Page 81 of The Summer Intern

I pressed a finger to his lips, silencing the spiral before it could gain momentum.The time for my surprise had arrived a bit earlier than planned, but Casey needed reassurance now, not later.

"Casey," I said firmly."I need you to take a deep breath and listen to me.I have something important to tell you."

He narrowed his eyes at me, but didn't say anything.

"Wow," I said, squeezing his fingers between mine, "I love how much you care about this place.About my family's legacy."I gestured toward the camp behind us, the familiar buildings that had shaped my childhood nestled among towering pines."It means everything that you're worried about Camp Eagle Ridge.But there's nothing to fear."

Casey's eyebrows drew together, creating that little crease between them that appeared whenever he was skeptical."But I heard Sutton say—"

"We have donors," I interrupted gently."Big ones.People who believe in what we're doing here and want to help us continue.Sustaining a place like this takes money, that's true.But we've spent the last few months cultivating relationships with foundations and wealthy individuals who went to camps like this as kids and want to give back.And my stepmom makes a good income, so she helps where she can."

The tension in Casey's shoulders eased slightly.

"The meeting you overheard this morning?That was Sutton and I discussing a plan that could make the camp truly profitable, with winter programs.”

"Winter programs?"Casey repeated.

I nodded, unable to keep the excitement from my voice."That's what we've been working on.We want to make camp programs accessible year-round.We just have to figure out how."

A flicker of understanding lit Casey's eyes."So you're not just trying to keep the camp from sinking—you're trying to make it...better?"

"More sustainable," I confirmed."The traditional summer camp model isn't always profitable, especially when you're committed to providing scholarships and keeping costs accessible for families.But we have this beautiful property sitting empty nine months of the year.It doesn't make sense."

Casey shifted in my lap, his expression thoughtful."So what would you do during the off-season?"

"We have to run the numbers and figure out what’s profitable.That’s the tough work you heard us talking about.But there are so many options.Weekend retreats for LGBTQ+ youth groups.Corporate team building with companies that share our values.Arts workshops."I grinned at him."Maybe even music programs led by a certain talented counselor when he's available."

A small smile tugged at Casey's lips."That sounds amazing.And overwhelming."

"Yeah, overwhelming for sure.And I've been putting off coming up with a plan because I just feel overwhelmed, to be honest.But that's my news.I've enrolled in a business program," I said, watching his face carefully."It's a master’s degree, designed specifically for business owners who need to take their ventures to the next level.Accelerated coursework, practical application, connections with mentors in the field.Exactly what I need to make Eagle Ridge everything it could be."

Casey nodded slowly."That sounds perfect for you.When does it start?"

I held his gaze steadily."Next month.In Corvallis."

The information took a moment to process.I saw the exact instant when understanding dawned in his eyes, his mouth dropping open in a perfect O of surprise.

"As in...Oregon Corvallis?As in, where I go to school Corvallis?Oregon State?"

"That's the one," I confirmed, unable to keep the smile from spreading across my face."The program is on the OSU campus."

Casey stared at me, his expression cycling through disbelief, joy, and then, unexpectedly, concern."But...what about the camp?What about your home?You love it here, Matt.I've seen how you connect with this place.It's part of who you are."

That's when I knew, with absolute certainty, that I loved this man—this beautiful, thoughtful person who worried more about my happiness than his own, even when receiving news that could solve one of his biggest anxieties.

I rolled my eyes affectionately and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear."They have online courses, so the accelerated classroom portion is just for two semesters, Casey.While you finish school.And Oregon has plenty of beautiful natural areas.There's the Columbia River Gorge nearby.Mount Hood.The Oregon Coast.We’ll explore the outdoors together."

“Yippee,” he said, poking my arm.“My dream.”

I nipped at his ear.“Stop pretending you hate the outdoors, Mr.Sitting On the End of the Dock.”

"But will you be okay there?It's not the same as having the lake outside your door.The camp as your backyard."

I cupped his face in my hands."No, it's not.But it has you.And being with you makes it worthwhile."

His eyes glistened with fresh tears, but these were different—wonder replacing worry."You'd do that for me?Move away from Eagle Ridge?"

"For us," I corrected."I'd do it for us.And for the camp, too.This is an investment in its future."

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