Kelsey’s heart sped up. Six million was twenty percent below asking, but a no-contingency offer was worth a lot. No inspections or other due diligence, no financing issues, no community referendums. The family would have their money within thirty days, and she’d have the entire commission to herself. “That figure is substantially below asking, but I’m sure the owners will consider it if you’re able to provide confirmation of availability of funds.”
“Of course.”
“And may I ask, what’s the name of this nonprofit entity?”
“White Room Group.”
“Is that some kind of skiing association?” Given the deep powder reference, she assumed it might be another backcountry outfit. Should she warn Trip of incoming competition?
“No.” Ms. Katz said nothing more, which Kelsey found disconcerting.
“Oh. Well, as you may have heard, the community is fairly invested in what happens with this parcel. Is your client aware there may be some hurdles to whatever its development plans may be, and that buying the land before going through due diligence may be a mistake.”
“My client is aware of the risks.”
Kelsey’s brows pinched together. What kind of organization would spend that much money without tying up every loose end? But it wasn’t her job to warn the buyer; it was her job to sell. “Give me your contact information and I’ll get back to you with the owners’ response.”
“Great. But please impress upon them that this is the best offer my client can make.”
“I will.” After writing down Ms. Katz’s information, Kelsey immediately phoned Nick Copeland, who sounded amenable, but needed to confer with his siblings.
Kelsey hung up the phone with a smile. The first one she’d worn in days.
Despite her grief, the world kept turning. Deep down she knew she had to keep moving, too.
This deal would be one healing step forward. A step toward expanding her business and planning for her future. The future of her dreams, not one for which she might’ve settled because she’d been too afraid of ending up alone.
As she shut down her computer, Avery walked through her door.
“Thought I’d drop in and see if you wanted to grab dinner.” Avery collapsed into the chair across from Kelsey’s desk. “Emma can meet up with us because her only hotel guests made other plans this evening.”
“Um.” Kelsey paused, unsure of whether she felt up to socializing.
“Those are gorgeous roses.” Avery nodded to the vase of multicolored long-stemmed roses on the corner of Kelsey’s desk.
A pang cinched her stomach as she mindlessly brushed the velvety petals with her fingertips.
“Trip sent them.” She’d been avoiding him, too afraid that, if she saw him, she’d cave in and run back into the comfort of his arms. It would be so easy. His sexy smile, his safe embrace, his willingness to lock horns with her without getting mad. She missed him, but she didn’t want a relationship that lingered in a permanent state of limbo, so she had to cut all ties for a while.
Then, like a child unable to stop picking at a scab, she asked, “How’s he doing?”
“Not so great, actually. Grey says he’s pretty listless. No glib jokes. Kind of just going through the motions.” Avery sat forward. “I’d never have believed him capable of caring so deeply about anything or anyone.”
“That’s not fair. Look at how loyal he’s been to Grey this past year. There’s a lot more to him than he lets most people see.” Kelsey hugged herself, as if somehow her own arms could take the place of his. “He really did want our baby—once he got over the initial shock.”
“Kels, it seems like you two really care about each other, so why have you cut him out of your life?” Avery tipped her head. “It’s so unlike you. You’re the great romantic. The true believer of ‘love conquers all.’ If your faith is shaken, well, that scares the pants off me!”
“I still think love conquers all, but only when it’s mutual. One person’s love isn’t strong enough to overcome all obstacles. I’m tired of always being the one who cares more, who loves more, who wants more. I know Trip misses me right now. But he doesn’t love me. At least, not enough, anyway. And I’ve finally realized it’s better to be alone than to settle for less than I deserve.”
Avery smiled although her eyes were glassy. “If anyone deserves to be loved, it’s you. I know you’ll finally meet that Prince Charming you’ve been dreaming of your whole life. I’m just sorry both you and Trip have had to suffer all this loss.”