by Carol Henry
Juelle sat up in her chair and shot Eugenia a warning glance she hoped the woman would understand. It was past time she stood up for herself. Sebastian was dead. She was moving out of the McClintock Estate. She had a mind of her own, and she wasn’t going to let this woman dictate her every move one minute longer.
“Are you telling me who I can, and can’t see?”
Eugenia sat forward and returned the glare. Juelle refused to back down and raised her eyebrows.
“Just so you and your friends know, Hunter McClintock is the one taking me house hunting tomorrow.”
“No!”
Eugenia fell back in her chair and put her hand over her heart. It was just too comical. Juelle had to leave before she laughed in Eugenia’s face.
“Yes. And he is Hunt’s son. All you have to do is look at the man to see the resemblance. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed? Look at the pictures you have of your husband when he was younger—they could almost be twins, the resemblance is uncanny.”
“I’ve got Günter Jordan working on proving that man is a fraud. If you won’t heed my warning, you’ll only have yourself to blame when his scam is revealed.”
“I don’t think Mr. Jordan would have been foolish enough to contact a con artist for the reading of Hunt’s will. What would be gained by spinning his wheels to locate an imposter?”
Juelle took advantage of Eugenia’s stunned silence at her confrontation. Determined their conversation was over, Juelle left her mother-in-law to stew on her own. There was no pleasing the woman. She was done trying to understand her and appease her at every pessimistic turn.
She was going to do nothing but look ahead from now on. Cinderella had kissed a prince today. It was time to hold her head up—face her demons, and live her life her way.
She put a smile on her face as she made her way up the staircase. She stood tall, squared her shoulders, and dashed the rest of the way up the stairs to the second floor landing and down the hall. The motion was so freeing, once inside her room she swung around and flopped down on the bed, her arms swinging wide. Her last thought before she fell asleep, fully dressed, was whether or not Hunter McClintock would kiss her again.
Chapter Eight
After calling Hunter to tell him she’d meet him at the park at ten, instead of him picking her up at the estate, she left a note for Eugenia saying she’d be gone all day. She dressed in casual lightweight aqua capris, a white silk spaghetti-strap blouse with matching aqua trim, and slipped into a comfortable pair of tan sling-backs. Despite the forecast calling for another hot June day, Juelle grabbed a sweater for Makenzie in case the homes they visited were too cool for the sleeveless pink romper set. She ran a comb through her unruly hair and tucked it behind her ears.
With Makenzie settled in the car seat, and the ever ready bag on the floor, Juelle anticipated the day ahead. Hunter was waiting for them when she pulled in to a parking spot next to the Captain’s Library off First Street.
“I hope you don’t mind I brought Makenzie with me. Katelyn and Sven had other plans today, and Eugenia isn’t the babysitting kind of grandmother, although she swears she wants to start spending time with her granddaughter.”
“Not a problem. You lift her out of the car seat and I’ll transfer it to my car.”
The two worked together shifting Makenzie’s necessities, then climbed into Hunter’s Kia, ready to get started.
“Where to? I’ve seen a few For Sale signs as I’ve driven around town, but I’m not sure which ones you have in mind.”
“Katelyn and I checked the papers last night. The Jessica Martin Real Estate Agency has several open houses she’s showing today. I gave her a call, and she agreed to meet us and show us around the three I found interesting. The first one is out on Birch Avenue.”
“Give me the address and I’ll plug it into the GPS.”
Once the GPS was set, Hunter backed out onto First Street, and then took a right onto Birch. The first house was three miles out, close to the entrance of Acadia National Park. It was tucked into a wooded area, the last house before the visitor center. Although it was very secluded, Juelle wasn’t sure it would work.
Jessica Martin, a young, strikingly beautiful businesswoman in her mid-twenties, met them at the front door with a pleasant smile on her face.
“I’ve got to admit, I was surprised to hear from you, Juelle. I didn’t know you were in the market for a house. I’m tickled you chose me to help you find something.” The young realtor extended her hand. Juelle shifted Makenzie on to her left hip, and shook Jessica’s hand.
“This is Hunter McClintock. Hunter, Jessica Martin. She’s a member of the Lobster Cove Chamber of Commerce.”
“Yes, I saw him at the service yesterday.” She offered him her hand as well. “Glad to meet you. Are you moving to Lobster Cove?”
“No. I’m only here for a few more days, but offered to help Juelle while I’m here.”
“Well, come on in. I think you’ll like this place. It’s rather charming, even though it’s close to the park entrance. There is a large backyard, already fenced in, but there are no other houses beyond—it’s all woodland. It’s pretty shaded most of the year, but it has a fantastic fireplace, and the kitchen is to die for. Let me show you.”
Jessica was right, the interior layout was something out of a House Beautiful or Architectural Digest. The cathedral ceilings, with a large loft bedroom and private bath was impressive.
Makenzie was fussing by the time they finished going through the rooms on the main floor and headed down to the basement.
“Here, let me take her out back and wander around the yard while you finish inspecting things down here.” Hunter reached for Makenzie. “I’ll meet you out front when you’re finished.”
Makenzie went to him without a fuss. Hunter had been patient and helpful with Makenzie, so far, she hated to admit it, but she was glad he’d offered to drive her around to the open houses today, so she could concentrate on the homes.
Jessica smiled as Hunter took Makenzie and headed back up the stairwell. Juelle sensed Jessica’s curiosity, but was thankful the realtor didn’t pry. Juelle wasn’t about to offer an explanation of why Hunter was with her today, or how content Makenzie was to be held by Hunt’s son. She didn’t have an explanation to give. Being a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Jessica would be one of those considering terminating Eugenia’s membership—she didn’t want to antagonize Jessica and ruin any chances Eugenia might have of retaining her membership. Thankfully, the realtor was all business, and continued without questioning her.
“As you can see the basement is dry, and there are no signs of leakage anywhere. The previous owner attempted to put a family room down here, but he received a job offer down south, so never finished before he had to relocate. It wouldn’t take much to complete and make it fit your own needs.”
“To be honest, it’s a gorgeous home, but too far out, and too close to the park.”
“With your baby, I understand. The house farther down, closer to town might work. It’s on a cul-de-sac off the main street, so you wouldn’t get the traffic. If you’ll follow me in your car, I’ll show it to you.”
Juelle loved the second house, but held out until they were shown the one at the northern end of town on Aspen Avenue. Which turned out to be perfect.
Juelle followed Jessica up the sidewalk leading to the large wrap-around, screened in front porch. Hunter, carrying Makenzie, followed. Jessica held the screen door open for them, then pulled her keys out and opened the front door. Juelle’s mouth dropped as soon as she stepped inside.
“Jessica! This is the one. Oh, my goodness. I love how those windows overlook the harbor. What a magnificent view. Who would have thought that this far back you would have such a wonderful view of Frenchman Bay, too?”
“It’s open to the morning sun and the bay on this side of the house. You can’t see it from the road, but it sits on a slight incline and is situated so there are no obstructions to the view.
As you know, Maine is the first State to get the morning sunrise—you won’t have to miss a one. Now, the west side of the house is partially shaded so you’ll get some afternoon and evening sun, but it’s a comfortable yard with plenty of shade in summer, and blocks some of the winter wind. And, wait until you see the rest of the house, I think you’ll love it even more. Oh, and Grant’s Lake is only a mile or so away in the other direction. Makes for a nice stroll.”
The modern, ranch style home had a two-car garage attached at an angle to the side of the house. The large fireplace in the main room, the efficient, well-appointed kitchen, and back sundeck, stone grill and the wide expanse of a lawn made Juelle want to move in today.
“It’s perfect,” she sighed. “What do you think, Hunter? Isn’t it perfect?”
Hunter, who had been playing with Makenzie during the entire tour, finally spoke.
“It does appear to be in good condition. How old did you say the house is?” He turned to the realtor. “What about the utilities? Taxes? What other expenses are involved?”
Once again, Juelle was glad Hunter was on hand and had followed them around the house. She’d been so taken with the visual aspects of the house and envisioning living there with Makenzie that she forgot about all the important details he mentioned. She’d been so excited about taking that first step to move out of Eugenia’s, and having a place and a life of her own, she hadn’t considered the important facts, like the finances involved and how she was going to afford the place. Was she really ready to be a homeowner?
“The house is twenty years old. The owner was an architect. As for the other details, if you think this is the house for you, we can go in the dining room where I set up a card table and can spread everything out and discuss them.”
An hour later, her mind swimming with details she’d no idea she needed to deal with, and wondering how she was going to finance it all, her mind buzzed with the reality of owning her own home.
“I have to be honest and remind you that this property is one of those on the open house listing. I expect several other interested buyers to stop by today—some of them might decide to make an offer. But, I’ll tell you what I can do. Because you’re sure you want this house, and I know the McClintock credit is excellent, I’ll hold it for you for the next twenty-four hours. Afterward, if anyone else is interested, I’ll have to give them the opportunity to make a purchase offer.”
“I appreciate your consideration, Jessica. I do love the house, and feel this is the one for me and Makenzie. As soon as I contact the bank to work through the specifics, I’ll be in touch.”
“Great. I do have another couple looking at the place in about ten minutes. I’ll let you see yourselves out. I’ll see you at the chamber meeting. Have you any ideas for the Lobster Crawl this year? Who’s heading it up?”
“I’m pretty sure Eugenia is leading the committee. But we haven’t discussed it. I think the Friends of the Library want to do something. Maybe set something up at the park—a lobster dish cook-off where each business competes and visitors choose the winner. Kind of like those chili cook-offs you read about.”
“Sounds like a great idea. Let’s mention it at the meeting. See you then.”
Juelle, and Hunter, who was holding Makenzie, stepped off the front porch as an older couple strolled up the sidewalk. The couple smiled and nodded to them as they walked past to greet Jessica, who waited for them on the porch.
“What a lovely family,” the woman said to the realtor. If Jessica answered, Juelle didn’t hear her. Her insides smiled at the comment. Had Hunter heard the woman’s comment? She didn’t dare look at him to determine whether he had heard the comment, or see his reaction. He was silent as they approached his vehicle. She took Makenzie from his arms and gave her daughter a hug.
“How about lunch?” he asked. “It’s such a gorgeous day, we can head out to Jordan Pond House for a bite to eat, and then maybe see about a carriage ride.”
“You don’t have to cater to us all day, Hunter.”
“I’m at loose ends. I could use the company.”
“What about Makenzie?”
“Not a problem. She’s a well behaved kid, and we seem to be hitting it off together. She’ll love it. Say yes.”
Juelle wasn’t sure spending an entire day with Hunter was a good idea. But then, she remembered Eugenia demanding her not to have anything to do with him. Too bad. She liked him. More than she should so soon after meeting him. But she wasn’t ready to go back to the estate and face Eugenia.
“I’d love to. Their lobster stew is to die for, not to mention their popovers. But I’ll need to be back before the bank closes this afternoon so I can check on my finances and see about a loan.”
Hunter drove them up to Jordan Pond where they found an umbrella covered wooden picnic tables on the lawn overlooking the pond. Views of Penobscot Mountain and the Bubbles rose in the background on the other side of the pond. Juelle placed a blanket on the lawn for Makenzie, while she and Hunter took advantage of their baby-free arms to eat.
“What’s this Lobster Crawl you were talking about with the realtor?”
“The Chamber is looking to enhance tourism in Lobster Cove. With the economy on a downswing, they’re trying to boost business and bring in some of the tourists who frequent Bar Harbor and Acadia.”
“It sounds like fun. Maybe I should consider a luau cook-off back on the islands.” He chuckled as if he’d made a joke. Makenzie clapped her hands and giggled along with him. He tweaked her nose, and she laughed all the more.
“What a great idea. But isn’t a luau a big deal on the Islands?”
“Not as a cook-off, per se. Our travel company does do similar events on occasion. We cater mostly to tourists who come in on major cruise lines and schedule tours around the islands, although we do have cruise/tours to other islands in the Pacific. On occasion, we have special events for our return patrons. I play tour guide on many of the tours. What about you? What do you do here on this island?”
Juelle looked out over the pond. She was embarrassed to admit she was a stay-at-home mom.
“Other than serving on various organizations’ committees that Eugenia belongs to, not much. Sebastian and I married right after college, and then moved to the McClintock Estate. According to Eugenia, a McClintock wife does not work for a living—they serve the community.”
“Serving the community is a worthwhile endeavor. And you are raising a child. Nothing wrong with that.”
“I didn’t mean it to sound as if I didn’t enjoy either. Some look at it as indulgent, or a sacrifice. I feel as if I’m wasting my education.”
“What was your major? What would you rather be doing?”
A good question. Now that she had Makenzie she wasn’t sure she wanted to leave her daughter with anyone else while she worked. But could she afford to buy a house and still be a stay at home mom? She wouldn’t have Sebastian’s income now, and she had no idea if he had life insurance. She’d have to check with Mr. Jordan to see what her financial status was now that Sebastian was gone.
“Education, with a teaching certificate. After two years of not having to work, I’ve put in an application at the high school. But like everything else, this is all new to me. Maybe something part-time until Makenzie starts school.”
“With a degree in education, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something if your application isn’t accepted. Seems to me there’s a lot of history on this Island.”
“Yes, and seeing as I belong to the historical society, I know a bit about the Island’s history. Jordon Pond is one of those historic locations that’s about to change hands. The Jordan House was opened in 1870, and has been run by the Acadia Corporation. Not sure who the new owners are, but I’m glad it’s going to continue. It’s a charming place for visitors to enjoy.”
“What’s the history behind the McClintock and McClintock Lobster Company?”
The question caught her off guard. She was sure the status of the McClinto
ck holdings would come up when she talked to them at the bank, as well, and was prepared.
“Historically, Herman McClintock arrived on the islands as a young lad back in the day. A fisherman by trade, he started a local fishery with a single boat. When the island started to grow, he hired a few young men and bought another boat and sold to local businesses. Before he knew it, his business was shipping all over the east coast. He married Marian Landers. They had one child, a son, Hunt McClintock—your father. When he became old enough to join the company, Herman changed the name of the company to McClintock and McClintock Lobster Company. Before Herman passed, Hunt took over and started looking for international connections. I think that’s when he must have gone to Hawaii and met your mother. When Herman died, Hunt became sole owner. You know the rest. Now with both Hunt and Sebastian gone, I don’t know what’s going to happen to the business.”
“Perhaps Eugenia is next in line.”
“Or you. You are Hunt’s son.”
“We’ll have to wait until the will is read tomorrow afternoon and see what develops. What about Sebastian’s will? Did he have one?”
“If he did, we didn’t discuss it. In fact, we hadn’t done anything about providing for Makenzie should something happen to either of us. Something I’ll have to talk to Mr. Jordan about.”
“Good plan. In the meantime, let’s finish up here and go catch one of those buggy rides around the island.”
“I’m going to have to take a rain check if I want to get to the bank today before it closes.”
****
Later that afternoon, Juelle sat across from Loan Officer Tempest Yarbrough, biting her lower lip and wringing her hands in her lap. Being turned down for a loan now, despite being a McClintock, was another setback she didn’t need. She’d never before had to apply for a mortgage from a bank. The only finances she’d had to deal with was working her way through college. Her grandparents had saved for her education, which had been a complete surprise. Her parents being missionaries, on the other hand, lived frugally and weren’t able to help.
