“She did.” The serious-looking woman introduced herself as the realtor. “The owners have already moved their things out, but they’ve had the house staged.”
Merry glanced at Carlisle, but he didn’t seem surprised. She followed them inside.
The open feel of the place was unexpected. Following the exterior theme, logs provided accents for the beams and railings while the walls were of plaster and stone. What caught her breath was the incredible view through walls of windows out the back.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Carlisle asked.
“It’s both cozy and open,” she said. “I can see you entertaining here.”
The children had taken to running around the large fireplace which separated the dining and living rooms.
“Be careful,” Merry said, grabbing the sleeve of Alex’s jacket as he ran past. “No running in the house.”
“There’s also a large sitting room in the back with a magnificent view of the mountains, Mrs. Wyndham,” the realtor said. “It’s near the kitchen, which I’m sure you’ll want to see.”
Merry’s face had gone warm, but she didn’t correct the woman, and neither did Carlisle. Instead, the four of them followed her into a room with windows for walls.
“Oh, my,” Merry breathed.
* * *
Carlisle cameto stand by Merry. The children skipped to a little area that looked like they had set it up for children. They began playing with the toys.
“How far does the property line go?” he asked the realtor.
“To the foot of the mountain,” the woman said, pointing in the distance. “There’s a fence marking the property line. The owner’s kept it all up-to-date. There’s even enough acreage to run some horses or cattle.”
“I’d like Grace to learn to ride.” Carlisle glanced at Merry. “Do you think Alex would also like to learn?”
“He already knows how.” Merry grinned. “Remember his other grandmother owns a ranch. If you’re looking to buy any horses, I can recommend them with no fear of bias.”
“The kitchen is this way.” The realtor pointed to a door.
“Let’s put everything back,” Merry said as she moved to the children. “It’s time to check out the other rooms.”
When they entered the large kitchen, Merry gave a soft sigh as she scanned the large room. Carlisle could imagine her beside her mother, baking with the children. Did the hominess of this house compare well with that of her in-laws?
When they shifted to checking out the six bedrooms, two of which were in the basement, the children quickly became bored. Until they saw the movie room. If he could convince Merry to take a chance on them, they would need half the bedrooms for themselves. He’d read the list of amenities about the property, and he’d noticed a guest house separate from the home. Perhaps if it wasn’t too far, it would prove adequate for his needs. The parcel had plenty of acreage for growth if necessary.
They gathered the children and climbed the stairs. The others hurried by the office, but Carlisle entered it. Like the large living room, it was located in the back of the house and included a wall of windows.
“Do you think you’d get any work done with that view?” Merry asked softly from behind him.
Smiling, he gave her a quick glance before turning back to the magnificent vista of the open field of snow with a mountain behind it.
“But what a lovely way to waste time,” he said.
“Looks like there are more buildings.” Merry pointed to several clustered a fair distance from the barn and corral.
“The realtor provided detailed photographs, and I don’t feel like traipsing through the snow. I’ll have Nia arrange a home inspection before I decide.”
“Have you made up your mind already?” Merry came to stand beside him.
“I believe I have. I like this place very much and could easily call it home.” Carlisle turned to face her. “Do you find it too grand?”
“No,” she said, sounding surprised. “It’s quite a cozy place.”
Grace squealed. They hurried from the room to separate the children.
