The house- Chapter 9

    

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Sarah removed the letter from the envelope and with trembling hands she started reading.

To my dear children, friend and attorney 

This letter will in no way alter the outcome of the will.  I want to make use of this opportunity for you to get to know me a little. Even though I was absent for the bigger part of your lives, there was a time when I was very much part of your lives. We didn't have money and life was difficult at that stage. When your mother left me I thought my life was going to end.  Your mother wanted money and that is one thing I could not give her.  I came to Chicago with only a few dollars in my pocket and I created everything that I give you today with that money.  

I searched for you for a long time but with work and your mother moving around all the time it became difficult. Later on I believed that you did not want me in your lives and I gave up. What I give to you today is my apology.  I should not have given up and today I realize that.  

Family is far more important than money, and you should remember that.  Money can buy a lot of things but it can never make you happy.  Even though I had a lot of money I did not waste it.  I build up a fortune for you.  With this money I give you today, I want you to live.  I want you to get rid of the things you hate and to do the things you love. Share the money with your children, use it to give them the opportunities that you never had. Travel and see the world.  I loved you all.  

To Sarah... my dear friend and attorney. You were the dearest friend I ever had. You were the granddaughter that I never had. You made my life better in a sense that you could never imagine.  If I could I would give you the world.  I know you will be angry about this but I have set up a trust-fund for you.  I know that you enjoy your work, but there is more to life than work.  I have told you many times that you need to travel and see the world, so today I leave you a sum of three million dollars.  I wanted to give you five, but you would've complained and said it is too much so I settled for three. With this money, I want you to enjoy life. I want you to travel and to do the things that I could never do or had the time for.  I want you to take time off and build a life. 

You mean more to me that you could ever imagine.  

Your father and friend

Rich Quitliano

By the time she finished reading, tears were streaming down her face. She realized once again how much Rich had meant to her and she knew that this would be the last words ever that she heard from her dear friend.  

"Thank you for being there for our father"  Sylvia said.  "It seems like he loved you very much. Thank you for giving us closure on this."

She asked them once again about the house but they just shook their heads and they all agreed that they wanted to sell. She was to sell the house  and accept the first offer.  

Five minutes later everyone left the conference room and Sarah had to catch her breath.  She just became a millionaire and she couldn't believe her ears. She didn't know if she should laugh or cry.  She packed her briefcase and then picked up her phone and dialed Matt's number.  

"Would you mind meeting me at the house? "  Sarah asked Matt. He told her that he would see her at four o'clock.  

Sarah stood in front of the house and opened the gate. The house never looked more beautiful than it did today.  The house looked immaculate.  Matt brought in a cleaning service for the showing to the heirs. They had spend a whole two days inside the house, and it cost a small fortune but it was worth every penny.  The ugly drapes had been removed and the chandeliers were shining.  She had never seen the house in all it's glory.  She was totally amazed by the beauty of the house. 

She did not even hear Matt come in and she shrieked when he spoke behind her.  

"How are you?" Matt said when he saw the mood that she was in and he could see that she'd been crying.  

"Oh Matt, it was awful and wonderful all at the same time.  It was a sad reading but everybody left in peace...."  

" Will they be coming over to the house today?" asked Matt.

"No that is the sad news...they all decided to sell the house.... that is why I'm here now.  I need to put the house in the market and we need to find a buyer." 

She looked sad when she said it.  "What would be a good price to sell the house for...I was so hoping that they would do the renovations and that this house could be restored to its original state."

"Well, you know what the cost would be for the renovations, and after seeing the house cleaned I would say that we should start with the least amount of 1.5 million dollars.  After the renovations the owner would have spent a total of two million dollars and that is quite a steep price already...."

Sarah turned around to face him and asked:  " If you had the opportunity and if you had the money would you buy this house?"

"Without a doubt." Matt said and smiled at her knowing how she felt about the house.

"Are you up for an adventure Matt, would you be willing to renovate this house with me? Rich left me the money to buy this house, he must have known how much it meant to me...and I don't want to do this if you are not in..."

" Are you serious??? Of course I would do this with you!  I can't believe you didn't tell me! Wow! I can't believe my ears!! " 

Matt grabbed her arm and swirled her around the room. She nearly lost her balance but he managed to grab her and pulled her closer. In the spur of the moment he kissed her right under the chandelier.  

She was totally out of breath.

"Sarah I know that we've only known each other for a week, but I have been waiting for you all my life. We have had this special connection between us from day one...would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend? "

Sarah laughed and nodded her head.  Everything was so overwhelming and in one day she became a millionaire, a house owner and someone's girlfriend.  It was the most amazing day ever.  

When she signed the contract she knew that Rich Quitliano gave her more than she could ever imagine.  He was like a father figure to her and she would be forever grateful for the way he had changed her life.  He would surely approve of what was happening now and he would be happy for her. Who knows where her relationship with Matt could go...

Rich Quitliano gave her more than she knew ever existed, but most of all...he gave her the house she longed for...

The house at the end of the street.  

 - To be continued-