Page 129 of Hometown Girl

Why had God chosen to take this away from her, just when she’d begun to love it?

She didn’t understand it, but she chose to trust He had a plan. In the past, she’d been so angry when things didn’t go her way—if she’d learned anything, it was that anger had turned her into someone she didn’t want to be.

Her phone rang, and she saw Dina’s name on her screen. Beth hadn’t told her the barn sale was off. And she’d probably been working round the clock to spread the word.

Beth let out a heavy sigh, then clicked the phone on. “Hey, Dina.”

“Beth, have you had a chance to check your email? I’d love to know what you think of the mock-ups. And you’ll be happy to knowMidwest LivingandCountry Lifeagreed to promote the sale online in exchange for advertising, which I’d be willing to donate.”

“Dina, you don’t have to do that.”

“It’s already done. Someone will be calling you this week. They’re excited. They might even send someone out to the sale.”

She sounded so happy. In spite of everything, she’d been a good friend to Beth. It felt terrible to let her down. “You haven’t talked to your grandma, have you?”

Dina paused. “No, why? Is she okay?”

“She’s fine, but the farm isn’t. There was a tornado.” That stupid lump was back in her throat.

“Oh, no, Beth. I’m so sorry.”

“It looks like we’re going to have to sell. We don’t really have another choice.” Even as she said the words, Beth thought of a hundred other choices—though she had to admit, most of them resulted in their financial ruin.

“So what’s next for you, then?” Dina asked after a pause.

Beth swiped a tear before it could slide down her cheek. “I haven’t figured that out yet.”

“Come work for me.”

Beth laughed. “What?”

“Come on, Beth. You’d be amazing. I know we were always a little competitive in high school, but we’re past all that now—and my team could use a great leader like you.”

Was she serious?

“So, what, I’d move to the city?”

“Sure, why not? Isn’t that what you always wanted?”

“Yeah, I suppose it is.” Or at least, it had been.

“Think about it. Let me know. I’ll hold on to the advertising and leave the magazine interviews in place for a couple more days. Maybe there will be some sort of miracle.”

“I hope you’re right. And Dina?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

She hung up, a familiar hollow feeling returning to her gut. After everything they’d invested in Fairwind, she was sick to think of walking away from it now.

A stick cracked behind her, and she turned to find Drew standing there. How long had he been there?

“You’re leaving?” Even in the shadow, she could see his disappointment.

She looked away. “Aren’t you?”

“Haven’t decided yet.”

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