Page 28 of Wynns of Change
Eryn snapped her fingers. “You know which one Noelle is talking about. We’ve biked by the place tons of times. You used to say one day you wanted to live there because you thought it was a cool place.”
Harlow’s eyes lit. “I remember now. The house sat back from the road. The lighthouse is across the street.”
“That’s the place.”
“It needs some work. I don’t think they listed it at a bargain-basement price,” Meg warned. “I don’t know what your budget is, but something tells me it would be a pricey investment.”
“Here’s the listing.” Peyton handed Harlow her phone.
She stared at the picture of the home, and a tingle ran down her spine. Lighthouse Point was everything Harlow envisioned during those stressful, long hours in Vancouver, the mental images she visualized when she “zoned out” and returned to Mackinac, her mental escape. This…this was the place. “I would like to see it.”
“Now?” Eryn asked.
“I mean…maybe soon.”
“Hold that thought.” Abby hurried out of the room. She returned moments later, triumphantly waving her phone in the air. “Lighthouse Lane is vacant. The owner has given permission, allowing certain local business owners access to view the property without the listing agent being present, which means I have the code to get in.”
“I love looking at properties.” Lottie untied her apron and set it on the counter. “Do you want to go now?”
“I’m friends with the listing agent. Not only is the property vacant, but the power is on.”
In that very moment, an overwhelming sense of teetering on the brink of a major life change washed over Harlow. Perhaps God was lining up her future, putting the pieces in place to bring her full circle, back to where she belonged. “Yes. I would very much like to see it.”
Chapter 13
It didn’t take long to summon Marty, the Mackie’s designated driver. As soon as he arrived, the friends climbed into his wagon. Confirming everyone was on board, they set off, looping around the west side of Lake Huron.
Harlow craned her neck, eager for her first glimpse of the cottage. Finally, the silhouette appeared on the horizon, and the excitement she’d felt earlier came rushing back.
Reaching the driveway, Marty guided his team of horses down the rutted single lane path. The wagon jostled, hitting every bump and dip in the gravel driveway.
Lottie gritted her teeth. “I can already see one plus to this place.”
“What?” Harlow giggled, her head bobbing right and left, swaying along with the wagon.
“Sorry, Mackies.” Marty slowed to a crawl. “The driveway is in rough shape.”
“It’s okay,” Abby said. “Actually, it’s kind of fun.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Meg said. “Like an old-fashioned wagon ride.”
“All we need is some hay,” Eryn joked.
“I have a fresh bale in the storage box.”
Lottie clapped her hands. “I’ve never been on a hayride.”
“Let’s wait until we’re on our way back,” Noelle said. “We’re almost there.”
As they drew closer, Harlow noticed the whimsical stone cottage offered hints of modern features and sharp lines. Her eyes were drawn to a soft glow beaming out through the triangular windows. “The lights are on.”
“The agent told me they left one light on seeing how the place is vacant,” Abby said.
Marty, always the gentleman, was on hand to help the women climb down from the wagon. “I’ll go in first, to make sure it’s safe.”
The Mackies trailed behind, walking single file along the flagstone walkway to a side entrance, and gathered near the door. Tracking down the instructions her friend had sent her, Abby entered the lock’s code.
“Easy breezy.” She eased the door open and stepped out of the way.
