an investment to flip. I’d intended to make it my forever home as well as my business. The problem is, I don’t think I can match his bid.”
Lyle tugged his hat lower on his brow. “Why don’t you show me the place? Maybe we can figure something out. I’ve got some time. Charlotte and I just came from a visit with her grandmother. We did a lot of sitting. Be good for us to stretch our legs.”
Heather glanced in the back seat, saw Charlotte in her booster seat holding Pudge who wore a harness with a leash attached. She smiled, feeling a little lighter than she had moments ago leaving the realtor’s office. “I’m not sure what looking at the property will do.”
“I’d like to see what you find so special about it.”
She nodded. “I do love it. Okay. I’m parked right over there if you want to follow me.”
The drive out to the property wasn't far from town. Lyle followed behind in his truck, the gravel road crunching beneath his tires, the landscape of Bear Valley blurring into a shifting palette of greens and browns. He didn't know what Heather's financial situation was, but he could tell she was upset over an unknown corporation outbidding her. He found himself wanting to slay her dragons, make life easier for her.
He wasn't sure she would let him, though. She had a thing about being in control and tended to push back when someone offered help. Independence was a good thing, but sometime stubbornness could get in a person's way, crush a dream.
When they arrived, Heather's Jeep came to a stop in front of a charming old farmhouse, its weathered wooden boards painted a faded yellow that blended harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. It had a wrap-around porch that beckoned with the promise of lazy summer evenings and barbeques, complete with a swing that creaked softly in the breeze. Surprisingly, it reminded him of his farmhouse in Shotgun Ridge, which made him love it on sight.
Lyle stepped out of his truck, glancing around to take in the place. The property was framed by a line of grand oak trees, offering shade and protection from the elements. In the distance, he could see a spacious barn that looked in decent shape—tin roof gleaming in the afternoon sun and tall enough to allow for livestock. It wasn’t new, but it had character.
“Well, this is it,” Heather said, her barely restrained enthusiasm pulling him from his thoughts as she gestured toward the house. “I can already imagine sitting on the porch, watching the dogs play in the yard.”
Charlotte jumped out of the truck and stood in awe. “It’s so pretty! Can we go inside?”
“I'm pretty sure it's locked up.” Heather said, leading the way as they approached the front door. "But we can at least look in the window."
As they stepped onto the porch, the floorboards creaked beneath them, giving a sense of history as if the house were welcoming them back after years of absence. Lyle watched as Heather’s fingers brushed over the railing, her expression turning contemplative. She tried the door, surprised when it opened.
"Whoa. I wonder who left it like this. Shonda said no one has accessed the lockbox. It's computerized, so she can tell if anyone has used the key."
Lyle stepped in front of her. "Hang on. Let me go in first. Charlotte, you wait right here on the porch."
He disappeared inside. Heather was tempted to go right in behind him, but she didn't want to leave Charlotte by herself. After a couple of minutes, Lyle returned.
"Doesn't look like anyone's been in here or messed with anything. You should call your realtor and let her know that the place was unlocked, though."
"I will." She raised her cell to her ear and Lyle listened as she recounted the incident. He could tell from this end that Shonda was as surprised as they were.
Heather hung up. “Shonda thinks it could have been curious kids.”
“Seems there would be broken windows or destruction if it was a break in.”
Heather took a breath and shrugged. “Well, we might as well go in.”
The interior was warm and inviting, with high ceilings, original hardwood floors, and large windows that allowed the light to bathe every corner. “It has so much potential,” she said, a hint of yearning in her voice. “I can see making the living room a little nook for a cozy library and another space for the dogs during training.”
“Definitely plenty of room for a dog-training area,” Lyle agreed. He knew she brought the dogs indoors. They needed to learn inside manners as well as outside ones.
“Right?” The hope in her eyes made something flicker deep inside him. “I can envision an office and waiting area for clients.”
Their conversation ricocheted between ideas and possibilities as they wandered from room to room, examining the charming details—the vintage light fixtures, a quaint kitchen that had enough counter space for cooking and dog training treats alike, and a sun-drenched den where all the best memories would be made.
And for some reason, he kept inserting himself in that memory making, envisioning himself and Charlotte here. With Heather. As a family.
And he was getting way ahead of himself.
