Page 135 of The Love Penalty

“So we did!” Mick's voice squeaks, and Ethan gives her an odd look before starting to fight a grin. He's never seen her like this before. None of us have. “It's this old villa about ten minutes outside town. It's got like eight bedrooms and two lounge areas, plus a parlor and a den. There's even an old billiards table in what I assume was like a smoking room!”

“There's a huge kitchen, which needs refitting, but the space is amazing.” Rachel's face lights like a Christmas tree.

“It used to be a ranch, but the owners sold off the land piece by piece. The house and the few acres it sits on have fallen into disrepair, and no one has bothered with it since the owner passed away,” Mikayla explains.

“Oh! There's also a two-bedroom pool house, which some of us can sleep in. It's pretty crappy at the moment, but we can do it up.”

“And the rest of us can move into the main house. Which will still leave like five guest rooms. And they’ll take a while to fill anyway, because the place needs serious work! But my dad thinks we can get the house open for business by springtime next year.”

“Business?” Caroline murmurs.

“Yeah, we'll run like a legit bed-and-breakfast!”

We all gape at the girls. Their excitement is palpable, and it's impossible not to be affected by it. But I need some more deets before I truly lose my shit with relief.

“So, you found this old place, and your dad's father-in-law just agreed to buy it? Just like that?” I snap my fingers.

“Well, Dad's done all of the work for us, really. He pitched the idea, threw together a quick business plan, and flew out to see the villa a couple days ago. He loved it and had this epic vision for how it could all come together, so he put in an offer.”

“Your dad was here and you didn't tell me?” Ethan frowns.

“I'm sorry, baby. I just didn't want to get anyone's hopes up unnecessarily.”

“And that squeal that you did before… was that the offer being accepted?”

“Yes!” Mikayla beams. “He's stoked. He's getting it for a steal, which is great because they'll have to invest quite a bit to get it up to code. But it'll eventually turn a profit. I mean, Nolan's a pretty town, and there are some awesome hiking trails around this area. In the winter, we're not far from decent skiing, and he's confident a little bed-and-breakfast is a great investment. Plus, I volunteered us all as free labor if we get to live in the place. And Rachel's more than happy to manage guests and stuff. Plus, Dad will eventually hire someone to help run the legal and admin side of things once it’s officially open for business.”

“It means I can quit my job at the diner and look after guests full-time. I'll be the hostess with the mostest.” Rachel bats her eyelashes.

Liam gives her an affectionate smile, running his hand down the back of her hair. “You'll be so good at that, cariña.”

“But what about school? Our exams and study and hockey?—”

Mikayla raises her hand to shut Lani up. “It's a summer project, and even though the sale was confirmed today, we can't move in until the paperwork is finalized, so we still have to find us some digs for a few weeks. We can focus on getting through exam week, and then our attention can turn to the house.”

“I can see if my parents will splash out for a local motel or an Airbnb,” I offer. “If it's only short term, they'll probably agree to it.”

“But…” Lani's still shaking her head. “Who's going to run the place after we all graduate?”

Mikayla shrugs. “We'll help Dad find someone to take over if we don't stay in Nolan, but that's a problem for a few years away. I mean, I've got at least three more, and you've got two, right?”

“Yeah.” Lani nods. “Although, I won't be living there.”

“Well, you can if you want to.” Mikayla shrugs again. “There's plenty of room. The only stipulation is that if you live there, you've got to pitch in. Once all the renovations are done, we'll be expected to run the place, meaning cleaning and maintenance and looking after the guests. So…” Mikayla looks around the table. “If any of you don't like that idea, then…” She trails off, obviously not wanting to say don't come.

There's a silent beat as she waits us out, and then…

“Yes!” Casey finally pipes up, punching his arm in the air. “Fuckin' yeah, bros! We can keep living together!”

His outburst makes Caroline jump, but then she starts laughing, and that sets us all off.

This is unbelievable.

Hockey House isn't going anywhere.

Sure, the new place is out of town, and we'll have to live in it while it's being renovated, but… Casey's right. We get to keep living together.

Our family stays intact.

---