Page 11 of More Than A Fixer-Upper (Hope Runs Deep #13)

Rosalie

Deep cleaning one room takes me about one audiobook. They usually run six hours, so I’m making serious progress on my Tbr list. I’m halfway through a mystery when someone taps my shoulder and I scream.

My hand flies to my chest. “Jesus fucking Christ,” I gasp, yanking out my earbuds.

“Sorry,” Chase says, hands in his pockets. “I called your name a couple times. Didn’t see the earbuds.”

I plaster on a smile, trying to slow my heartbeat. “Cleaning while listening to books it’s the only way I get any reading done. Do you need something?”

He waves his phone at me. I squint at it. “Are you asking for my number? Why are you waving your phone around like that?”

Chase scowls and lets out a grunt. I bite my lip, unsure what’s going through his head.

“I’ve got a bid ready for you. Plus a list of repairs. Gerald and I need to go over it with you.”

“Oh, sure!” My voice comes out bright and cheerful, but my stomach flips. “Where’s Gerald?”

“He’s downstairs at the main desk. He sent the girls outside or back to the house. Drew’s waiting with him he wants to be part of this from beginning to end. If that’s okay with you, of course.”

“Is Drew interested in helping you?” I ask as we head toward the stairs.

“He’s smart. Knows what he’s talking about when it comes to repairs. I only added six things to his list. I mentioned he could help out until school starts make a little money. If you’re okay with it.”

“I’ll think about it. Drew needs to ask me, not you,” I say firmly.

We reach the lobby. Drew stands and offers me his seat. I smile and thank him.

“All right, hit me with the damage.” I tap the desk with a goofy rhythm. Chase scowls again.

He walks me through the roof, siding, porch, tree roots, hot water tank, and central air. I bite my lip and glance at Gerald.

“There’s enough money to cover all the repairs,” Gerald says, pulling out folders. One has the bed and breakfast name, another has mine and Rosa’s. Then I spot one labeled LeeAnn .

“What’s that?” I ask, pointing.

“That’s something we’ll discuss privately after this meeting,” Gerald says gently.

He opens the Lavender and Rose folder and shows me the total. My eyes bug out. “This is just for repairs,” he says. “There’s a separate budget for remodels.”

I fan myself. The combined total is over three million dollars. It’s more than Gerald told me back in Texas. He must’ve known but why keep it quiet?

There’s also a budget for bills for both the house and the bed and breakfast. Tears spill before I can stop them. Gerald pulls me into a hug.

“Cry it out,” he whispers.

I hear doors close behind us, but I don’t care. I cry until I can’t anymore. Gerald hands me a handkerchief. I clean up and excuse myself to the bathroom. Cold water helps. I breathe in, breathe out, and steady my heart.

When I return, Gerald’s on the phone, talking about a case he’s taking to court next week. I sit back down and go over the figures again. My grandparents took care of me even before they knew I existed. I want to see that LeeAnn folder more than anything.

Gerald ends his call and returns to his seat.

“Sorry about that. The court waits for no man,” he jokes. “The folder contains the life insurance policy and trust your great grandmother set up for LeeAnn. It all goes to you.”

He slides it over. “Take a look. You don’t have to work if you don’t want to.”

“I’ve always worked. I don’t know how to stop,” I laugh. “Once Chase and his crew start, I doubt I’ll be able to clean while they’re doing their thing. I could substitute teach fill in when they need someone.”

“If you need help with anything related to your teaching certificate, let me know. I need to get back to the office.” We both stand. He tells me the files are mine to keep.

Outside, Chase and Seth are talking to Drew about the porch. Drew’s pitching an idea maybe adding a barn for trail rides.

“When can you get started?” I ask.

“We’re finishing one project in a few days and starting another tomorrow. Could be a week or two before we begin here. Is that okay?”

“That’s perfect. Gives me time to clean the rooms. I plan to clear out most of the furniture and start fresh.”

“I’ll get you some dumpsters,” Seth says, jotting it down in Hailey’s notebook. “Here’s the rep you want to talk to at the hardware store. She knows her stuff and can mix any color.”

“Thank you!” I smile. The girls come running toward us, laughing. I’m glad Winnie found a friend.

“All right, Hails, we need to go. Your mom’s home,” Seth says, pulling her into a side hug.

“Don’t forget to text me,” Hailey tells Winnie.

Everyone heads out.

This wasn’t such a bad idea… right?