Unveiled Treasures by Kayla Janz Read Free Book Online Page A

life with her? Get a grip, Bradley. Gunning the engine to life, he backed out of the parking lot.

Chapter 4
    “I so love driving through this canyon,” Rachel said to Brutus on their way home. “You can’t find this kind of solitude in a big city. Turning off the main road up the steep drive, she stopped to admire a doe and her fawn drinking from the creek. Sitting up, Brutus barked at them. Rachel smiled as they dashed off into the thick cover of trees. This was her own private joy, having nature right outside her door. Parking the truck, she grabbed her bags and headed for the front door. Once inside, she went about putting everything away. Looking around the kitchen, she did a little happy dance. This was her place! She couldn’t get over that. Envisioning everything repaired, patched, painted and replaced if necessary made her feel giddy. Her belongings and furniture would make it complete. She was going to make it fantastic. Her cell phone rang as she walked back in to the living room. “Hello?”
    “Well hello, stranger, thought maybe you forgot about us down here in the South.”
    “Dad, oh it’s so good to hear from you. How are you?” Kicking off her shoes, she flopped down on the couch and got comfortable.
    “Can’t complain, I was just checking on you two. The roof hasn’t fallen down around your ears yet, has it?” He chuckled.
    “No” she said indignantly. “I was shocked by the outside appearance when we first arrived, but believe it or not, the interior is cleaning up very nicely.”
    “I was afraid your expectations were going to be too high. Have you bitten off more than you can chew this time?”
    “Not at all,” she answered sincerely. “I went to the hardware store earlier and was given a slew of recommended contractors.”
    “That’s good to hear. How is that overgrown lap dog of yours handling the great outdoors?”
    “He absolutely loves it. He’s been chasing squirrels, barking at deer and splashing through the creek. He’s in seventh heaven out here.” Changing the subject, she became even more animated. “Dad, this place has so much potential. I’ve been working on it non-stop since I got here but it’s terrific. My plan is to make it exceptionally terrific.” She paused. “Why did we stop coming up here?”
    “Your mother’s work schedule interfered with a lot of weekend getaway plans, kid, you knew that. Besides, she wasn’t much for the rustic cabin life, too far away from the malls. We’d given considerable thought to selling the place, never got around to actually doing anything about it though… It’s funny; you always think there will be a tomorrow.”
    “Yeah, I know. That’s one of the reasons I’m here now.” Looking around the room, she sighed and continued. “I’m going to start painting the living room later today. I just returned from the hardware store with my supplies. I’m going to be sanding and sealing the floors too.”
    “That’s my girl. Get that place livable and I just might come to visit you. I bought you a housewarming present,” he teased.
    “You bought me a present? What is it? Are you going to bring it up here to me, or do I have to come down to Phoenix and pick it up?”
    “Hold on, girl! I was going to surprise you and come up next weekend but I should probably tell you so you don’t go out and buy one. I got you a garage door opener. I know it’s not the typical housewarming gift but then again, you’re not a typical daughter.”
    “Thank you so much! I’ve only been out in the garage once since I got here but you’re right. I was planning on getting one. Speaking of the garage, I was wondering about something. Why is the house empty but the garage is full of some really great stuff?”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about. The garage was empty, Rachel. Some old junk on the shelves maybe, but the garage should have been empty enough to pull your truck in.”
    Rachel didn’t say anything for a minute.