Page 50 of Heart & Hope

“Events, Reed. You should make it an event location as well. It’s pretty as a picture over there and with a few strategically placed larger buildings, you could have weddings, birthdays, family reunions, etc. It would be good business for you and for the town.”

My mouth gapes. It’s as if Ruby and my mother are one person in this moment. Mack’s attention snags on something behind the veil of willow tendrils, but I don’t take my eyes off Ma.

“Events? Ma, I don’t have the first clue on how to set up or run events. Or how much to charge...”

The curtain of green moves, and Ruby appears.

“But I do.”

Chapter Twelve

RUBY

“But you already have a job, and in the city.” Reed’s face turns from surprise to concern.

“Yes, but I work remotely for most of the events I run. And I can do that for you, also. It won’t be a problem.” His wide eyes are stuck on me. A combination of desperation and excitement wrestle in their green tones. And my stomach is a bundle of knots.

“Harry isn’t goin’ to be happy with this,” Reed says to his ma.

“You let me handle your father. And you adjust your plans and projections to include events. Aim for two to four each month. They will give you the extra cash you need to develop the property, add cabins for guests, convert that largest barn to be your big celebration or wedding reception space, and all that without the residual debt after twelve months.” She rests a palm on Reed’s cheek.

God, I love this woman.

Fire and love all rolled into one amazing soul who would do anything for her children. The flame she continuously stokes for her family.

The pang of grief over my own distant parents and a sliver of jealousy hit me. Forcing air into my lungs, I purse my lips and will the burn behind my eyes to take a hike.

My phone pings.

Addy.

Ready for our girls night?

So ready! I’m out at the ranch, but I can be in town in forty with change. Can’t wait.

Rosewood or Reed’s?

Rosewood, talking to Harry and Lou with Reedsy.

Huh, okay I want to hear all about that tonight!

When I click the screen off, Reed, Mack, and Louisa are staring at me, eyebrows raised. What, did I pull a face or something?

“Sorry, just Adds organising girls night tonight,” I offer.

“What time do you need to be in town?” Mack asks.

“Back by dark, I was hoping.”

“I can give you a lift, if you like,” Mack says, glance swinging between Reed and me.

“Sure, that sounds awesome. I’ll grab my things.”

“No rush, we can leave in like”—he glances at the bulky black watch on his wrist—“say, thirty?”

“Okay, thanks.”

When Reed meets his brother’s gaze, Mack dips his hat toward me and walks back across the yard.

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