The Guest House Hauntings Boxset by Hazel Holmes (novel books to read txt) 📕

like she didn’t quite belong here. She was different than the people she worked with. The city was too fast for her, too loud, too much. She often felt like she got lost in the shuffle. She had to shift, conform to what everyone else was doing. This was her chance to find her place with Ezra. An opportunity to live out her dreams. She could barely wrap her mind around it.

“I love you,” she said, followed by a kiss.

“I love you too. Now get to eating. We have an adventure to start.”

7

Ezra and Clara made the trek to the first region they wanted to check out for their new bed and breakfast. They stayed the night at a cute little bed and breakfast that inspired them, then started the viewings first thing Saturday morning. They saw some incredible properties, each with a Victorian-era air to it. Ezra had kept his wife’s tastes in mind as he was picking places, and after talking with the real estate agent, Clara picked out a few properties of her own.

By Sunday, they had narrowed their list down to two properties they really loved. They had a couple of more to see that day before heading back home and taking time to think about which one they wanted most.

They left early that morning and drove out to the mountains of Illinois. The brilliant red, orange, and yellow leaves were fading, falling to the ground; a signal of the new season waiting impatiently to rush in. Miles upon miles of dying colors stretched before them in one glorious show before unforgiving white stole them all.

Driving under the shadows of mountains rather than the stares of skyscrapers was a relief to them both. They talked freely as they admired the cozy area with unique houses and big properties. Small shops replaced ridiculously-priced clothing stores. A few people walked around, enjoying their Sunday in a carefree way that was seen far less often on the busy streets of Chicago.

“I like it here,” Clara said as she admired the quaint brick library. She imagined spending a full day there, leafing through their collection.

“It’s a nice area,” Ezra replied. “It attracts leaf peepers and snow lovers; a lot of skiers will come out to the region to hit the slopes. There’s also a lot of hiking trails and a gorgeous lake that draws outdoorsy people to the town.”

“Sounds like a solid customer base,” Clara said. Though they were idealists, they were also business minded. They wouldn’t settle for anything that didn’t have good prospects. “And they seem like just the sort of customers I’d like to serve. People who are looking for adventure and prefer to be outdoors.”

“Exactly. It definitely has potential.”

“More potential than the amazing properties we’ve seen so far?”

“I guess we’ll see.”

It wasn’t long before they reached the long driveway that led up to the three-story Victorian-style bed and breakfast. The unique purple walls were trimmed in grey, protected by towering pine trees. Unlike the other bed and breakfasts, this one came with an attachment to it. Conjoined with the house, but somehow still separate, was a circular room with windows as walls that looked out into a carefully tended garden. Based on the exterior alone, it was the most unique house they’d seen so far.

“I love it,” Clara said, already visualizing her dream bed and breakfast here.

“Me too,” Ezra replied. “Let’s hope the inside looks just as fantastic.”

As they got out of their car and waited for Sana, they watched the clouds pool around the mountains. They were situated close to the most popular slopes, which was a major draw to the guests before. Clara peered around the house.

The gorgeous lake was laid right beneath them, down a little slope. The blue water was starting to get frosty, preparing for the deep freeze that would pause the region soon. Pine trees bordered the edges as peace settled over the property. Lights were strung up, following the path that led to the water.

“It’s gorgeous,” Clara said.

“Isn’t it?” Sana replied with a warm smile. Her curly brown hair bounced in the chilly wind. Touches of orange in her dress brought out a golden glow in her brown eyes against rich caramel skin. “I think you’ll like this place. It’s one of my favorites.”

She led them inside, opening the door to reveal the most welcoming foyer they’d seen. Golden light brightened the area, which brought in a certain warmth that fought the chill of the cold. Clay colored walls were tastefully decorated with succulents and artwork. The wood floors added to the earthy, comforting atmosphere, while cozy orange couches offered up a place to relax while waiting for the owners of the home. Though with all the care already shown, Clara and Ezra doubted guests ever had to wait very long.

“It seems like this place was well loved,” Ezra noted.

“Very much so,” Sana said. “You’ll find everything is in incredible condition. It’s one of the best properties we have.”

She led them into the living room next, which had a bit of a brighter color scheme. A stone fireplace was settled amongst rich red walls. Wood flooring and nude-colored furniture kept it from being too bright though. A large wood bookshelf gave the space a literary feel that Clara loved, while a big screen TV provided modern comforts.

This seemed to be the theme of the house. It was rooted in warmth, a peaceful place tucked away in the mountains, while still providing modern luxuries. It was a perfect mix of both worlds.

Ezra was most enchanted by the kitchen though. It was spacious with dark marble countertops. Professional with grey and blue décor. It was an industrial-sized kitchen, big enough for a café or small dinner service. A bit much for the typical bed and breakfast. He wasn’t complaining though.

“This kitchen is conjoined with another room that’s open to a couple of different possibilities,” Sana said. She led them through the door and into the room they spotted earlier