Honey smiled. “Yes, I was younger then. When you have more energy, impossible things seem more possible.”
“Well, I’m still young.” Jewel stood up tall. “And I have energyand ideas. Better yet, I have the funds. The proceeds from selling my condo and gallery are just sitting in the bank. Can’t I invest them here?”
“But that’s an investment that won’t pay you back.”
“The B&B could pay me back. Plus, Cooper and I would have a place to live.” Jewel pointed out the kitchen window. “And I can imagine creating a studio for myself and maybe even a small gallery out there in the barn. Right now it’s not being used for much of anything. And that old building has such cool architectural lines, it could be gorgeous.”
“You really are a dreamer.” Honey slowly shook her head, trying to absorb all that Jewel had just thrown at her. It was overwhelming. And tiring.
“Can’t you just let me dream?” Jewel locked eyes with her. “The risk would be on me, not you.”
“I don’t know.”
“I would take care of all the details. All you’d need to do is trust me.”
“I don’t know,” she said again. “I’m not sure what to say.”
“Imagine living with Dad in a low-maintenance home. You two could be very comfortable and safe. No stairs to fall down. A bathroom that’s easy for Dad. Wouldn’t it be wonderful?”
“Sure, if you could wave your magic wand and make that happen. I suppose it would be nice.”
“Okay then, just let me try, Mom.”
Honey shrugged. “I’m too weary to argue with you, Jewel. Go ahead. See what you can do. But I’ll warn you. Your first obstacle will probably be county codes. Two houses on one property? It just doesn’t sound doable to me. I’d be surprised if they agree.”
“Well, I learned how to comply with San Jose codes while renovating my gallery. I’ll bet they’re way stricter than Sweet Springs. Plus, thanks to that, I know how to jump through hoops.”
Honey could hear CT moaning in the living room, calling out for her to come help. “I need to go.” She opened the cabinet of medical supplies again. “He probably needs some Advil for his bumps and bruises.”
Jewel pulled out her phone like she was getting ready to call the county that second. “Just know that I’m on it, Mom. Unless you say no way, I plan to give this a good try. You’re sure you’re okay with this?”
“That’s fine. Go ahead and do what you can, dear.” Honey patted her idealistic daughter’s shoulder in what probably felt like a condescending way, then hurried to check on CT before he got really worked up. She did appreciate Jewel’s youthful enthusiasm and energy, but this wild idea for a second home and a B&B really did sound like an impossible dream. Still, why not let her have at it? Her daughter would probably discover the whole thing wasn’t practical or doable or even possible. But at least it would give her something to dream about. Maybe that was what mattered most. Honey wished she had room for dreams.
Jewel
It took several days to hear back from the county, but she was relieved when they finally agreed to the placement of their temporary hardship home to help care for her dad. Jewel had doggedly pursued this goal by visiting the local manufactured home company on the same day she’d gotten the green light from the county. According to the internet, there was a company located just outside of Sweet Springs. When she got there, she saw the big sign for Hanford Homes and soon discovered the owner was none other than an old high school beau, Aaron Hanford.
“I had no idea this was your business,” she said. She studied him closely from behind her sunglasses. Aaron definitely appeared older but was still fairly attractive in a middle-aged way. He had a bit of a paunch and thinning hair, but he maintained the same swagger and confidence she remembered from high school. Just a bit warmer and friendlier.
“So tell me. What on earth are you doing back in little old Sweet Springs?” he asked as he strolled with her through the lot,pointing out various model homes that were bigger and more expensive than what she had in mind.
“I was about to ask you the same thing,” she confessed. “I thought you moved out east.”
“I did for a while. But when my dad retired a couple years ago, he offered me this business and, well, it seemed a good opportunity.”
“I heard you got married,” she ventured. “Any kids?”
“Yeah. Two teen boys. But they live back in New Hampshire with their mom.”
“Oh? Divorced?”
He held up two fingers and shrugged. “Twice.”
“I’m sorry.”
“How about you?”
She held up one finger. “Once.”
