But ask him she had and she was grateful hed agreed to join her. Despite the fact that her late husband had been deployed during their marriage and gone for nearly two years, there were still some things she found hard to do alone.
The house was in an older part of Fools Gold. The neighborhood was well-established, with a nice mix of residents. Young families were buying homes and refurbishing, while older couples still lived in the places where their kids had grown up.
Baileys house-to-be was two stories with a large front porch. There was a small yard in front and a big one in back, a detached garage and an unfinished basement.
While the one and a half bathrooms hadnt been remodeled in a while, the roof was new and the kitchens appliances were younger than her daughter. All pluses. Bailey figured she and Chloe could live with the oversized tub and two-tone pink tile in the bathrooms a lot easier than they could handle a leaky roof.
Bailey had loved the house from the moment shed stepped foot inside of it. It wasnt huge. There were only two bedrooms upstairs and a bonus area that Chloe could use as a playroom. Downstairs there was a tiny office for Bailey, a decent-size living room and the eat-in kitchen. There were lots of windows, big trees in the backyard and beautiful hardwood floors throughout.
What had most appealed, aside from the reasonable price, was the sense of rightness she felt when shed first seen it. Despite the fact that the house was empty, shed been able to see herself and Chloe living here for a long time. There had been other contenderslarger homes that were a little newer. But with all that space and shininess came a heftier mortgage. Today was her day of reckoning, when she found out if her home, barely in escrow, would pass its inspection.
She heard the rumble of a powerful engine and turned to see Kenny pulling up in front of the house. He drove a large Mercedes SUV. She was sure it cost about half of what her house did, but then he could afford it.
It must be nice not to have to clip coupons and save for things like winter tires and unexpected repair bills. In her next life, she thought with a smile. She would remember to be rich.
Kenny got out of his SUV and started toward her. The sun had been playing peek-a-boo with some clouds, but obviously shared her fascination with the man. It slipped into view and cast warm, golden light on the object of its affection. Kennys hair gleamed, his smile was easy and Bailey felt her heart give a little jump of appreciation.
Even if he didnt know anything about construction or houses or the difference between a screwdriver and a wrench, he would be a nice distraction if she started to freak out, she reminded herself.
Nice house, Kenny said as he approached.
Thanks. She waited until he stopped in front of her. So, do you know anything about houses?
He grinned. Regretting your impulsive request I be here?
Not at all. Just wondering if my assumptions are correct.
That because Im a guy, I know something about electricity and plumbing?
Um, yeah. That would be it.
He put his arm around her and turned her toward the house. I am more than a pretty face. Growing up I helped my dad with all kinds of projects. I can lay tile, replace a light fixture and repair most plumbing leaks.
Good to know.
The words sounded so normal, she thought. But on the inside, there was quivering and shrieking. Mostly because of how close she was to Kenny and how warm his arm was around her body. He made her feel small and delicate. Like an ordinary woman, as opposed to the widow and single mom shed been for the past couple of years.
Good to know.
The words sounded so normal, she thought. But on the inside, there was quivering and shrieking. Mostly because of how close she was to Kenny and how warm his arm was around her body. He made her feel small and delicate. Like an ordinary woman, as opposed to the widow and single mom shed been for the past couple of years.
Before she could do much more than breathe in the scent of him and indulge in a little PG-13 make-out fantasy, a small pickup drove into her driveway. Bailey recognized the name of the inspector her real estate agent had suggested. All thoughts of Kenny fled as the enormity of what she was doing crashed in on her.
I want it to be perfect, she admitted in a whisper.
Be willing to settle for sound, Kenny advised. Everything else is a bonus.
Good advice, she thought as she walked over to meet her inspector.
Paul Jennings was a man in his fifties. He was pleasant, but seemed more interested in the house than making small talk. He had a large rolling toolbox with him and began the inspection by walking around the outside of the house.
We start from the ground up, Mr. Jennings told her. Foundation to roof. Ill tell you what I find as I go, then get you a written report via email by this time tomorrow. But before I leave, youll already know everything Ive found.
I appreciate that, she told him.
Then lets get started.
Three hours later Bailey knew more about the house she wanted to buy than shed ever known about any other building in her life. Even better, she was comfortable with her decision. There were a couple of small problems. The chimney needed to be cleaned before she and Chloe could use it, there were three electrical outlets that didnt work and the faucet that connected the water to the washer had lost its turny thing.