Page 7 of More Than A Fixer-Upper (Hope Runs Deep #13)
Rosalie
Winnie not speaking to me last night hurts my heart, but I don’t let it ruin our first night in this new home.
She’s trying to make it up to Drew for what she said, and I’m not sure if she meant it or was just frustrated that I snapped so hard.
This is a new beginning for all of us but it’s also the start of me finding out who I am.
That part of the journey, I need to begin on my own.
She could’ve talked to me about the room if she wanted it.
Rosa’s car sits in the garage, barely touched. A nurse used to drive her to appointments, but Rosa herself never drove it. It has less than five thousand miles, which is a blessing our old car barely survives the Texas heat. I have no idea how Wyoming winters will treat it.
Gerald says Keaton Construction is coming by this afternoon. I plan to finish up at the school before noon so I can meet them and start looking over the bed and breakfast.
“Thank you so much,” I say, shaking hands with the secretary and guidance counselor.
“We’re looking forward to having Winnie and Drew in our school,” the older woman smiles.
“In your packets, you’ll find their schedules, a school map, and information about clubs, sports, and activities.
We’re a small town, and we do things a little differently than big cities.
Many festivals are mandatory they count toward the community service requirement for senior projects, and they’re a great way to give back. ”
“That sounds like fun. In Texas, we had things like Founder’s Day, but nothing like what you’re describing. We always had to go into the big city for anything exciting.” I smile as she hands me two packets and tells me this is my homework I need to get it back to her soon.
The kids and I leave the school, flipping through the papers. Winnie sits up front, Drew’s in the back.
“What did you guys think?” I ask, trying to keep my tone light.
“Some of the afterschool programs look cool. They even offer trade classes, so I could figure out what I want to be when I grow up,” Drew says, smiling.
“I think the mandatory festivals are stupid. Why do we have to help a town we don’t even know if we like?” Winnie mutters, stuffing her papers in with mine.
“It’s a good way to find out if we like the town and its people,” Drew shrugs. He’s already reading through my paperwork. He’ll tell me if something doesn’t sit right.
We pull into the driveway, and my heart beats faster. Instead of turning left toward the cottage, I head to the main bed and breakfast. I want to walk into this new life. I shut off the car and step out. The kids follow.
“If you want to head to the cottage, go ahead. I want to look around, make a list, and start cleaning. It’s August I’d love to be open by Thanksgiving.”
“Cleaning doesn’t sound fun, but I’m here to help, Mom,” Drew says. I chuckle. Winnie stays glued to her phone.
I unlock the door and walk in. The air smells musky. I don’t know how long it’s been closed up.
“I’m opening the windows to air it out,” I say, needing to do something. Drew goes looking for light switches. I cough as I push open the curtains dust flies everywhere. The windows look relatively new, so at least they won’t need replacing.
I turn to face the room, hand pressed to my heart. Drop cloths cover the furniture, and everything is coated in dust.
“I had to go to the kitchen to find the breaker. They shut off everything except the furnace and hot water tank,” Drew says.
“We need to make sure the pipes didn’t burst,” he adds, tapping something into his phone. “The appliances look new, but I don’t know much about them.”
“I don’t either. Mr. Marks might know when the upgrades were done.” I dig around for a pen in my pocket, but Drew laughs and shows me his phone he’s already started a list.
To-do List:
Check the pipes
Ask Mr. Marks about appliance purchases
Get cleaning supplies
Ask Mr. Marks about upgrades
“What else should I add?” he asks.
“I don’t know,” I say, eyes stinging as the overwhelm creeps in. I sigh. “Let’s start at the desk and work through the first floor, then the other four.” Drew nods and reworks the list to include each floor and room. I smile at him.
“We need a separate list for cleaning supplies too.” He types again.
“Thanks for helping,” I say. His smile lights up his whole face. I’d be lost without my kids.
The door opens. Winnie walks in with Mr. Marks behind her.
“Did you get them enrolled?” he asks, walking over.
“Yes, we did. Linda was lovely,” I say.
“Was everything good last night?” he asks.
“Yes. The pink walled room that was my mother’s, wasn’t it?” I ask.
He nods. “I thought so, but I wanted to be sure. I’m looking forward to getting to know her.” I catch Winnie watching us from the corner of her eye.
“Rosa never touched that room,” Mr. Marks says softly. “She let the cleaner dust it, but it’s remained the same since the day LeeAnn left. Rosa would open the door on her birthday and send her a wish.”
His smile is sad. I nod, trying not to cry.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Winnie says, clasping my hand. I kiss the top of her head and thank her.
The four of us stand there, talking about the bed and breakfast, surrounded by dust and memories and the promise of something new.