Page 89 of From Grumpy to Forever

Although the Carlson family was widely considered Trickle Creek royalty, with their father Michael known for his business prowess that had ultimately saved the town many years earlier, they were all down-to-earth, genuine people. “Good to see you both. Thanks for coming.”

“It’s great to have the inn back up and running,” Asher said.

“Oh yeah?” I raised an eyebrow. “You’re good with a little competition to your condos up at the hill?”

“The way tourism is booming in Trickle Creek, I’m not worried. There’s plenty of room for us all to be successful.” Asher laughed. “A rising tide and all that.”

“All that, indeed.” My attitude toward tourists in my town had definitely shifted over the last few months. It had to, considering I would be helping Avery run the inn. It probably wouldn’t be good for business if I was openly hostile to the guests.

Besides, Avery helped me see that just because we were opening our doors to tourists didn’t mean they’d be taking over our town. Only that we now had the opportunity to share everything we loved with them on our terms.

I still didn’t love the fact that people were trying to strip the character from the old homes and “modernize” them, but I’d shifted my approach to potential renovation clients. Instead of getting mad and quitting, giving more work to Danny Davis, I guided them to the more desirable alternative of maintaining the original charm of their properties while updating them. So far, my new approach seemed to be working, and I was all booked up with jobs for the next six months or so.

Avery’s influence was rubbing off on me in more ways than one.

“The place really does look incredible,” Noa said. “Congratulations.”

“Reid won’t take any of the credit,” Grayson offered. “He’s too humble.”

“He is,” Asher agreed before turning to face me. “But I assume you will take credit for that dining room table I saw. In the other room?”

“I will.”

About a month earlier, Avery asked me to make the table. Something solid, something that will last. Like the swing. But somewhere guests can gather and share stories.

So after the long days working on the inn’s endless renovations, I spent my nights at the workshop shaping the thick slabs of oak, sanding every inch until it was perfect. I’d left the edges raw and, right in the middle, I’d carved the same image I had on the swing.

It had turned out better than even I had hoped. Avery cried when she saw the finished product. It was perfect.

“It’s beautiful,” Noa said. “And so unique.”

Asher nodded. “You’re very talented, Reid.”

“Thank you,” I grunted. Accepting compliments did not come naturally to me.

“I’m not sure what your schedule looks like coming up, but we could use some original pieces up at the lodge. Maybe we can meet next week to discuss some commission pieces?”

Commission pieces for the lodge would not only mean a nice little paycheck, but also invaluable exposure for my budding woodworking business. “Absolutely, Asher. That would be fantastic.”

“Great.” Asher wrapped his arm around Noa. “I’ll let you get back to the party. Congratulations on the inn. We’ll chat next week.”

We said our goodbyes, and when Asher and Noa were out of hearing range, Grayson turned to me with a big grin. “Damn, Reid. Having your work up at the lodge will be huge.”

He wasn’t wrong.

“It’s funny how things work out, huh? And all because I asked you to do me a favor that day at the hardware shop.”

“You knew I would say yes.”

“Of course I did.” He laughed. “But a simple thank-you would do.”

“Thank you.” I laughed. “But now it’s my turn to ask for a favor.”

Grayson eyed me. “Oh yeah?”

I nodded seriously. “I need you to be my best man.”

My brother’s mouth dropped open, and he laughed again. “But you’re already?—”

---