“The look of someone who has found their forever home.”
“You have no idea how sad I was when I found out Lighthouse Lane was already under contract,” Harlow said. “Do you know why the buyer backed out?”
“They claim something has come up, and they’re no longer sure about their future plans,” Allie said.
Harlow immediately thought about Robert and Cheyenne. “Was the buyer Cheyenne Clifton?”
A look of surprise flitted across the real estate agent’s face. “Yes. It was. I guess the CClifton name gave it away. Rumor has it that Asa and Trish, the owners of Clifton Manor, are considering selling. Cheyenne lives in an apartment on the property. It could be that she was trying to find somewhere else to live.”
“I don’t know the Clifton’s finances, but this isn’t a cheap piece of real estate.”
“No, but the location can’t be beat and is well-worth the asking price.”
“I agree.” Harlow ran a light hand over the fieldstone fireplace’s mantle. “It’s also going to be a project.”
“In full disclosure, I represent the seller. You could have considered coming in with a lower offer.”
“And risk them flat out rejecting it?” Harlow shook her head. “I wasn’t willing to take that chance.”
“I know it’s none of my business, but what are your plans?” Allie asked.
“Like I said, it will be a project. I want to keep the charm yet bring it up to modern standards, adding high-end finishes. I’ll also need to add privacy features.”
The agent pressed her hand to her chest. “I’m glad to hear this. It’s always sad when I find out a buyer purchases one of Mackinac Island’s treasures only to tear it down and rebuild it from the ground up, destroying all the character.”
“My goal is to emphasize Lighthouse Lane’s beauty, not get rid of it,” Harlow said. “It will be a labor of love.”
“I can’t wait to see what you do. I would buy it myself if I had the time and money,” Allie confided. “It warms my heart to know this gem will be in good hands.”
Harlow handed her the check. “I’ll need to schedule my inspections to make sure there aren’t any hidden issues. I think the most important point to consider is I have the cash on hand and can close ASAP. I’ll have the proof of funds over to you by the end of the day.”
Allie glanced at the check and tucked it in her pocket. “Cash is king and will eliminate several hurdles.” Her cell phone chimed. “I hate to cut our meeting short, but I have another scheduled appointment.”
“I understand.” Harlow reluctantly followed her to the door.
The agent slipped her boots on. “You can hang around if you want.”
Her eyes lit. “I would love to.”
“Don’t forget to turn the lights off, all except for the one in the hallway, and make sure the door is locked when you leave.”
“I will.” After the woman left, Harlow wandered from room to room, envisioning what it would look like when she finished renovating. The structure was solid, while the interior desperately needed updating.
Harlow could feel her excitement grow. Never in her life had a home spoken to her like this one had. The soaring ceilings, the cozy kitchen, the massive fieldstone fireplace, sliders facing out to the water with an unobstructed view of the lighthouse.
She finished exploring the first floor and climbed the stairs to the main bedroom and attached bath. On closer inspection, Harlow found ample space for a soaking tub, a spacious shower, square footage to expand the counterspace and possibly even add onto the closet, giving her enough room to accommodate her extensive wardrobe, most of which was currently in storage.
Harlow tiptoed over to the sliders and stared out. Lighthouse Lane enveloped her in a warm, welcoming hug. If someone had told her a year ago she would be purchasing a fixer-upper she would have told them they were nuts. Not only purchasing it, but looking forward to choosing every single detail, a home she hoped would finally give her the peace she so desperately craved.
It was a place Harlow envisioned owning for many years, a home she could one day pass down to her children and grandchildren.
With one last longing look at the lake view, she shut the light off and returned downstairs.
“I’ll be back soon,” she promised the house. “Back to turn you into my dream home and start making memories.”
Chapter 23
“How do I look?” Harlow tugged at her sleeve and tossed her long blond locks over her shoulder. “Do you think my blouse is too shimmery?”
