Chapter 12
We have looked at six properties today, all of them grand and luxurious but I don’t think any of them have captured my girls hearts. All I care about is that Lily has the kitchen and library of her dreams, my princess has room for a horse, stables and the land to ride on, and I’d like room for a separate building to house Alpha team, and the rest of the business can remain running at Harrington House. I want enough land to be a safe secure place for my family to grow and my kids to run, play and be free to have adventures.
I turn to Lily and Alexa, “Do you think you can wait a little longer?”
Alexa nods happily but Lily’s face pales, “Handsome, we don’t exactly have much time before we’ll have five in the family.”
“Tell me honestly baby, did you love any of the properties we’ve walked through?”
I see Tabitha turn her nose up at my statement, she has had this air about her all day which has been rubbing me the wrong fucking way, I’ve seen the sly looks and the curious stares at Lily and haven’t missed a second of it.
“No, I like certain parts of each, but I really shouldn’t be picky, they are very beautiful homes.” Lily says shyly.
“You should absolutely be picky my love, I want to make this our forever home. What about you, Princess?”
Alexa raises her arms and I pick her up and she wraps her legs around my waist.
“Yes, Daddy, I think we can make something togethaw, I’ll stawt dwawing ouw house tonight.”
Lily and I chuckle, and I catch the angry look on Tabitha’s face. But I decide to play this cool, I want her information, nothing more. I wink at Lily and pass Alexa off to her and step over to Tabitha.
“Is there any land for sale in Greenwich? I think we’d like to build.”
Tabitha tries hard to school her annoyed features but unfortunately for her she can’t hide her distain from me.
“There are two, very big acreages for sale but they are very expensive.” She says snottily.
If she think she’s turning me off and trying to steer us in a quick sale on one of these properties she’s mistaken, but I smile and play along.
“Where are they located, can we at least have a look at the land?” I ask kindly.
Tabitha huffs a sigh but agrees, “Yes, fine, follow me.”
I’m going to enjoy this; I don’t often play games but in this case I’m happy too, Tabitha will learn a harsh reality.
We are following Tabitha’s vehicle and Lily is looking really uncomfortable, I know it’s because of Tabitha and it pisses me off.
“Angel, it’ll be, okay I promise.”
Lily’s upset and rightfully so, she just nods and stares out the window taking in the beautiful scenery. We stop at the top of Ridgemont Road and the sprawling land is thick with lush green trees, it is a sloped hill with a long overgrown drive which appears to open up at the top, I imagine our home would sit nicely at the top. We get out of the Beast and everyone is quiet, listening to Tabitha waffle on trying to talk us out of this piece of land. She stops just before we reach the peak and can see the entirety of the land properly, I have a feeling the view is going to be spectacular.
“This one hundred acreage of land has seen many tragedies, it’s technically for sale but no one wants to buy it, due to its history.” She prattles.
Lily and Alexa ignore Tabitha and continue walking, their matching red dresses blowing in the summer breeze, the late afternoon sun shining down on their hair is a beautiful site, my angel and princess together doing what they love.
“How much?” I quip, before I start jogging to be with my girls, leaving Tabitha where she stands. Her being here just feels wrong, it will take a while for her to catch up wearing her ridiculous heels, giving me time to speak with my girls.
When I catch up to them my breath is stolen, I look to my girls, and they have the same dreamy look on their faces like the first day they met and were holding each other.
“This is perfect, what do you both think? Do you both love it?” I whisper.
I know the answer before both their heads start nodding simultaneously, and a massive grin spreads across my face, we have found our land, our... home. I pull them in for a family hug and hold them close enjoying this moment.
“Like I was saying,” Tabitha’s exhausted breath spits out, “this property has had many tragedies unfold on it and it’s sat untouched ever since, I think you should go with an established property.”
I turn from my girls shielding them from this vile woman, “And I asked you, how much?”
Tabitha’s face distorts, “I will need to contact Belle Island Property,” she responds haughtily.
“Best you do, I need a price.”
Tabitha walks away but she just handed me the information I needed; I would have found it easy enough but I like that she fucked up and will soon realize it. I turn back to admire the view with my girls in my arms where they belong.
*Lily
Tabitha’s a piece of work, I’ve felt the distain rolling off her in waves today, and I don’t want to purchase anything through her, she just rubs me the wrong way, I knew Alexander noticed my low mood in the car and that annoys me that I let this woman get to me, I’ll blame it on my heightened hormones.
Alexander comes back and wraps his arms around me and Alexa from behind, and I melt into his warm solid chest.
“Do you want it girls?” he whispers in my ear.
“It’s absolutely beautiful, the trees, all the space to build and grow, and the coastal view is stunning, but I don’t like her Alexander, she is–”
Alexa moves, cutting me off and looks over my shoulder, “She’s a howwible lady, Daddy.”
Alexander chuckles, “I agree, if you want it, we’ll buy it, but it won’t be through her.”
“Hooyah,” Alexa whisper shouts and we follow her lead.
“Excuse me, Alexander, I have a price but it’s a ridiculous figure.” Tabitha states.
Alexander turns us to face her and her face pinches like she’s sucked a lemon at the site of us as a family unit.
“How ridiculous?” He says bluntly.
“They want fifty million.”
I gasp and look up at Alexander’s face shaking my head, wow, I can’t even imagine something costing so much.
“You’re right, Tabitha, it is a lot of money. We’ll need to discuss this as a family, thank you for your time today.” Alexander states, effectively dismissing her.
I’m horrified at the price and can’t breathe. I see Tabitha’s face contort with annoyance before saying, she’ll keep looking for more properties and be in touch before turning and walking down the slope in her ankle breakers.
Alexander lets us go, takes off his jacket and lays it on the ground.
“Come, sit.”
We take a seat on the crest of the hill looking over the magical view of the ocean.
Alexa in between my legs and Alexander behind me, “Do you love this land ladies? Can you see yourselves living here forever?”
“Yes, Daddy, it’s beautiful.” Alexa whispers breathlessly.
“It is beautiful, I agree with Alexa.” I whisper, but at that price. It’s crazy money.
I feel Alexander digging for the inside pocket on his jacket which is under my leg and he pulls his cell out.
“It’s too much money, Alexander.” I gasp.
Alexa leans her head back against my chest to see what’s going on.
“Do you want this properly, Angel?”
“Say yes, Mommy.” Alexa whispers and giggles.
“Yes!” I can’t believe I just blurted that out.
Alexander clicks a few buttons, puts the phone on speaker, and gives us a whisper signal.
“Hello, Belle Island Property, this is Pam, how can I help you?”
“Hi, Pam, I was just shown one of your pieces of land at the end of Ridgemont Road. I want to buy it.”
“The ‘Sailors Lookout’ property?”
“I don’t know the name of it, I just told my agent to call for a price on the one hundred acreage property.”
“Ahhh, yes, Tabitha, she enquired on the price and I informed her that it’s forty million.” Pam states.
I can’t help it I gasp at what Pam just said, Tabitha lied to us, but it really doesn’t surprise me I knew I didn’t like her.
“Is there any restrictions or penalties attached to this land?” Alexander enquires.
“No, Sir, what is your name please?”
“Mr. Harrington, Alexander Harrington.”
“No, Mr. Harrington. It had a fire burn down the original home thirty years ago, a tragedy it was, a few people died but there are no penalties or issues associated with the land.” She finishes kindly.
“I want this property, Pam, and I’ll pay thirty million cash, but I require immediate transfer of ownership and access so I can start my build.” Alexander says with a no nonsense voice.
Pamela gasps on the other end of the line, “Will Tabitha be handling the purchase?”
Alexander chuckles, “Not a chance in hell, can you handle this sale, Pam?”
All we hear is the phone clatter onto a hard surface when Pam drops the phone, I look to Alexander and he just winks, winks at me with a cheeky grin. This man is a force to be reckoned with and I love every single facet of his mercurial personality.
“Hell-hello, are you still there, Mr. Harrington?”
We all chuckle, “Pam we’re coming into the office and will see you shortly, do you think you can stay after hours?”
“I-I’ll be here, Mr. Harrington.”
We pull up in front of a tiny realtor office that looks like it’s seen better days and I like it already.
“You ready to go buy our forever property, my loves?”
Alexa and I both give a, “Hooyah.” I’ve finally gotten the hang of it and love it.
On entering we see Pam on the phone and she holds her finger up in the air signaling she’s busy.
‘Yes, Sir, no the gentleman said he wants the land, he will pay thirty million cash. Immediate transfer of ownership, he wants the title released today, well tomorrow now that it’s after hours, I’ll file the transfer first thing in the morning.’
Pam is listening to the man on the other end and Alexa and I take a seat on the worn leather sofa, I’m exhausted and need to get off my feet it’s been a long day.
Alexa climbs onto my lap and snuggles herself around my tummy, and as soon as she does the babies roll to get into a comfortable position and Alexa kisses my belly before speaking to them, “Hey, Bugs, Sissy is tiwed and needs Mommy cuddles, it’s been a big day.”
I stroke Alexa’s curls and she looks up at me with a cheeky grin, “They needs to leawn to shawe, I haves to teach them young.”
I laugh because she’s right, “You do indeed, being a big sister is a very important role and you will always be my first, Lovebug, and nothing will ever change that.”
Alexa holds my face in her little hands, “I know, Mommy, you loves me like I came from your tummy, and I love you wight back.”
I feel tears spilling over at Alexa’s simple, honest reply. I’m glad she feels my love and it makes my heart so happy.
“I do, I love you sweet girl, always, to the moon… and back.”
Our intimate moment is interrupted when Pam raises her voice.
‘Now, you listen to me, Gus, and you listen good, that property has sat with no one to appreciate its beauty for thirty years! You will not get forty million for this land and you’d be a damn fool to pass it up, have a scotch and think on it, I’ll wait for your call.’
Alexa and I smile at each other because Pam is a spitfire just like Betty, I like this woman instantly.
She rushes around the counter and says a quick, ‘Hello, Mr. Harrington’ before rushing straight past him to Alexa and me and I look at Alexander and he smiles wide looking amused.
“Hello ladies, welcome, welcome. Can I get you anything, a water or juice?”
“Hi, Pam, I’m Alexa Hawwington and this is my mommy.” Alexa introduces.
“Well, aren’t you just the sweetest little girl, would you like a juice box?”
“Yes, please, I’s thiwsty, it’s been a long day.” Alexa sighs out dramatically.
Pam smiles bright, “Would you like anything, Mrs. Harrington?”
I return her smile; this woman’s energy is infectious, and I like her energy and caring nature.
“Do you have any tea; I’d really like a strong hot cup of tea.”
“I do child, I’ll go to the back and make it for you.”
Alexander steps over to us and smiles broadly at Pam, he’s so much more relaxed now that he’s in control and not a rabid... vixen.
“It’s been a long day of house hunting; do you think you’ll hear back from Gus?”
Pam holds her hand out, “Hi, sorry, Mr. Harrington I just had to meet your girls, yes, Gus will call back, he’s just being a silly old fool.”
Pam goes to speak again when the phone rings, “Show time, Mr. Harrington, let’s get it done.”
She pauses and turns to me, “Mrs. Harrington please go on back and help yourself while I wrangle these men.”
I smile, “Thank you, would you like anything?”
Pam shouts over her shoulder running for the phone, “Tea please.”
Alexa helps me to stand and we make our way through to the back and see a kitchenette.
I make quick work of gathering our drinks, I deliver Pam a tea and Alexander a coffee and return to grab my strong hot cup of tea and Alexa’s apple, juice box. We both take a seat back on the leather sofa and sigh at our first sips, Alexa’s right today has been brutal, but I managed it, it shows just how far I’ve come in the last six weeks since waking up.
‘No, you listen to me, Gus. Mr. Harrington will not go any higher, he is not the type of man to be haggling with, you either agree to the terms or he walks, and I’ll show him the ‘Carlisle’ land.’
Pam takes a sip of her tea and gives me a thumbs up. I smile wide at her and enjoy her enthusiasm; I especially appreciate that she acknowledges me and takes a sip of my cup of tea.
‘Mr. Harrington’s offer just dropped to twenty-seven million. Say yes now or I han–’
Pam punches the air, ‘Sold!’
Alexander looks to us with the proudest grin and comes over to where we’re sitting and takes a seat beside me.
‘I’ll be over with the paperwork in half an hour. No, you sign, Mr. Harrington transfers. See you soon Gus and put some damn pants on!’
Pam hangs up, and turns to us with a smile, then lets out a breath and shakes her head, she walks over to us sipping her tea like she didn’t just wrangle the best deal for us.
“Congratulations, Harrington family you just bought the prettiest view in Greenwich!” Pam says proudly.
“Hooyah,” we shout and Pam holds her hand to her chest.
“Oh, my, and a military family to boot. Thank you for your service, Mr. Harr–”
“Please, call me Alexander, Pam, you just made me and my family very, very happy, and I’m extremely grateful. Remind me to never go against you in a deal, I like you, you’ve got game.”
She relaxes and takes a seat in the armchair, sipping at her tea happily.
“So, what did he settle on?”
Pam laughs, “twenty-eight, and I’m going to get his signature in person, I’m not waiting till the morning, he’s a fickle cranky swine.”
“Well, I’m extremely pleased with your no nonsense haggling skills and doing us a solid.”
“That land should have sold years ago, but he’s been a fool. I’m glad it’s going to a family who will enjoy and appreciate it, I wasn’t lying when I said it has the best view. You have the ocean and you can see the Manhattan skyline especially at night, it really is a stunning spot to build a family home.”
“Thank you, Pam, I appreciate your honesty, and staying back tonight to broker the deal. Now all we have to do is get the home built and fast.”
Pam looks to me a little worried, “Ah, I don’t think you’ll get it built in time, I’m sorry beautiful.”
“I don’t think we will either, Pam, but it’s exciting that we will have a home soon enough.” I answer with a big smile.
Alexander pulls me in and kisses my forehead, “I’ll make it happen, I’ll hire twenty crews if need be.”
Pam chuckles heartily, “Alexander, your wife is about to pop, no money in the world will have a completed house in the next couple of weeks.”
We laugh this time as Pam’s curious expression is asking what’s so funny.
“Mommy’s having two babies!” Alexa says excitedly.
“Ohhh, my heart. No wonder you need so much land, how far along are you dear?”
I rub my belly, “Twenty-two weeks. Still, it’s not really enough time to build a house realistically, I’ll probably go earlier than forty weeks with them being twins.” I say smiling at Alexander’s determined face.
“I know all the best builders, that do quality work and I’ll call around in the morning for you if you like?” Pam offers.
“I’d appreciate the help, Pam, money’s of no concern to me I just want an architect to work with us on our design, and the house to be built with the highest quality materials and fast. My team and I will work closely with the builders because there will be specific security measures implemented throughout the build. And I’ll give you a bonus for any added help.”
Pam shakes her head, “That’s not necessary, I just made almost two million in commission,” Pam winks, “seller and buyers commission. I can retire now and live comfortably.”
Alexander laughs, “I knew I liked you, Pam, I’ll round it up so your commission is an even two, you treated my girls with respect and I value that over anything else.”
“Well, I think you need to take your girls out for a celebratory dinner, I’ll go and get Gus’ signature and I’ll message you once I have it, then you can transfer the money. Now go, have an amazing night and congratulations.”
Alexander helps me stand and I give Pam the biggest hug, “Thank you, Pam.” I whisper emotion clouding my voice.
Alexa does the same and Alexander shakes her hand.
Wow, I can’t believe that just happened. We bought land and saved money, well... the money side is bewildering and something I’ll probably never get used to but I’m so happy we found the perfect piece of land to call our own. And the name just made it utterly perfect, ‘Sailors Lookout’, it’s a very fitting name for our Tier 1 family.