Watching the inn deteriorate and then sit abandoned when Dove moved into a retirement facility had been heartbreaking. The B&B was located on the most easterly coast of Blue Moon Bay. Breathtaking views of the ocean at sunrise and sunset made it the perfect tourist destination for travelers looking for some R&R. The mild surf in that area of the beach was ideal for swimming and sunbathing, and a small alcove made it feel private and remote. There was even a shallow area for young kids to play without their parents needing to worry about a strong current or undertow.

Jagged cliffs in the distance gave a magnificent backdrop over the sandy shores, and the acres of green grass and lush vegetation surrounding the property required a lot less maintenance than the building itself. With the right renovations, Sarah could easily flip the place for a better price and the inn could live on.

If he had the money to buy it himself, he’d readily take it off her hands. Five years ago, when Dove had closed the inn, he’d been about to make an offer. Then Kelly had gotten sick, and things had changed so fast.

Before his wife’s fight with cancer, their lives had finally been headed in the right direction—after a few slight detours, including a failed pro football career. At least he’d made enough from his three seasons playing for the Rams to start his own construction business. Plan B wasn’t the dream, but buying his first property—a run-down vacation rental to fix up and flip—had been surprisingly easier than he’d thought, and it’d paid off.

That first successful venture had renewed his confidence in himself after the crushing setback. The success of the company also made it possible for Kelly to stay at home to raise Marissa, and they’d been talking about adding to their happy little family.

Then Kelly got sick.

Between the medical bills and paying for someone to look after the house and Marissa, the expenses increased while his ability to earn decreased as he spent more and more time with Kelly at the hospital. He’d missed opportunities, and his company’s reputation had taken a hit. He’d struggled the last five years trying to pay off those bills and get back the clients he lost when he was unavailable. Marissa was now nine, and being both mom and dad was challenging. He had her future to think about as well, so he had to find a way to turn things around and soon.