Page 11 of Chasing Sunsets

Margie nudges me with her elbow. “So? You gonna make an offer, or do I have to drag another clueless out-of-towner through here?”

I let out a laugh as I turn back toward the house. “It would need some work to make it what I want, and I’m not afraidof that, but I know it’s a heritage cottage, so there will be restrictions. I’m not sure I want to engage in that battle.”

The traditional Cape Cod–style home is an important part of the region’s cultural heritage and holds significance due to its connection to the community’s history and stories. Most of the homes on this side of the island are classified as heritage homes, unlike those on the ocean side. Last week, I toured three other houses within my price range before contacting Margie to see this one, and it’s by far my favorite—mainly because of the stunning view. Add in the fact that it has an existing dock and boathouse, and it’s damn near perfect.

“That’s true. The Sandcastle Cove Heritage Society, a local organization, protects the historical integrity of homes on their registry. However, don’t let that scare you. They mainly aim to preserve the historic character of these houses, so they may require special considerations for any renovations, but as long as you’re not demolishing the structure down to the foundation and replacing it with a contemporary home, they’ll be quite reasonable.

“For any additions, they generally prefer that they are either detached from the main house or positioned at the back of the property. They understand your rights as a property owner and are supportive of efforts to bring the house up to modern codes, making it as comfortable and cozy as you’d like. Just be considerate and use common sense, and you should be fine,” Margie explains.

“Let me think about it,” I say.

“Uh-huh. That means yes.”

“It means maybe,” I insist.

She grins, triumphant. “Well, I have a few more properties to show you but I’ll go ahead and keep the paperwork for this one ready anyway. Just in case.

I shake my head, but as I look back at the house—the way it sits there, strong and steady against the water—I already know.

This is it.

I’m home.

Anson

When I return to the dock after my lunch meeting with Margie, Sebby and Sebastian are sitting aboard one of the boats with Sabel, enjoying a couple of sandwiches.

“Anson, are you hungry?” Sabel asks as I climb the steps and join them.

“I could eat.”

She reaches into a basket at her feet, pulls out a paper-wrapped sandwich and a Ziploc bag of chips, and hands them to me.

“Thank you,” I say as I unwrap the paper to find her homemade chicken salad between two slices of freshly baked sourdough. “My favorite.”

She smiles, delighted at my comment, as I take a huge bite. “Where did you run off to so fast?” she asks.

I swallow the bite and reach into the cooler for a bottle of water as I answer, “I met Margie Denton to look at a house in your neck of the woods.”

Sebby and Sabel live in a cul-de-sac across from Sebastian and Avie, located on the western tip of the island along theIntracoastal Waterway. Their home is relatively new, but the cottage they sold to their grandson’s family is also listed on the heritage registry.

“I didn’t know you were buying a house,” Sebastian says, and I cut my eyes to him.

“I’m just looking for now. I think I should get my own place so Parker can move Audrey in and they can have some privacy.”

He nods. “Makes sense. You’re welcome to rent my beach house for a while if you want to take your time,” he says.

Sebastian purchased a cabana on the beach before he and Avie got married. He made significant renovations to the old place, but they ultimately decided to raise their daughter in the cottage with the big backyard. So, they turned the cabana into a short-term rental property.

“Thanks, man. I might take you up on it, but I’m still undecided.”

“The offer stands. If you want it, I’ll have Avie remove it from the rental sites.”

We finish our lunch and start preparing for the next charter when Sabel stands up to leave.

“Oh, Anson, could you do me a favor this evening? Sebby and I have dinner plans with Ida Mae, and Sebastian has to pick up Leia after her dance class.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

---