Windswept Way (Hope Harbor #9)(18)
Author: Irene Hannon

 

“Oh, sweetheart, he’s a small-town lawyer. I’ll bet he doesn’t have any experience with these sorts of deals.”

 

“He may live in a small town now, but he used to work for a major law firm in Portland that represented international corporate clients.” She named the firm Eric had mentioned early in their meeting, when he’d given her a brief overview of his background. Perhaps to assuage any doubts she might harbor about the qualifications of a small-town attorney.

 

That news appeared to placate her mother.

 

“I do recognize that firm. It’s a decent credential, so it’s possible he knows what he’s doing. But why would this woman be that generous? People don’t do such things.”

 

Maybe not in Silicon Valley.

 

But not everyone marched to the beat of the same drummer, and Rose had her reasons. Even if her mother would never understand them.

 

All of that, however, was a moot point at this stage and not worth arguing about.

 

“It doesn’t matter, Mom. I got the bids for the work that would have to be done. I can’t swing it.”

 

A few seconds of silence passed.

 

“I know you’re disappointed, Ashley, and I’m sorry for that. But to be honest, I’m relieved you’re not going through with this. There are too many strange aspects to the whole setup. You’ll find another job you like, I’m certain of it. Or why not go back to school? Get an MBA. Launch a new career that has a decent amount of security and pays more than a pauper’s wage. If you want to think about that, I’d be happy to loan you the tuition money. That way you wouldn’t have to dip into your inheritance.”

 

Sad but not surprising that her mom would offer to fund further education in a field she viewed as more stable and lucrative but hadn’t asked how short of funds her daughter was for her dream project or offered to loan her the difference for that.

 

“I appreciate the thought, Mom, but I’m happy with my career in history. I’ll find another job.”

 

A sigh came over the line. “If you change your mind, the offer stands.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

“You want to come out in a few weeks for a visit? I can send you a ticket. A long weekend, maybe? We could go to the theater, the museums, eat out. I’ll take you to my new favorite restaurant.”

 

Where Mom would spend half the meal responding to work emails, like she had during their last get-together.

 

“Let me see where I am in my job search.”

 

“All right. Just give me a little notice so I can clear my schedule. In the meantime, take care of yourself. Love you, sweetie.”

 

“Love you back.”

 

A true statement.

 

Even if she and her mother didn’t have the kind of close relationship she’d shared with Dad, Mom loved her in her own way.

 

After saying goodbye, she set the cell on the table and positioned her fingers on the keyboard again.

 

It was time to let go of her dream.

 

Swallowing past the tightness in her throat, she began typing.

 

Dear Rose, I’m very sorry to have to tell you that . . .

 

 

 

. . . based on the attached bids, which I believe are fair, the necessary work is beyond my means. I’d hoped the funds I had would be sufficient and am deeply disappointed and sad that I can’t manage the financial commitment.

 

Thank you for all your kindness and consideration during my visit and for the generous terms in the agreement you offered. I hope and pray you find someone else who can help you accomplish your goals for Edgecliff.

 

It was an honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to meet you and to visit your beautiful home and property. I will never forget the hours I spent there.

 

Wishing you all the best.

 

As she finished Ashley’s email, Rose rested her elbows on her desk and interlaced her fingers.

 

The note wasn’t a surprise, not after the young woman’s obvious concern during their last meeting. The contractors must have warned her the bids would come in higher than she expected.

 

She opened the attachments. Read them. Jotted a few notes on the tablet beside her.

 

Then she picked up the phone and called David.

 

After a brief hold, he came on the line. “Good afternoon, Rose. How can I help you today?”

 

“It appears we’ll have to get creative in my agreement with Ashley Scott.”

 

He listened while she explained the situation and her proposed solution.

 

“Your idea may work, Rose, but I’d like to see the bids you have and think this through over the holiday weekend. The office will be closed Monday, but I can be back in touch Tuesday.”

 

“That’s fine. I want your honest assessment of this.”

 

“Always.” A beat ticked by. “This young woman must have made quite an impression on you.”

 

“She did. Her résumé is outstanding, and her letters of reference were all very complimentary. I believe she’d bring commitment and enthusiasm to her role at Edgecliff.”

 

“You seem determined to make this work, no matter what it takes.”

 

“I wouldn’t go that far, but I do believe in providence. And I’m willing to make concessions and meet her more than halfway. She brought new energy to Edgecliff while she was here, and this place could use a healthy dose of that.” She picked up a pencil and doodled on the pad beside her.

 

“You do realize how much her plans will change the dynamics of your life. You’ll lose much of your quiet and privacy.”

 

“After seven years, I’ve had enough quiet to last a lifetime. Not that I’m planning to wander far outside the gates of Edgecliff, but seeing a few more people, even from a distance, holds a certain appeal. As for privacy, the caretaker’s cottage will remain my domain. If I want to get away from people, all I have to do is close the door.”

 

“You know, it may not be a bad idea to mingle once in a while. It has to be lonely out there, now that your father is gone.”

 

She continued to doodle, mouth curving up. “Lucy Lynn keeps me entertained.”

 

“That’s not the same.”

 

“It’s enough, David. I appreciate your concern, but I’m accustomed to being by myself. I’m content to watch life from the sidelines.”