Page 29 of Wynns of Change
Marty strode inside, disappearing from sight. Long moments passed. Finally, he returned. “The coast is clear. This is a cool place. I’ve always wondered what the inside looked like.”
Eryn motioned to her bestie. “I’ve wondered myself. But more importantly, I’m dying to know what Harlow thinks.”
Harlow took a tentative step over the threshold, mentally preparing for disappointment. Her reaction was the exact opposite.
Curved arches opened to the living room, featuring soaring ceilings. A fieldstone fireplace, the heart of the home, beckoned her into the room. “It’s perfect,” She clasped her hands, her eyes shining brightly.
Floor to ceiling sliders led to a spacious backyard. Beyond the living room, a bistro table with padded blue and white striped chairs gave the nook a cozy vibe.
Lottie stepped onto the hearth and strolled to the other end. “Talk about a massive fireplace. This one takes the cake.”
“Party at Harlow’s as soon as she moves in,” Noelle joked.
“Party, bonfire, cookout.” Harlow spun in a slow circle. “I can see it now.”
Beyond the nook, the U-shaped kitchen offered ample counter space. The appliances, although dated, appeared to be in decent condition.
Backtracking, Harlow entered the hall on the other side of the living room. A bedroom, bath, and second bedroom rounded out the main floor layout.
A muffled voice echoed from the other side of the house.
Harlow retraced her steps and found Peyton standing at the top of a circular staircase. “What’s upstairs?”
“I’m about to find out.” She disappeared, reappearing seconds later. “It’s a little hobbit hideaway up here. The view of the lake and lighthouse is awesome.”
“We’re coming up.” Harlow climbed the stairs. One by one, the Mackies followed her to the top. Peyton stood on the other side of the room, excitedly motioning them over to a second set of sliders. “This place has a million dollar view.”
Harlow tugged on the door handle. Nothing happened. “Great. It’s stuck.”
“Let me try.”
Harlow stepped aside, letting Meg have a shot at it. “You’re right,” she grunted. “I don’t think it’s been opened for a very long time.”
Eryn playfully flexed her muscles. “I’ve been working out. Let me see what I can do.” Leveraging her weight and using bothhands, she pulled hard. The door opened, but only about an inch.
“I’ll help.” Using both hands, Lottie grabbed hold of the frame. On the count of three, she and Eryn pulled.
The slider made a popping noise. It flew open so fast Lottie lost her balance and fell on her butt. “Good news. The slider isn’t stuck any longer.”
“Way to go.” Noelle tested it out, sliding it back and forth. “Nothing a little Mackie muscle can’t fix.”
Harlow stepped onto the balcony, her eyes drawn to the lake, the lighthouse and beyond that, the Mighty Mac. “The view takes my breath away,” she breathed, rubbing the sides of her arms. “It’s giving me goosebumps.”
“What a cool place,” Eryn said. “I would snatch it up in a heartbeat if I had the money.”
Harlow snapped a picture. Tucking her phone back inside her pocket, she unfolded the flyer she’d found on the kitchen counter. “The property includes two acres of land. Two acres is plenty of room for me to tromp around, maybe even plant a vegetable garden in the spring.”
“I don’t want to be Debbie Downer,” Lottie said. “But this place needs a lot of work.”
It was true. Although the house wasn’t trashed, it was definitely a “maintenance deferred” property, meaning it needed extensive renovations. Although Harlow didn’t have “champagne taste,” she was looking for a solid, secure home, one that wouldn’t need a lot of upkeep. Her travel schedule and being away for weeks, sometimes months at a time meant she needed a home that was as maintenance free as possible.
“After seeing it for myself, I think it’s priced right,” Noelle said. “How long has it been on the market?”
“Only for a couple of days,” Abby said. “Could you see yourself living here?”
“I…” Lighthouse Lane spoke to Harlow’s heart. As soon as she’d stepped across the threshold, she felt it calling to her. The fairytale cottage was what she envisioned her home to be…cozy, comforting, warm…a home a family could live in. A home Harlow could look forward to coming back to when she needed to rest and recharge.
“Did you notice the bathroom?” Abby asked.
