Page 58 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

When I walked into Liz’s house, I was met by the excited cries of my grandchildren.

“Gammy, I want this book,” said Gabe, toddling to me holding a picture book for me to read.

“Will you play Candyland with us?” asked Emma.

Laughing, I hugged each child. “Let me talk to your mother first. Then I’ll read and play with you.” Having these grandchildren close by meant the world to me. And thinking of Bailey and Ned living in Sabal was another part of the dream.

Liz found us in the playroom. “Hi, Mom! I’m glad you’re here. I was just on the phone with Hester Wiley, and she has agreed for me to come and measure the rooms and make some notes on the conditions for Nell. Chad is working at home today and can watch the kids. Will you join me?”

“Sure,” I said. “So, everyone has agreed to proceed with the sale?”

“Yes. Our lawyer is drafting a sales agreement with all the standard contingencies. A home inspection has been scheduled, and Nell and Clint have already approved paying a deposit large enough to help the Wileys with their move.”

“Okay. Let me say goodbye to the children, and I’ll go with you,” I said. “I’m going to run an errand with your mother,” I told them. “When I return, I’ll play with you.”

“Promise?” said Olivia.

“I promise all of you,” I said, eager to give my attention to them.

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Liz drove me to the Wiley’s house, and we sat a moment while Liz went over a list of instructions she’d put together.

“In addition to the size of the rooms, Nell wants us to check for the condition of the wooden trim, floors, or carpeting, and light fixtures,” Liz said. “She wants to be as realistic as possible when talking about the cost of upgrades because she can’t do everything at once.”

“The home inspector will check over the appliances,” I said. “I noticed the house needs painting, but the roof and the condition of the exterior walls looked fine.”

“The home inspector will double-check that,” said Liz. “Should we be looking at anything else?”

I mentally retraced my steps from when I’d visited earlier. “The upstairs bathrooms need dressing up, though that’s something that might have to wait. I want to take a closer look at the landscaping. We might be able to get Manny and his crew to lend some help there.”

“The kitchen is only a few years old,” said Liz. “The appliances are fairly new. The washing machine and dryer are not.”

“Okay, I’m set to go. I’ll tell you when I want you to write something down,” l said.

We got out of the car and headed to the front door.

A kind-faced older gentleman greeted us. “This must be Liz and …”

“I’m her mother, Ann Sanders,” I said, extending my hand. “And you are Earl.”

Chuckling, he shook my hand. “Guess I was napping when you came earlier.”

“We didn’t want to disturb you,” Liz said. “We hope we’re not disturbing you now.”

“No, no. Not at all. Come in and do what you need to do.” He held the door open, and when we went inside, I noticed how tidy the living room was.

“We’re pretty excited about being able to sell the house this way,” said Earl. “Let me know if you need anything. Hester has gone to the grocery store, but she’ll be right back.”

“Let’s start in the kitchen,” I said to Liz.

There, we measured the dining space and checked the appliances, cupboards, and drawers. It was in acceptable condition with more than adequate storage for a family. It would be a huge relief for Nell.

As we went through the house, my initial impressions were right. It would take work and creativity, but beneath its faded, outdated appearance was a very nice home.

When we were through with the interior, we thanked Earl and Hester and walked around the outside. Some of the overgrown landscaping would need to be removed, but I’d already thought of giving Nell and Clint a housewarming gift of having Manny work on their yard.