“Well, that’s great. How about if you come by in a couple of days? I think I can have it ready by Friday.”
“Friday is fine. I’ll be optimistic and bring a realty contract with me.”
“Okay.” Wendy felt a sudden rush of nerves. Was she really doing this?
“I look forward to meeting you on Friday, Wendy.”
As she set down her phone, Wendy felt like someone had just knocked the wind out of her sails. Even her previously charming angels no longer interested her. Jackson would soon be home, and it was time to tell him. But how? To calm herself, Wendy decided to make an attempt at decorating the tree. First she strung the lights and then she hung her twelve sea angels. The effect was actually rather charming, but the big tree was in need of more ornaments, and she knew that pretty seashells, as well as more angels, would do the trick.
She was just going for another box of sand dollars when she heard Oliver barking in the kitchen, followed by the sound of young voices. “Mom!” Jackson called out. “I brought Taylor and Tessa home. Can we have a snack?”
“I’m in here,” she called back. Suddenly the three kids and dog burst into the living room.
“You put lights on my tree!” Jackson exclaimed. “It looks great. And angels! Wow, Mom, these are super cool. Did you make them?”
“Yes. And I’m about to make more. Maybe you kids could help.”
“Taylor and I want to go clamming,” Jackson told her.
“Clamming? In December?”
“Uncle Greg said he got clams just a few days ago,” Taylor explained. “I promised Mom I’d try to get some.”
“And I’ve always wanted to dig clams,” Jackson told Wendy.
“Then you should go for it.” Wendy nodded.
“But Tessa doesn’t want to,” Taylor said. “It’s pretty windy and cold out there. Do you think she could stay with you until we get back?”
“Maybeyou’dlike to make some sand dollar angels,” she said to Tessa.
“Yeah.” She nodded with wide eyes. “I wanna do that.”
“I do too,” Jackson assured her. “After we’re done clamming.”
“Me too,” Taylor said.
“Well, I hope you two don’t get frozen out there.” Wendy looked out the big window. “The weatherman says that nor’easter won’t be here until next week.”
“Cool.” Jackson’s eyes lit up. “I wanna see that.”
“Maybe we’ll have a white Christmas,” Taylor said hopefully.
Wendy cringed to think of a snowy drive back to Ohio. Her Subaru was a good winter car, but it really needed snow tires. Then again, if her cash buyers came through, she could easily afford new tires ... or even a few nights at a really nice hotel. So much would change for her and Jackson once this cottage was sold.
“Hey, are these wings made from clam shells?” Taylor pointed to an angel.
“Yes. And if you see any clam shells on the beach, be sure to bring them back. I could use some more.”
“I see those all the time. We’ll bring back lots,” Taylor assured her.
“Now can we have a snack?” Jackson asked.
“Yes, of course. I just got groceries so there’s plenty to choose from in there. Why don’t you take care of your guests, Jackson?”
“Sure.” He nodded. “Thanks, Mom.”
While Jackson and the girls flocked into the kitchen, Wendy suddenly remembered her “cash buyer.” Hurrying out to the car to retrieve the bags from the hardware store, she was determined to wrap up the final fix-ups on her list. This cottage would look as good as possible when Sandi came. Maybe the buyers wouldn’t care if all the light switch covers and drawer knobs and miscellaneous hardware matched, but Wendy did. She wanted top dollar for this property. But as far as telling Jackson today ... well, that would have to wait. Again.
