Page 15 of Second Chance At Love

“It looks a lot like your last house,” murmured Addison as she came to stand beside Cora.

The dealership had delivered the van this morning to the hotel parking lot. It was exactly what Cora wanted. It would have room for all three boys plus the ability for them to have friends come along as well. That was something she hadn’t been able to allow before and now Cora fervently wished that Nick and Oliver could have friends over to her new home.

If she found a new home, thought Cora with uncertainty.

“Candi is really good at what she does,” insisted Britney. “She found Gabe and I the perfect house.”

Somehow Britney had found out Cora was looking for a house. She had provided Cora with the name of her realtor and now Cora found herself with Addison, Britney, and Adriana this morning on the hunt for a new home.

It was slightly disconcerting.

Cora was used to being alone or simply with her children. Having the women in the family start insisting on bringing her into their fold was a bit intimidating and slightly wonderful at the same time.

She desperately missed having friends and tentatively hoped they would start to view her as one.

Cora mused how different her life was starting to become. She could have friends. She had bought her own vehicle. She was house hunting and didn’t have to worry about money. Justthis morning, she had bought groceries without worrying about the total amount, without keeping the receipt to give to anyone who would meticulously look it over for errors and get mad at her if there was so much as a dime missing.

It was liberating.

“You don’t like it,” frowned Britney as she took in Cora’s expression. “I gave Candi your former address because I thought you would want something similar.”

“I’m looking for something quite different actually,” murmured Cora.

“Oh look, everyone is here!” an enthusiastic blond woman came walking rapidly towards them with a large smile. “How wonderful. I’m so glad to see you again Britney, why don’t you introduce me to your friends?”

“Adriana, Addison, and this is Cora. Cora, this is our realtor Candi. She was amazing for Gabe and I,” smiled Britney. “However, I might have made a mistake, Candi. I thought Cora would want something like her old home but I guess that’s not the case.”

Candi blinked but her smile didn’t waver. “That’s okay! I’m always up for a challenge. What are you looking for, Cora?”

“Not this,” muttered Addison as she looked at the building.

“Something with charm. Older. At least four or five bedrooms. A nice kitchen. A home. Oh, and a fenced in pool for the boys,” decided Cora. She smiled hopefully. “Near to the school. I know that’s probably a lot to ask, especially if we can get an almost immediate closing date. I’m due pretty soon and would like to get settled in as quickly as possible.”

“I fully understand,” agreed Candi. She pulled a tablet out of her large purse and began pressing the screen. “Now, with those requirements it might be a little bit harder and we might have to venture a little farther from the school but, oh look, there are two potentials I see right away. I’m just going to give the otherrealtors a quick call and get you an opportunity to view the properties.”

“I told you she was good,” mentioned Britney as Candi pulled out her phone and stepped away for a little privacy to talk.

“I do hope she can get us the viewings,” murmured Cora.

“Adriana, how are you settling in with Parker?” politely asked Addison.

Adriana gave a shy smile. “I’m very happy. Things are going to change a little as Parker is going back to work with Gabe this week .”

The young bride glowed. In the van, she had earlier confessed that Parker was teaching her and her younger sisters how to surf and she rather enjoyed it.

“That’s good. I’m glad Parker and Gabe are working together again,” replied Addison.

“So am I,” agreed Britney with enthusiasm. “Gabe really depends on Parker. It took a bit to convince him to come back. All because of that stupid letter from James.”

“What letter?” asked Cora in confusion.

Britney explained that James had written a letter, disinheriting Parker as he wasn’t James’ son. “Gabe has since given back everything to Parker. He said it isn’t right and that Parker is his brother.”

“Parker was lost for a little while. I think he will do better now he has purpose again,” mentioned Adriana softly. “Besides, he helped me to sign up for some part-time classes at the college so I will be busy as well.”

“Really? What are you studying?” wondered Addison.

“Just some reading and writing classes,” shrugged Adriana, but her smile and blush showed she was pleased. “I want to know more about writing books. Parker says I can take as many classes as I want.”