Needing You Close (Ex-Con Duet 2)

I go quiet, not really sure what to say, so I quickly change the subject. “So…only two more on the list.”

“Yep! I kinda get why everyone has warned me away from a fixer-upper. But I’m determined,” she says with a smile, and we turn down a gravel road. The houses are spread far apart, and the lots are acres large. We continue driving until we come up on a large brick house.

“Better get a tractor for this one,” I say, noticing the vastness.

“Geez, you’re right. I didn’t realize this was a whole farm.” She glances around, and I see a wooden barn in the back. I start laughing and can’t seem to stop, and when Katie joins in, we’re like silly teenagers again tickled to death over nothing. A guy in overalls shows us around, and I can tell Katie doesn’t care for the layout. Considering she’s already got enough on her plate with working full-time and raising Owen, I don’t see her adding farmer to her list of things to do in life anytime soon.

“Okay, last one.” She lets out a long sigh once we thank the guy and head out. “I hope this one doesn’t suck, or I’ll be renting for forever.”

“Well, considering it’s down the street from me, it’s already promising,” I try to encourage her. “And as I said, there are a ton of kids Owen’s age in the neighborhood. I see them riding their bikes and fishing in the creek. They seem friendly and always wave when I pass them. Plus, Dad has them decorating a scarecrow for the Harvest Festival or something. And they’ll mow your grass for twenty bucks.”

“That’s awesome!” Her tone is hopeful.

“They’re good kids,” I assure.

It doesn’t take long before we’re slowing in front of the two-story farmhouse. The outside needs some updating but has potential, and it doesn’t look haunted either.

“Ready?” I ask, reaching for the handle, and she nods.

We take the wooden steps that lead to the wraparound porch. The door is open, so we let ourselves inside.

“Hello?” Katie studies the tall ceilings. There’s a formal dining area and a gigantic living room with huge windows that oversee the fenced-in backyard. Some of the floorboards are soft, so those will need to be replaced.

“Just up here,” a woman shouts. Katie and I take the stairs and find the seller. She’s in her mid-fifties with strands of gray mixed in with her jet black hair.

“Hi,” she offers, holding out her hand. “I’m Aurora. Welcome. Feel free to wander around. Also, I’m accepting any and all offers.”

Katie thanks her, and we take our time walking through every room on the top floor. “The closets are huge!” Katie’s voice is a tone higher, and I can tell she likes the place. Not one of the others had her so jazzed.

“There are enough rooms in this house to give Owen a few brothers and sisters,” I say, waggling my eyebrows.

“Artificial insemination is becoming more popular. Otherwise, it might be an immaculate conception.” She shrugs.

We go downstairs and check out the kitchen, which is bigger than my entire cottage. The counter space alone is enough to prepare a feast for twenty on. The walls need painted and flooring redone, along with the appliances and bathroom fixtures being replaced too. But other than that, it seems like a solid house. With some TLC and elbow grease, it would be stunning.

“I really like this place.” Katie looks at me and smiles wide. “It does need a lot of work, though.”

“That’s true, but this might be your forever home, remember? You just have to decide if you love it enough to live here forever. After it’s fixed up, it will be gorgeous,” I admit, seeing why Katie would adore it. “Like something out of a magazine.”

“Yeah, totally!” I can sense the excitement in her tone.

“Sleep on it for a few days. Make sure not to jump into anything you might regret. Meanwhile, do some research on the property,” I suggest, loving how happy she is.

“Yes!” She grabs her phone from her back pocket and snaps a few shots of the downstairs area. Aurora meets us at the edge of the staircase and gives Katie her personal number to call if she has any questions.

“Have you had any offers yet?” Katie bravely asks.

“Not yet! But I don’t think it will last too long. There have been a few people who seemed interested, but we’ll see.” She tucks her hair behind her ears. “Thanks for checking it out.”

“Yeah, it’s a great house,” Katie admits, taking one last look before we go outside. She’s nearly giddy when we drive away. “This one gives me a good vibe.”

“I felt it too!” I say. “Plus, you’d be close to the cottage. It would be fun!”

She agrees. “Wanna do lunch?”

“Sure! I could go for a turkey wrap from the cafe.”