Seth just grins while I feel like my face is going up in flames from embarrassment.
“Now, tell me why I should sell it to the two of you,” she demands, ushering us into her smaller personal office that’s behind a door in the main office, and gesturing to two seats in front of the cluttered desk.
We sit and Seth starts to speak, but I put a hand on his arm.
“Because we love it here,” I say simply. “Seth came here to heal and get healthy, and I couldn’t imagine anywhere else for us to start our lives together.”
Mrs. Avery looks between us and laughs. “Simple and direct. I like that.” Her eyes narrow. “Will you promise me that you’ll never let the property be developed into condos or a shopping center?”
“I’m willing to put that in writing,” Seth says softly.
A satisfied smile wreaths her face. “Then the property is yours if you want it. $2.8 million, and I'll stay on for three months to help with the transition if you'd like.”
I reach for Mrs. Avery’s outstretched hand, but Seth speaks up.
“We should probably get inspections first. Have the lawyers review everything and do this properly.”
“Yes, yes, all that boring responsible stuff,” Mrs. Avery waves a hand. “But in principle, we have a deal. Now, come on. Let me show you everything. All the quirks and problems you're inheriting along with the beautiful bits.”
We spend the next two hours touring the property with Mrs. Avery, and I can’t help viewing it with new eyes. I’ve never owned a house before in my life, let alone a 2.8 million dollar property!
“The previous owners, who I bought the place from forty years ago, they built this place as a family retreat,” she explains as we walk the lakeshore trail. “Every cabin was designed to feel private, like you're the only ones here. Things have updated over the years, but the magic of this place has remained. People come and they can finally breathe.”
I look at Seth, and he's looking at me. Both of us are obviously thinking the same thing.
“That's exactly what I came here for,” he says quietly. “To learn how to breathe again.”
“And did you?” Mrs. Avery asks, her eyes twinkling.
“I did. Because of Jennifer.”
Mrs. Avery pats my shoulder. “You two are going to do wonderful things with this place. I can feel it.”
That evening, back at the cabin, our cabin now since we’re buying the place, we sit on the deck and watch the sunset.
“I can't believe we're doing this,” I say, leaning against him. “Buying a resort. Becoming business partners.”
“Are you having second thoughts?”
“No. Just... overwhelmed. In a good way.” I tilt my head up to look at him. “Thank you. For the report. For actually changing and for making all this possible.”
“Thank you, Jennifer, for giving me the chance.” He kisses my forehead. “And for knowing I needed to do it alone first.”
“That was the hardest part. Walking away from you.”
“It was the right thing. I needed to prove to myself I could do it, not just to you.” He pulls out his phone. “Want to see something cool?”
He shows me his health app. Blood pressure: 118 over 73.
“Wow,” I breathe.
“Because I'm where I'm supposed to be. With you, planning our future, and doing something that matters.” He puts the phone away and pulls me closer. “My doctor's going to be thrilled at my follow-up appointment tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? I'll come with you.”
“You don't have to-”
I roll my eyes and cut him off. “I want to. I want to hear what he says about your recovery. About the plan going forward.”
