Page 9 of Colt

“Have there been any other offers on the property?”

“Not yet, but it’s only been on the market for a couple of weeks. Trust me, that property will sell. And if someone else wants to continue using it as a boarding stable, they would probably want to keep the current staff. They know everything about the place. Do you plan on keeping it as is?”

“Yes, I have always wanted to own a boarding stable.”

“Then from my perspective, the stipulation makes sense for your situation.”

“Does this still apply if I don’t need a mortgage?”

“A contract is a contract, so yes.”

Chelsea let out a sigh. “Okay.”

“Is there anything else you would like to know about the property?”

“I know the place very well. Unless there are any major issues, I don’t need to see the house again.”

“Honestly, I think you should still tour the home. Just to be sure. So, when would you like to move forward with this? I will need to schedule an inspection and give the Cottons thirty days’ notice before they need to vacate. But I believe they were planning on moving out at the end of this month anyway. All furniture will stay unless you request otherwise.”

“I would like to keep it furnished. That’s one less thing for me to worry about.” Chelsea stood. “Can I call you tomorrow? We can go over all the details then.”

“Of course. Here is my business card with my contact information.” Lydia handed Chelsea a card from the holder on her desk.

“Thank you again for your help. I’m really excited about buying it. I’ll be in touch soon,” Chelsea said with a grateful smile.

“No problem, have a good day,” Lydia replied with a smile.

“Thanks, you too.”

Chelsea climbed into her car, checked the traffic, and headed to her parents’ house. As she pulled up to the sprawling log home on their five hundred acres of land, she couldn’t help but smile. Despite their wealth, her parents had chosen to live in a modest home instead of a mansion.

She stepped out of her car and made her way up the porch steps to the back door. Just as she reached for the doorknob, it swung open, and her mother greeted her with a smile.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Chelsea, what a pleasant surprise! Come inside.”

“Thanks. Where’s Dad?”

“He had an emergency surgery, but he should be home soon. What’s going on?”

“Do you remember the Cottons?”

“Yes, you worked for them for three summers, right?”

“Yes, but you know how much I’ve always wanted to run my own boarding stable. They’re selling theirs and I want to buy it.”

“I see. So, you’ve come to the ‘bank of Dad’?” Sylvia Hawkins chuckled.

“I’d prefer not to go through a bank since I already have a loan there for the coffee shop.”

“And what about the coffee shop?”

“I’m going to keep it if I can. It does well.” Chelsea grinned.

“That’s true. Anytime I’ve been in, it’s been packed.”

“I know. I could have Ainsleigh run it for me.”

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