Intoxicated By You

“You have thirty days to pay it in full or you’ll be in default. At that point, the new lender would take ownership and can use the collateral against the property for the principal still owed if they aren’t able to sell this property within a reasonable amount of time. I’m so sorry, Alexa. I tried to get you more time. I just don’t get it. I’ve never had this happen before.”

It still stunned me that someone had called in my loan, even if Hollis was about to pay it off. The whole situation rubbed me the wrong way. And from Morgan’s scrunched eyebrows, I doubted it made much sense to her either. “Who bought my loan?”

“I’m not at liberty to say anything. It’s why I called the other day.”

I felt like I’d been sucker-punched. Who would do that?

Hollis got my attention and inclined his head toward Morgan.

“Oh, yes. Umm… Hollis is going to buy the place. He’ll be paying the loan in full.”

Morgan was at a loss for words for a second. “You’re going to pay off the loan?”

In Skagway, it wasn’t often someone had that much cash on hand. The Fosters might have. Raquel most likely would.

“Yes, I can have my bank wire the funds today. I’ll need your ABA number and the payoff amount as well as any title change fees. Alexa’s collateral won’t be an issue.”

Morgan smiled, apparently still shocked as she smoothed her hair. “I’m so glad this will work out. I know how much the property that your dad left you means to you. I remember you guys did a lot of work on his cabin.”

Hollis’s eyes grew wide, and he mouthed the words See? Cabin. I laughed.

“Yes, it does. Thanks, Morgan.”

While Hollis got the details for wiring the money, my thoughts wandered to why my loan had been called in. It felt dirty, especially on the heels of the letter.

“You good with that, Alexa?” Hollis asked.

“Huh?”

“It’ll be easier to pay off the loan, then title the deed over to me.”

“Perfect.”

The final details were arranged. Before Morgan left, she asked to use the restroom, and I showed her the way. On her way out of the bathroom, she commented, “This is such a wonderful thing you’re doing for Skagway. The clinic is looking amazing.”

“Thank you. Hollis is a wonderful doctor. We’re very lucky to have him.” As we made our way to the front door, I remembered what Drake and I had talked about this morning. “Hey, Morgan, I have a favor to ask.”

“Of course.”

“Would you mind seeing if the bank has a history of offers for my land?”

She tipped her head to the side for a moment before nodding. “Yes, we keep all those. Would you like a copy? It’s not my department, but I can get them for you.”

“If you don’t mind. You can email them to me.”

At the door, she paused. “Are you thinking about selling?”

“No, not at all. Just curious.”

On the front porch, Morgan picked up the folder of papers she’d left. “Welcome back, Alexa. Thank you for coming to our town, Dr. Fritz.”

We said goodbye, and Morgan left. When I looked at the time, I realized that somehow, another hour had passed since I’d arrived. Part of me was just drained. But almost everything at the clinic was done, and now we waited until the equipment arrived.

Hollis took a call while I walked inside. It looked like a whole new place. The floors had been sanded and stained. The walls were a delicate light gray. New fixtures had been ordered, but the current brass ones would do until those arrived. The office furniture would arrive the day after the equipment. I ran my hands along the chair rail in the reception area. Soon this would be a place of healing… a place of hope. I was filled with pride at how much we’d accomplished.

I walked back outside as Hollis was ending his call.

“Why would someone call in your loan?” Hollis asked, bringing my concerns to the surface. It felt too coincidental.