As I follow her up the steps, I say, “You can just show me the house and the lake. We’re not going to use the land for farming,” I explain. “My ...” Not knowing what to call Kelcie, I go with what feels natural. “My wife loves animals. She wants mini–Highland cows, goats, and horses.”
“Remind me to give you a number. I have a cousin who breeds mini–farm animals. He’s up in Montana, though.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
We enter the house, which has clearly been standing empty for a long while.
“As you can see, no one has lived in the house for a few years. I was told the owners retired to Florida.”
I slowly walk through the house, making mental notes of what I want to change, and when I stop in the living room area, I decide to do the work myself.
I don’t want another person working on my love project for Kelcie.
Locking eyes with Tish, I say, “I’ll take it.”
Her gaze widens. “You haven’t seen the lake yet.”
I shake my head. “I’ve seen photos.” With determination lacing my words, I repeat, “I’ll take the farm, Tish. Tell the owners I’ll pay cash. I’d like to get to work on renovating the place as soon as possible.”
A wide smile spreads over Tish’s face. “I’ll get in touch with their lawyer and let you know when the paperwork is ready. I’m sure they’ll be open to you paying rent and starting with renovations while we wait for the sale to go through.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“I just need you to sign a couple of documents so we can get started on selling your two properties.” Tish sets an envelope down on the worn surface of the counter and pulls all the contracts out.
We fill out all the information about the two houses, and I sign everywhere there’s an X before I say, “If possible, I’d like to include the furniture currently decorating the houses in the sale.”
“I can add it, but what do you want to do if a buyer doesn’t want the furniture?”
“I’ll arrange for some charity to collect it.”
Tish jabs a thumb over her shoulder. “Let’s go take a look at the lake anyway. It’s walking distance.”
We leave the house, and as we trudge through the few inches of snow, Lick runs around, letting out a happy bark every couple of minutes.
“Well, the place has Lick’s stamp of approval,” Tish says. “Just let me know when you would like to bring your wife for a viewing.”
“It’s a surprise for her.”
Tish’s eyebrows dart up. “A three-point-five-million-dollar surprise? Wow. She’s one lucky lady.”
I shake my head as we approach a lining of trees, and I see the smooth surface of the lake through the branches. “I’m the lucky one.”
Or, at least, I was.
We stop to look at the body of half-frozen water, and Tish says, “It’s a beautiful piece of land. I hope you and your wife will find happiness here.”
Me too. But if Kelcie ends things between us, then I hope this farm will bring her all the joy I can’t.
Glancing at Tish, I ask, “Would you mind if I stayed here for an hour or so?”
“Not at all. Take your time and have a good look around.” She turns to head back to where our cars are parked. “I’ll be in touch.”
“Thanks, Tish.”
When she walks away, I shove my hands in my coat pockets and stare at the winter wonderland around me.
I’ve never been the praying kind, but as I stand out in the cold air, I send up a prayer.
