Read A New Hope (The Second Chance Series Book 2) for Free Online

smile.
    “Well Karla, that’s probably because you two were laughing so hard you couldn’t hear anything.” He responded with a grin. He was glad he could joke with her now without frightening her.
    Karla burst out laughing at his teasing comment and Elliot soon joined her. They laughed for a moment before Elliot composed himself and asked, “Where did you go, Dr. Peterson?”
    “I went to the bank to see what I could do to keep them from selling your farm.”
    “Really?” Elliot asked in shock. “What did they say?”
    “Well, I found out that the house will be sold in sixty days and they’re selling it for what’s owed on it. With the taxes and interest fees it’ll sell for around sixty-two thousand dollars.”
    Elliot’s jaw dropped when he heard the cost of keeping the farm. “Wow. That’s a lot of money. What else did they tell you?”
    “They told me I can buy it if I want. I even have a letter here stating that in sixty days and upon payment, the property will be deeded to me. When you turn twenty-one I am going to sign it over to you and you can make the decision on what to do with it.”
    “What? You’re buying the farm for me? Just like that?” Elliot asked is shock.
    Andrew grinned and answered him, “I am buying the farm, yes. I do have an idea for it though, until you take it over that is. I was thinking we could get what you want out of it and either sell, donate or store everything else and rent out the house. We could ask Mr. Robertson to be the property manager and pay him for making sure everything stays in working order. The money charged for rent would pay the taxes, Mr. Robertson and the upkeep and anything over that we would put into a savings account in your name, that way you would have money to keep the farm going for a while until you decide what to do with it. How does that sound?”
    “I don’t know what to say.” Elliot said as he got up from his chair and walked around the table to Andrew. “I like the idea of renting the house out, but what about the money you’re putting into it?”
    “We aren’t worried about the money Elliot.” Leslie told him. “What we want is for you and Karla to be happy.”
    Karla got up and walked over to where Elliot was standing and wrapped her arm around him. “Elliot, believe them when they say all they want is our happiness. I was a broken mess when they found me almost a year ago and look at me now. Yes, I still have issues to work through, but I am not broken any longer and I know that I can face anything as long as I have Leslie, Andrew, my friends, and now you, beside me.”
    Andrew and Leslie stood up and wrapped their arms around both kids and just held on for a few minutes. “Okay,” Andrew said as he pulled away. “Elliot, I think it’s time to get ready so we can get to the funeral home before visitation starts. I want to make sure everything is perfect before other people start arriving.”
    Utilizing the two bathrooms in the suite, everyone was ready within an hour and they walked to the elevator as a unit. When they got into the car Karla reached over and grabbed Elliot’s hand and gave it a little squeeze.
    “Remember, we are stronger together.” She said in a quiet voice.
    “I remember,” he responded just as quietly. “I’m glad Nana found y’all.”
    “I’m glad she did too, Elliot.” Karla responded.
    When they pulled into the parking lot of the funeral home a few minutes later Karla squeezed his hand again before they exited the car and walked towards the funeral home. She knew this was going to be a difficult next few days for him, but she was determined to help him get through this. She may not have known she had another brother, but now that she did, she wasn’t going to let anything hurt him.

Chapter Eleven
     
    The funeral home was crowded with Mrs. Matthews’ friends. Apparently she was a well-respected and highly loved member of the community. Karla was so overwhelmed by the amount of people