Page 13 of Wynns of Change (Wynn Harbor Inn #3)

It didn’t take long to summon Marty, the Mackie’s designated driver. As soon as he arrived, the friends climbed into his wagon. Confirming everyone was on board, they set off, looping around the west side of Lake Huron.

Harlow craned her neck, eager for her first glimpse of the cottage. Finally, the silhouette appeared on the horizon, and the excitement she’d felt earlier came rushing back.

Reaching the driveway, Marty guided his team of horses down the rutted single lane path. The wagon jostled, hitting every bump and dip in the gravel driveway.

Lottie gritted her teeth. “I can already see one plus to this place.”

“What?” Harlow giggled, her head bobbing right and left, swaying along with the wagon.

“Sorry, Mackies.” Marty slowed to a crawl. “The driveway is in rough shape.”

“It’s okay,” Abby said. “Actually, it’s kind of fun.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” Meg said. “Like an old-fashioned wagon ride.”

“All we need is some hay,” Eryn joked.

“I have a fresh bale in the storage box.”

Lottie clapped her hands. “I’ve never been on a hayride.”

“Let’s wait until we’re on our way back,” Noelle said. “We’re almost there.”

As they drew closer, Harlow noticed the whimsical stone cottage offered hints of modern features and sharp lines. Her eyes were drawn to a soft glow beaming out through the triangular windows. “The lights are on.”

“The agent told me they left one light on seeing how the place is vacant,” Abby said.

Marty, always the gentleman, was on hand to help the women climb down from the wagon. “I’ll go in first, to make sure it’s safe.”

The Mackies trailed behind, walking single file along the flagstone walkway to a side entrance, and gathered near the door. Tracking down the instructions her friend had sent her, Abby entered the lock’s code.

“Easy breezy.” She eased the door open and stepped out of the way.

Marty strode inside, disappearing from sight. Long moments passed. Finally, he returned. “The coast is clear. This is a cool place. I’ve always wondered what the inside looked like.”

Eryn motioned to her bestie. “I’ve wondered myself. But more importantly, I’m dying to know what Harlow thinks.”

Harlow took a tentative step over the threshold, mentally preparing for disappointment. Her reaction was the exact opposite.

Curved arches opened to the living room, featuring soaring ceilings. A fieldstone fireplace, the heart of the home, beckoned her into the room. “It’s perfect,” She clasped her hands, her eyes shining brightly.

Floor to ceiling sliders led to a spacious backyard. Beyond the living room, a bistro table with padded blue and white striped chairs gave the nook a cozy vibe.

Lottie stepped onto the hearth and strolled to the other end. “Talk about a massive fireplace. This one takes the cake.”

“Party at Harlow’s as soon as she moves in,” Noelle joked.

“Party, bonfire, cookout.” Harlow spun in a slow circle. “I can see it now.”

Beyond the nook, the U-shaped kitchen offered ample counter space. The appliances, although dated, appeared to be in decent condition.

Backtracking, Harlow entered the hall on the other side of the living room. A bedroom, bath, and second bedroom rounded out the main floor layout.

A muffled voice echoed from the other side of the house.

Harlow retraced her steps and found Peyton standing at the top of a circular staircase. “What’s upstairs?”

“I’m about to find out.” She disappeared, reappearing seconds later. “It’s a little hobbit hideaway up here. The view of the lake and lighthouse is awesome.”

“We’re coming up.” Harlow climbed the stairs. One by one, the Mackies followed her to the top. Peyton stood on the other side of the room, excitedly motioning them over to a second set of sliders. “This place has a million dollar view.”

Harlow tugged on the door handle. Nothing happened. “Great. It’s stuck.”

“Let me try.”

Harlow stepped aside, letting Meg have a shot at it. “You’re right,” she grunted. “I don’t think it’s been opened for a very long time.”

Eryn playfully flexed her muscles. “I’ve been working out. Let me see what I can do.” Leveraging her weight and using both hands, she pulled hard. The door opened, but only about an inch.

“I’ll help.” Using both hands, Lottie grabbed hold of the frame. On the count of three, she and Eryn pulled.

The slider made a popping noise. It flew open so fast Lottie lost her balance and fell on her butt. “Good news. The slider isn’t stuck any longer.”

“Way to go.” Noelle tested it out, sliding it back and forth. “Nothing a little Mackie muscle can’t fix.”

Harlow stepped onto the balcony, her eyes drawn to the lake, the lighthouse and beyond that, the Mighty Mac. “The view takes my breath away,” she breathed, rubbing the sides of her arms. “It’s giving me goosebumps.”

“What a cool place,” Eryn said. “I would snatch it up in a heartbeat if I had the money.”

Harlow snapped a picture. Tucking her phone back inside her pocket, she unfolded the flyer she’d found on the kitchen counter. “The property includes two acres of land. Two acres is plenty of room for me to tromp around, maybe even plant a vegetable garden in the spring.”

“I don’t want to be Debbie Downer,” Lottie said. “But this place needs a lot of work.”

It was true. Although the house wasn’t trashed, it was definitely a “maintenance deferred” property, meaning it needed extensive renovations.

Although Harlow didn’t have “champagne taste,” she was looking for a solid, secure home, one that wouldn’t need a lot of upkeep.

Her travel schedule and being away for weeks, sometimes months at a time meant she needed a home that was as maintenance free as possible.

“After seeing it for myself, I think it’s priced right,” Noelle said. “How long has it been on the market?”

“Only for a couple of days,” Abby said. “Could you see yourself living here?”

“I…” Lighthouse Lane spoke to Harlow’s heart.

As soon as she’d stepped across the threshold, she felt it calling to her.

The fairytale cottage was what she envisioned her home to be…

cozy, comforting, warm…a home a family could live in.

A home Harlow could look forward to coming back to when she needed to rest and recharge.

“Did you notice the bathroom?” Abby asked.

“Bathroom?” Harlow returned inside, making her way across the upstairs catwalk. A spacious main bathroom was at the other end, featuring all the creature comforts she would need—a clawfoot tub, walk-in shower and double vanity. Tucked in behind the shower was another door.

Harlow peeked inside. “Whoa.”

Abby eased in next to her. “Whoa is right.”

“What is it?” Eryn bounced on the tips of her toes, struggling to see over Harlow’s shoulder.

“The largest walk-in closet I’ve ever seen.” Harlow flipped the light on and took a tentative step inside the cavernous room. The faint aroma of cedar mingled with moth balls lingered.

Built-in dressers lined one wall. On the opposite side were custom closet rods and adjustable shelves.

“This closet is larger than the one in my Malibu house.”

Lottie ran a light hand along the empty shelf. “Something tells me you could clear out the closets in all three of your properties and still have room left.”

Meg clutched her chest. “You have three houses?”

“Not three houses.” Embarrassed by her friend’s reaction, Harlow tried to downplay it. “One house, an apartment in New York, and a condo in Florida.”

“Still.” Abby let out a low whistle. “I’m sure you could easily afford this place.”

“Robert and I need to sell the properties. It’s a stipulation of our divorce. We’re splitting everything down the middle, all the debts and assets.”

“Dang, girl. You seem so down-to-earth,” Noelle said. “I can’t even imagine living your life.”

“It’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” Harlow said. “Believe me, there are plenty of negatives.”

“I’m sure this is true.” Lottie stepped over to the stairs. “Well, Harlow. What do you think?”

“I love it. Lighthouse Lane is perfect.” Harlow confided she was hesitant to make a rushed decision, without taking the time to figure out how much work the inside actually needed. “Not to mention my lawyer advised me not to make any major purchases until the divorce is a done deal.”

Eryn patted her shoulder. “If it’s still available and you’re still interested when you have the money to spend, it was meant to be.”

“Agreed,” Harlow said.

“Properties don’t sell very fast this time of the year,” Abby said.

“The fact it needs updating will narrow down the number of buyers who might be interested.”

“But the view,” Harlow said wistfully. “I could sit on the balcony up here or patio downstairs and stare at the water, the bridge, the lighthouse for hours.”

“You would be close to your father, yet not right on top of each other,” Lottie said. “There’s a lot to consider.”

“A lot.” Harlow hugged Abby. “Thank you for working your magic and getting me in here to look around.”

“Like Eryn said, if it’s meant to be, it will all work out,” Peyton said. “House hunting has worked up an appetite. Let’s head back to the fudge shop to sample another cookie and maybe a piece of fudge.”