Page 38 of Second Chance in Charlevoix
While her mind circled, Seth turned on some FM jazz. “Your family works well together,” he said. “Nice to see that.”
“It’s a good thing because we’re all going to be living together for a while. Thanks again for offering your home. Aren’t youeager to live there yourself?”
“Sort of.” Hands on the wheels, he looked torn. “Being at my dad’s right now makes sense, though. He’s having some mobility issues and I want to make sure he’s safe. New meds, that kind of thing.”
What a considerate guy. “Sounds like you two get along.”
“Oh, absolutely. I’m the only one here. My brother Chet lives in Chicago. And I don’t mind taking care of Dad. After my marriage broke up, I moved in with him. Mom was gone and it just made sense. By that time my boy Tyler was in college. It was time to sell my old house and build my own home.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll treat your dream house with care. Thank you for agreeing to take the pets too. I don’t know what we’d do with Bogart and Piper.”
“No problem. We always had a dog or two around. Cats too. Just haven’t replaced them. Tyler took our dog Brianna to college with him.”
“Seriously? Won’t the dog be a distraction?”
When Seth smiled, creases fanned from his eyes. He probably spent a lot of time in the sun. “Tyler lives in an apartment with another guy. His roomie adores Brianna too. I miss her but she always was Tyler’s dog. I couldn’t see her living at my dad’s. I have enough on my plate right now, and Dad wouldn’t have been able to take her out for walks.”
“Understood. Will your father be all right on his own when you move to the lake house?”
“He’ll tell you he’s fine. My dad is a carpenter and I worry about the electric tools. I like to be around if he’s turning on a saw.”
“Wow.” Marlowe jerked. “That does sound like a concern.”
“Dad says I worry too much, and maybe he’s right. The man’s as sharp as a tack.”
“Is that even possible? You’re doing a wonderful job for us.”
“I like what I do.”
Cracking open her window, Marlowe breathed in the fresh air. This was so unlike Florida. The smell of pine teased her senses. The weather was getting warmer and it was as if everything was coming awake.
“So how do you like working with Gabby?” Seth asked.
“She’s been a great teacher and seems to be steering some business my way.” Since he really seemed interested in what she was doing, she told him about the house up in Petoskey that she’d listed only last week. “And next week I’m closing on the first property I took on when I moved here.”
“So is this turning out as you planned?” They’d left Hwy 31 and were now on Boyne City Road, following Charlevoix Lake.
“There is no plan.” Marlowe chuckled. “My family’s goal was to live in the same town. Maybe in the same house. We’ll see how it all turns out.” Thinkingof Sam and Josh, she didn’t want to plan too far ahead.
They had reached the Horton Bay area, and Marlowe craned her neck to see the houses. But the long driveways kept many of the homes hidden. The owners had let trees and bushes get straggly, ensuring their privacy.
“You must like living in the woods.”
“I do.” Seth glanced around with appreciation. “After all, it’s Michigan.”
When they reached a row of colorful mailboxes, Seth worked the brakes and turned on the directional signal. One of the boxes looked newly painted with “Barrett” in white and she smiled. She was learning that everything Seth took on was neatly done. That boded well for Sunnycrest.
The road to his home was shaded by tall trees that rustled overhead. The oaks had been there for generations and the mighty pines too. As they took the gravel road, pinecones showered onto the pickup from time to time.
“That’s the squirrels welcoming me.” Seth said. He was definitely an outdoor guy.
Then they reached the clearing. Would this really be her home for a while? Although she’d scouted the place earlier, the blue frame house with white shutters overlooking the beautiful lake still took her breath away. The lake spread before them, sparkling in theafternoon sun. From the parking lot behind the house, she could see the corner of his wide screen porch. And yes, she planned to read out there. At least she hoped she’d have time for that. Her job so far had been crazy but she’d been expecting that pace.
Brad pulled up behind them, along with Josh. Dressed in jeans, T-shirts and work boots, the guys swung out of their vehicles, opened the tailgates and began to unload. Seth had left a diagram on the kitchen counter with the bedrooms numbered. Earlier, he’d shared that with Marlowe, Sam and Aunt Cate. Since most of the boxes had been marked, it was easy to figure out where they belonged. The men began hefting them up to the right rooms. The stairs might be challenging, but not for that group.
Seth had the Pack and Play already set up in the living room. Holly’s eyes were so heavy and she was soon fast asleep. Holding a finger to her lips, Izzy gave the guys a warning and they took it to heart. Marlowe had never seen men tiptoe in their boots before. When Josh had his load of boxes settled, he took off to go back so Sam wouldn’t be alone.
From one of the large plate glass windows Marlowe watched her aunt walk out onto the long dock. Giving Izzy a heads up, Marlowe followed. She had a bone to pick with her dear Aunt Cate.
