Ellie
Things around here have been rough lately. Pops had another hospital admission. I worry one of these visits will be his last.
I’ve tried to take some time to start downsizing. Yet it’s hard to get motivated, knowing the depressing reason for it. I’ve gathered up things to be donated and taken a few items that have been overly loved to the dump. I’m trying to be stealthy about it. So Pops doesn’t think I’m closing up shop before he’s ready to go.
Grandpa’s decided when it’s time, he’s comfortable spending the remainder of his days in a skilled nursing facility versus at home. I’m sure he knows how hard it’d be for me to watch him die there. He’s always put me first.
Knock. Knock.
That’s odd. We never have visitors. My heart skips a beat, hoping I’ll find Matthew on the other side of the door. “Hello?”
“Hi. I’m Stephanie with Faith Builders. You spoke with one of my colleagues the other day. I hope I’m not intruding.”
I recover from my disappointment and step out onto the porch, so I don’t have to suffer anyone else’s expression when they take in our home. “No intrusion. It’s just me today. My grandpa is in rehab at the moment.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. They explained you weren’t interested in being considered for a home build, given his situation. But something else has come up, and I wanted to speak with you.”
“Oh?” I admit my curiosity is piqued. It hasn’t escaped me that I’ve only received these inquiries from them since Matt came to town. But I know his heart is in the right place. Whether a relationship would work out for us or not, he’s sweet to be so concerned.
“We had a construction crew contribute a used mobile home to our organization. They purchased a larger, updated unit, and we wanted to see if you’d be interested in the one they’ve donated. It’s larger than your current home, and no repairs are needed. Yet there may be additional taxes associated with it as it’s a more expensive unit.”
I grimace. Everything sounded like we hit the lottery until that last sentence. “I’m very interested. I’m just not sure about the taxes.”
“I have a breakdown of what would be required. Nothing would be needed upfront. As you know, there are no state personal property taxes in Florida, only local. And Candy Cane Key is very reasonable compared to other local government rates.”
Stephanie hands me a sheet of paper, and I smile, knowing this is more than doable.
“Yes, yes! We can afford this. Do we have to pay to have the old unit removed?”
“No. That’s all taken care of. We can arrange to have the new unit delivered next week.”
Reaching up, I cup my cheek. I haven’t had anything happen that could make me smile like this since… well, since my date with Matthew. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how grateful we are for your generosity.”
“We’re happy to do it. You and your grandpa were vetted for a new home build before you decided against it. It’s apparent this town thinks a lot of you and your grandfather. We had story after story shared with us about the two of you. How you came to the aid of so many, delivering food from your farm and even taking in a pig so it wouldn’t be put to slaughter. I’m pleased we found an alternate way to repay your kindness to others.”
Her words bring tears to my eyes. Pops and I never thought twice about sharing what we had. Seeing their faces when we delivered the extra food we’d harvested, along with a home-baked pie or a loaf of bread, was all the compensation we needed.
“Well, I’ll leave this packet of paperwork for you to fill out. Just drop it in the mail once you’ve completed it, and someone will be in touch to make the arrangements.”
“Thank you, Stephanie.” I rub the pad of my thumb over the little rock in my pocket. “And please pass on our gratitude to everyone involved.”
“I will. Goodbye.”
Heading back inside with the papers clutched to my chest, I take a look around. Suddenly, I’m more motivated than ever to get this place packed up. I don’t know how long Pops will have once we receive the new place, but I’ll do everything I can to ensure he enjoys every day.
Between this and that prize money, things are really going to turn around for the Albrights!
Chapter 25
Ellie
I can’t believe it. This mobile home is like something out of a showroom. It was delivered only moments ago, and it doesn’t seem real. I had no idea they were including new furniture. There’s a new bed and mattress in the back bedroom for Pops, a brand new couch and dining table in the main living area, and a separate bedroom at the other end of the unit for me. I cried when I opened the door.
I wish I could manage to transfer all of our belongings to the new unit without help. But between work and looking out for Grandpa, I’ll never get things moved in time for them to pick up our current monstrosity on Saturday. God. I didn’t allow myself to realize how unsafe our home had become until this shiny new one arrived. It was probably out of self-protectionism that I saw it through rose-colored glasses.
Reaching for my phone, I look for the number with shaky hands.
“Ellie? Everything okay?” Just hearing the rumble of his deep voice has hearts dancing above my head like a Mickey and Minnie cartoon.
