Page 103 of When We Were Us
Ok, not the reaction I was expecting. But that clears that up.
“Carry on then,” I say.
She nods. “I’ve actually been talking to Hudson about doing something like this for a while now. We’ve been looking in other towns but haven’t had much luck. His bar is doing really well, and he’s been looking for new ways to invest. And Hutch said if we found a place, he could help withthe remodel.” She twists her hands again.
“Remodel for what, exactly?”
She nods and continues. “I’ve always loved that house and I think it would make the most beautiful bed-and-breakfast. Sunrise B&B is long gone, and nothing ever replaced it. Your grandparents’ place has always felt so homey and comforting to me. And there isn’t really anything like that around here anymore. Everything’s all rustic cabins and hunting trophies. That or squatty seventies motels.”
She bites into her bottom lip and raises her shoulder in a half shrug. “This would be like a home away from home for people who want a more small-town experience when they come in from horseback riding or skiing in the winter.”
“Wow,” I say with raised eyebrows. I hadn’t expected that, but I don’t hate the idea. Of course, if I stay, do I really need to sell the house so soon? It was way too big for just one person, but I wouldn’t have to rush if my life was here in Timber Forge.
Seemingly encouraged by my response, she goes on. “I would want to keep as much of the original character as possible, but I thought maybe with a bit of revamping, it could be really great. I thought the den could be kind of like a caretaker’s quarters for me, and then with the other four bedrooms and the big dining room, it could be kind of perfect.”
“Sounds like you’ve really thought about this.”
She comes back around the counter, setting down the box of donuts next to me.
“And, obviously, there’s no rush. I just want you to think about it. I really think it could be something I could build that’s all me, you know? After Jeff, I just feel a little lost.”
“And you think this will help? You think you would enjoy it?”
“I do.” She nods and her expression is hopeful. “Will you think about it?”
“Of course, I will, yes,” I say and then rock back with anoofas she throws herself at me for a hug.
There is no one I would rather have in my childhood home than Finnley. And I actually can picture what she’s saying. The charm of it, the backyard acreage, the pond, and the garden. I’m sure no one has planted vegetables in years, but with some work, I’m sure it would produce well again.
The large dining room would be big enough and the living room has great light. It’s not huge, but it’s warm and inviting and would be a perfect place for guests to hang out. All it would need is some comfortable couches, and with the fire on cold, winter nights, it would be cozy.
The master already has an ensuite, and two more share a Jack-and-Jill bath. She would most likely need to add a third for the final bedroom upstairs, which is currently my room, but I could see it being doable. The kitchen would need updating, and it’s not huge either, but there’s space to put in a double oven and a bigger fridge.
“So, you’re not mad?” she asks.
I shake my head and laugh. “Absolutely not. Why would I be mad?”
But as soon as the words are out of my mouth, I realize it does make me sort of sad. Thinking about Finn making plans to turn my childhood home into something of her own makes me think about my own business. It all feels tainted, and I hate it. The only time I’ve felt that rush of excitement about veterinary medicine lately was when I performed Apollo’s surgery. Hell, I got more of a thrill out of helping Hank fix up that cow than I ever did stepping foot on a racehorse ranch.
“I don’t know. I just wasn’t sure you’d like the idea of someone turning it into a place of business.”
I give her hand a squeeze. “I think it’s actually a really good idea.”
“Ok.” She squeezes back. “But I don’t want to rush you. And I also don’t want to sway any decision you want to make about the house either.”
It’s my turn to smile because I can totally see Finn making it work. She has the vision and the desire, and the house could be perfect for it with a little revamping. If she can see a way to turn it into something that lives on for years to come and makes her happy, I would rather her have it than anyone else.
“It’s too big for one person and your idea really is amazing, Finn.”
“So, you’re really thinking about staying?” she asks again, her hands clasping one of mine.
“Yes.” I return her smile. “I’m really thinking about it,” I say.
And when she throws her arms around me, I can’t help but laugh.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
wrenley
