“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.
Chapter Seven
Chase
It’sbeentwodayssince Gerald calls me, and last night he sends a message asking me to meet him at the Lavender and Roses Bed and Breakfast this morning at ten. Rosalie’s ready to talk. I shoot a message to Seth and Hailey she’s still bummed she didn’t get to meet Rosalie and the kids the other day, so I tell her she can come along today.
When I pull into the driveway, Gerald’s already waiting.
“The roof looks like it needs to be replaced,” Hailey says, pushing her way out of the front seat.
“What else?” I ask. Seth smirks, already amused.
“There’s some siding on that side,” she points, “that looks like it should be redone. If I were the contractor, I’d say redo it all. There could be damage under there, especially with how the front roof looks. Also, the porch needs sanding and paint. I don’t know how solid the structure is, so we might need to redo that too.”
I nod. She’s not wrong.
“Windows?” I ask.
“I think they’re fine. Ms. Rosa had them redone in the last five years, if I remember right.”
“Good job. Grab the notebook we’ll check things out while we wait for the new owner.”
“Will we be able to go inside?” Hailey asks, standing next to me.
I shrug. No clue how Rosalie wants to handle this. We walk around the building, commenting on the landscaping, roof, siding, trees, and porch. I try the front door, but it’s locked.
“Trying to get the cops called on you?” Gerald tsks. “Turning my Hailey Bug into a criminal?”
Hailey giggles and runs to hug him.
“Sorry I’m late. Got caught up talking. Rosalie isn’t here yet?” Gerald looks around, frowns, then perks up. “Oh here they come.” He slaps my shoulder and heads toward the three people walking up from the cottage. Hailey and I go over our notes.
“Good morning, everyone!” a chipper voice calls out behind us.
I tense. I’m not built for cheery people. Hailey knows when to dial down her sunshine around me.
“Chase, this is Rosalie Potter and her two children, Winnie and Drew.”
I turn to greet the new owner and swallow hard. Brown hair, warm eyes, and a smile that scrambles my thoughts. She holds out her hand, and I just stare at it. Hailey bumps my arm, snapping me out of it. I take her hand.
“Pleasure to meet you,” I say. She smiles. I frown, it’s a reflex.
Hailey steps forward. “I’m Hailey. Uncle Seth and Uncle Chase let me tag along when my parents are busy.” She turns to Winnie and Drew. “I’m turning thirteen this weekend. We’llbe in the same grade. If you want to come to my party, I can introduce you to my friends.”
Winnie smiles and looks to her mom.
