Page 84

“This house has been an ideal place to raise you girls,” said Emmie. “The commute isn’t bad by train. That’s how your father would get in and out of the city on business.”

Lauren gave her a thoughtful look. “Rick and I have been talking about looking at houses outside the city, but it might be too soon. We’ve been using my salary as savings.”

Clark fell asleep nursing.

Lauren put him down for a nap in the nursery and returned to the kitchen. “I know it’s early, but I’m hungry. What have you got for sandwiches?”

Rick arrived back home. “Is lunch almost ready?”

“We’re just fixing sandwiches,” said Lauren. “I figured ham and Swiss cheese for you. Am I right?”

He grinned. “Sounds right.”

They sat down at the kitchen table to eat.

Emmie waited until lunch was almost over before she excused herself and returned carrying a file of papers. “I have something important to discuss with you.”

Lauren and Rick sat quietly while Emmie took a seat and set the file down in front of her.

“Ted and I know we want to spend the rest of our lives together. A stumbling block has been deciding where to live. I wanted to stay here in the house I love. But after visiting Ted and his family and realizing how important it is for him to remain near his businesses, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s unfair of me to ask him to move here.”

“So, you’re going to move?” asked Lauren, looking dismayed.

Emmie held up a hand to stop her. “I haven’t mentioned anything about what I’m discussing with you to Ted. I need to get your reaction first.”

“What do you have in mind?” asked Rick, gazing at the file of papers in front of her.

Emmie sat back in her chair and looked from one to the other. “How would you feel about buying my house?”

Lauren’s eyes widened. “Really? I love this house.”

“How could we afford a house like this?” said Rick.

“I’ve had a real estate agent talk to me about the selling price of it, and it’s healthy, to say the least. But I’m free to make my own arrangements. While I want a return from this investment, I don’t require it to buy something else. Ted doesn’t want to sell the lake house, and I can see myself living in it.”

“But you love Ellenton,” said Lauren.

“Yes, that’s the hard part,” said Emmie. “But we’ll work out something so I can come to visit. Maybe you would reserve the guest room for me.”

“What numbers are we talking about?” asked Rick.

Emmie took out a couple of pieces of paper from the file folder and slid them across the table to him. “That’s the estimated sales price from the real estate agent. The house mortgage was paid off by Earl’s estate. I’m free to work out numbers with you.”

Rick studied the paperwork. “Fortunately, we can get a decent price for our city condo. It’s doable.” He turned to Lauren. “Is this what you want? To leave the city?”

Lauren clapped a hand to her heart. “It is. But to be fair, what about Gemma and Tony? Would they ever want to buy the house?”

“I’ve already spoken to them,” said Emmie. “They have no intention of leaving Newton. Besides, the family has recently helped them buy a house.”

Lauren gave Rick a long look. “Is this what you want? It involves commuting for you.”

“I’m sure some of my work can be done from home,” said Rick. “Otherwise, I’ll read or listen to podcasts on the train. It might be a decent way to unwind. I like knowing you and our kids will be living here.”

“Kids?” Lauren chuckled. “Not yet. But yes, we’ve agreed on three.”

“I think it’s fair to say we’re interested. I’m certain that with the sale of the condo in New York, we won’t have a problem working something out with you.”

Emmie bobbed her head. “I’m not foolish, but I will give you a fair deal on it, with a hefty down payment and a payment plan like a mortgage, but without the interest rate to begin with. I’ve talked briefly on the phone with my financial manager, and he and a lawyer would draw up the proper documents.”