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“I’d need your help authenticating the chapel’s age. You know all of those details.”
Mabel’s face lit up as she set aside her tea. “I can do better than that. I have all sorts of records and photos. My father believed in keeping everything just like my grandfather. And when I inherited everything, I just couldn’t bring myself to part with any of it. And now, well, you’re welcome to all of it.”
Excitement welled up with her. “Does this mean you’ll sell me the chapel?”
The light in Mabel’s eyes dimmed. “I don’t know. I hate talking money. My husband used to deal with these kinds of things.”
“It’s okay. I understand.” Her father used to like to deal with all of the family’s financial dealings, but that never worked for Clara. Perhaps that was the first crack in their relationship.
“Oh, you are so kind.” Mabel reached out and patted the back of Clara’s hand. “But I know you have a good head for business. I wish I could have been more like you when I was younger.” She sighed. “But all of those opportunities have passed me by. Now I just wander around this house remembering how things used to be. That is until it’s sold.”
“You’re selling the house too?”
A sea of sadness shone in Mabel’s eyes. “The offers I’ve received say they’ll need the entire property.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.” Sympathy welled up in her. She could now see the level of turmoil her friend had kept hidden behind her too-cheery front.
No matter how much she loved the little chapel, she couldn’t add to her friend’s troubles. She would find another way to make her wedding business stand out.
“I should be going. I promised Brooke I wouldn’t leave her managing the office by herself for long.”
“Of course. But weren’t you going to make an offer for the chapel? I can pass it along to my real estate agent.”
“I don’t want to bother you with it—”
“Nonsense. I insist.”
Clara reached into her oversized purse for the envelope. She’d written out her offer, including her plans to register the chapel with the historical society.
She handed over the envelope. “It’s my best offer, but it’s only for the chapel. I didn’t know you wanted to sell the house too. Not that I could afford it.”
Mabel clutched the envelope. “Don’t worry. I’m considering all offers.”
Clara gave a little wave as she walked away. She told herself not to get excited, because she knew without a doubt that she would be out bid by a large margin.
And she couldn’t even get upset with Mabel if she didn’t choose her offer. If the roles were reversed, Clara knew she’d go with the bigger offer. Who wouldn’t?
Still, she should feel good that she’d put herself out there and made her best offer. After all, her grandmother used to say: nothing ventured, nothing gained.
But could she say the same thing about Andrew? She’d been holding him at arm’s length. Should she take a chance with him? Could she risk her heart again?
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
He’dkepthisword.
He was fighting for her.
Saturday, pink roses had been delivered to her apartment. She’d found them when she’d returned home after overseeing Tula’s small bridal shower, which had gone off with only a few minor hiccups. The card had read:Please give me another chance. Andrew.
On Monday afternoon, a bouquet of pink Gerbera daisies had been delivered to the office. The card had almost been her undoing:We were good together. We can be again.
Instead of reaching for the phone to call him, she kept herself busy answering phone calls and doing paperwork. When she made a decision about them—about their future—she wanted to be one hundred percent certain it was for the right reasons and not a romantic notion spurred on by his sweet gestures.
Early Tuesday morning, Clara leaned back in her office chair, ignoring the creak it made. She shook her head. No other man had ever showered her with flowers.
Just moments ago, the latest floral arrangement had been delivered. It was a vase of beautiful pink tulips. Andrew had attached another note:We need to talk.
He was right. But what would she say? Over the last couple of days with her bid for the chapel now submitted and the bridal shower complete, she’d slowed down long enough to think more clearly. The truth was she still loved Andrew—she’d never stopped. She’d never felt something so strong for anyone. Maybe they’d both grown enough to give them a real shot at making a relationship work this time around. Maybe after all of this, they could still have their happily-ever-after.
