Surrounded by huge oak trees, the two-story house made her think of a time long past—a time when people weren’t in such a hurry, when there wasn’t as much stress in their lives, when every moment wasn’t filled with something that had to be done immediately. It made her think of family, love, and romance. She didn’t remember the house ever having such a powerful effect on her. It’d been at least fifteen years since she’d been inside, perhaps longer. She studied the thick columns supporting the second story, the wide veranda that completely circled the house, the large windows that let in the morning sunshine. Aunt Grace had generally kept up the house over the years, but had never personally taken care of it since she traveled so much. Karessa’s trained eye could see bits of decay here, evidence of neglect there. The house would be so beautiful with a complete refurbishment. Thanks to a healthy inheritance from her parents, and now from her great-aunt, she had more than enough money to renovate the house.
