The sale didn’t happen that afternoon.
There were inspections, negotiations, title checks, and paperwork.
Alan wanted confirmation that the unauthorized bookings were canceled and that no occupancy claims remained.
My attorney provided the relevant documentation.
After the remaining conditions were satisfied, we agreed on the sale.
I didn’t get every dollar I’d originally hoped for.
But the price was fair.
And I could finally stop worrying about the next property tax bill, the next roof repair, or the next expensive winter storm.
Before closing, I invited Madison to visit the house with me.
She arrived alone.
We walked through the empty rooms.
She touched the kitchen counter.
Then the wall beside the staircase, where Thomas had once marked her height with pencil.
The marks were still there.
I handed her my phone.
“Would you take a picture of these?”
She nodded.
We photographed every mark.
Then we sat on the deck.
Madison looked across the lake.
“Dad loved this place.”
I smiled.
“He did.”
She wiped her eyes.
“I really thought I was helping save it.”
I looked at her.
“I know you wanted to keep it.”
She turned toward me.
“But I went about it terribly.”
“Yes.”
