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“Dad is going to loan me the money. He offered to buy us a house as a wedding gift, but I don’t want to do that. I’d want to pay him back.”
“Of course.” She nodded. “But how kind of him. Your dad is a good man, and you’re just like him. So what’s our next step?”
He paused before answering. Did he want it even if she did? The amount of work was monumental. “You really want to tackle this monstrosity?”
She walked through the tired entry to the living room and gestured to the large windows. The tumultuous waves of Lake Superior were on full display. “Look at that view. How could we say no? And that fireplace. I know someone painted it, but imagine it in its glory. Think of us on a snowy February day with the flames casting shadows on the wall while we playCandy Land. And that hill outside. I can hear Kylie laughing as the two of you go down it on a toboggan.”
He could see it all as she laid it out. So vividly he could almost smell the smoke from the blazing fire. “At least the structure is sound. Well, except for the bathroom underlayment. Okay, we’ll do it. I’d do just about anything for you, you know.”
“I think you’re about to prove it.” She tipped her head. “How much?”
“Eighty thousand.”
“You’ve got to be kidding! For this beautiful place?”
He dropped a kiss on her nose. “Most people can’t see past the seventies cabinets, and it’s not like this area has soaring home values.”
“But that butler’s pantry is to die for! I guess I should mention I want to knock out a wall in the kitchen too.” Her blue eyes went soft. “You’re going to be Kylie’s hero. She’s loved this house all her life. The Daltons let us sled on the hill, and Mrs.Dalton would bring us blueberry muffins fresh from the oven. Kylie always said she wished she could live here. It will be a wonderful surprise for her.”
The thought of Kylie’s excitement added to his determination to make this their home. He took Annie’s hand, and they walked out onto the wraparound porch. The rain had stopped again for now. Even though the ceiling and the porch floor needed to be painted, in his mind’s eye he saw the swing set he would build and the children romping in the yard. He saw himself with Annie snuggled together on a porch swing. The landscape could be beautiful again. It would take a lot of work, and it didn’t have to be done all at once. It would take years, but they’d enjoy doing it together.
He exhaled and hugged her. “I’ll let the Daltons’ executor know we want it. And I’ll tell Dad.”
After a few long seconds, she stirred against his chest. “How long before it’s ours?”
He pulled away and caught her gaze. “Probably two or three weeks, so I can’t carry you across this threshold after the wedding.” But he wished he could carry her into a completely redone house.
“That soon? I can’t wait! We can work on it while we live in my place.”
He couldn’t wait to get out of the home she’d shared with Nate though. “Speaking of the wedding, what about a honeymoon?” He held up his hand when she frowned. “I know, I know. You’re in the middle of a big investigation. But we should go somewhere just that night and plan something bigger down the road. Do you have a preference?”
She smiled and shook her head. “I’ll leave that up to you.” She poked him in the ribs. “But don’t think you’re getting out of carrying me over this entry too. You’re a big, strong guy.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“We’d better get going. I’m meeting Anu to sign papers on the cabin she’s buying from me.”
He went with her toward her truck. What about the lighthouse bed-and-breakfast in Ahmeek? Sand Hills Lighthouse, a little north of Houghton, had been turned into a B and B. It would only be about an hour drive, so they wouldn’t be far from home, but it would be far enough to have her all to himself for those few hours.
He’d call this afternoon and book it. Everything was falling into place.
***
When Annie entered Rock Harbor, she parked outside attorney Ursula Sawyer’s office. She’d dropped Jon at the Blue Bonnet, and they’d reconnect at dinner. She spied Ursula and Anu already in the office just past the waiting room. Ursula motioned for Annie to join them. Annie touched Anu on the shoulder as she moved to take a seat past the older woman.
Anu seemed her usual imperturbable self with her sleek bob of silver-blonde hair and her impeccable pants and top. Annie could only admire the way she was always put together.
“Exciting day,” Annie said.
Anu’s blue eyes were serene. “I’m so thankful for you, dear Annie. My contractor will begin the remodel on Monday.”
Annie had endured a pang or two of regret over selling the cabin, but Anu’s obvious excitement soothed that pain. “I can’t wait to see what you do with it.”
Signing the papers and the money transfer were quick processes even with Ursula explaining every clause. In her fifties, the attorney had never married, and she and Anu were longtime friends. Anu followed everything she said without question, and Annie did the same even though the legalese was over her head.
When it was done, Annie leaned back in her chair. “How about a banana split to celebrate?”
“I can come along, but I have cut out sugar to help with my cancer fight,” Anu said.
