Page 46 of Wynns of Change
“I’m waiting for my ride to show up and will swing by in a few.” Harlow ended the call at the same time her ride arrived. She set her bag in the back and gave the driver Caleb’s address.
Tink.Harlow’s phone chimed again. This time, it was a message from her bank. After the shenanigans Robert had pulled, paying for Jillian’s rent without her approval, she’d spoken with the bank’s manager and set up automated notifications of any transactions over a specific dollar amount.
The new text was confirmation that a large sum of money had been deposited in their business bank account. She clicked on the link and opened the tab. The money forA City of Glasshad been deposited. Although Harlow was accustomed to big payouts, all those zeroes still took her breath away.
This money meant much more than a paycheck. It would allow the couple to divide their assets and still leave each of them with a sizeable chunk of change. If they sold the properties at close to the listing price, the sales would put even more cash intheir pockets. In other words, Harlow would be set financially for a very long time.
She clicked away and tracked down the listing for Lighthouse Lane, relieved to discover it was still available, which meant she was one step closer to purchasing the property.
Harlow needed to be ready to pull the trigger, to make her offer as attractive as possible. On the flip side, the property needed work. Her father was much more knowledgeable about repairs and would be able to give her a realistic estimate of what needed to be done.
She sent him a quick text, letting him know she had landed and was running an errand.
“We’re here.” The driver, an islander her father knew on a first name basis, helped her down. “I’m driving right past Wynn Harbor Inn. Would you like me to drop your suitcase off inside the gate?”
“That’s so sweet of you to offer.” Harlow hesitated.
“I don’t mind.”
“That would be great.” She thanked him and handed him a generous tip before making her way down the narrow walkway. Caleb’s house was quintessential Mackinac Island. Clapboard siding, wraparound porch. An American flag hung from the porch post.
She climbed the steps and rang the doorbell. A muffledthunkechoed from within. The door flew open, and Caleb appeared, not in uniform but casual attire. Jeans and a button-down shirt with the top button undone.
He’d gotten a haircut since she’d last seen him. His wavy brown hair framed his face and curled in ringlets around thenape of his neck. Harlow had always loved Caleb’s hair. So soft, unlike his voice and mannerisms, strong and confident.
She clenched her jaw, forcing the thoughts about how he looked from her head and pasted a smile on her face. “Hey, Caleb.”
“Hey, Harlow.” He held the door wider. “Come on in.”
“Thanks.” She stepped across the threshold. The aroma of garlic mingled with grilled meat wafted in the air, reminding her she had skipped the airplane’s meager meal offering, deciding to save her appetite for tastier dishes she deemed more calorie-worthy. “It smells good in here.”
“I grilled an extra burger. Would you like one?”
“I didn’t mean to hint around.” Harlow patted her stomach. “I appreciate the offer, but I think I’ll pass. You’re not working today?”
“I’m attending an afternoon off-site meeting, so I’m allowed to wear what I want.” He led her into the dining room and to an open laptop on the table.
Harlow noticed several deer mounts, along with a bear mount hanging on the walls. She’d forgotten how much Caleb loved hunting and fishing.
“I spoke to Jim Cook, the regional fire investigator.” Caleb handed her a sheet of paper. “I figured you might like to take a look at his credentials.”
Harlow studied the sheet, filled with terms and descriptions she couldn’t make heads or tails of. “I don’t understand the technical terms, but if you believe he would be a good fit for what we need, I trust your judgment.”
“He’s one of the best in his field, but he’s not cheap.”
“I understand, and I’m not looking for cheap. I’m looking for someone who knows his stuff and can help us.”
“Do you want me to go ahead and schedule an initial visit?” Caleb threw out a consultation fee, which sounded reasonable to Harlow.
“Yes. Please.”
“You got it.” He reached for his mouse, his brows knitting as he focused on the task at hand.
Harlow remembered the expression so well and it made her heart pitter patter. She looked away, focusing on something other than Caleb’s closeness.
“Done. If you’re flexible, I think he’ll be able to swing by here fairly quickly.”
“Thank you, Caleb. I owe you one.”
