Page 81 of Starry Skies, Stolen Kisses, and My Best Friend's Brother

We both sit down, and I tell them everything about Eli and how he unknowingly solved our problem.By the time I finish, I’ve pacified my father, but I imagine there still might be some punches thrown.

THIRTY-ONE

Mae

My dad thinks this is a normal business meeting to discuss the hideaway week and how that will affect Whisper Springs.I have no idea how this will play out.Seth practiced this presentation no less than three times with me last night, and he’s going to nail it, but I know he’s still nervous.My dad is the one wild card, and we’ll see how it all goes.

Either we’ll have an amazing future and business, or we’ll have nothing.

Seth’s whole family is here as well as my dad.Seth stands at one end of the table in the conference room and begins.

“From the beginning of the plan, I knew our place was too small to make it viable for all of you to have a career here.I could’ve made it work for just Dad and maybe a few others, but for us to have a resort as big as Greenbrier, we need more land and more facilities.It would’ve been possible to make it work on a smaller scale.Our exclusive hideaway for social media and other tech superstars could’ve worked on its own.They’re okay giving up their cell phones for a week, but they want more comfort.They want more pampering.They want five-star food and a luxury spa within walking distance.”

Seth pulls out a board with the historical town of Whisper Springs.It’s hardly recognizable anymore because it was drawn by an architectural firm and shows all the upgrades.

“We expand into Whisper Springs and offer them a more permanent place to stay, but they’ll still use most of our facilities.”

Noah stands, anger written all over his face.“No way.You aren’t destroying Beverly’s flower farm.”

Seth raises an eyebrow.“Who said anything about Beverly’s farm?”

Noah sinks back into his chair.“But there’s nowhere else to expand to.You have the river on one side and Beverly on the other.”

“I never agreed to this,” my dad says, his voice low and angry.He recognizes the location of the drawing.Seth is about to push my dad into a corner, and he might not react well.

“Keith, you’ve been telling both Mae and me since I got home that you are ready to retire from the county.In fact, you mentioned on several occasions that you might sign the land over to the government for the new satellite they want to put up on that hill.”Seth points out the window.“And so they can use the company houses for their scientists.”

The entire room goes silent, and Todd glares at my dad.“They told me about it this morning.How could you even think about betraying me after everything we’ve been through?”

Keith blinks.“I didn’t really want to, but I’m getting older.If I could sell it to someone else, I would, but the government won’t let me.It’s them or no one else.And I don’t want to take care of the property or houses any longer.”

“Actually, there is another option,” Seth says.

My dad turns to him.“No thank you.You’ve done enough.”

Seth ignores him and continues on anyway.“The contract has one exception.You’re allowed to sell to your legal heirs.The people who would inherit your land should you pass away without a will.”

“Mae doesn’t have that kind of money.”

“You’re right.There are also stipulations about being gifted money to purchase the land for someone else.Mae Kirkham didn’t have that kind of money.But Mae Blackwood does.And she’s prepared to pay you double what the government offered and will allow you to live in your home for as long as you wish.”

My dad’s face goes red.“I’m going to kill you, you bastard.”He shoots up from his seat and rushes for Seth.I jump between them, pushing my dad backward.“You’re not killing anyone, Dad.”I loop my arm through his and grab the contract with my other hand.“Let’s go for a walk.”

Seth steps forward to join us, but I shake my head.This is between Dad and me.

I drag him outside and don’t say anything as we walk.I just let the information sink in.

“When did you get married?”He studies my hand, and his eyes widen at the ring.

“While we were in Vegas.”

“I should’ve known better than to let you go.”He presses his lips together and glares at me.

“I’m twenty-two years old.You couldn’t have stopped me.Vegas made it easier, but even if I’d stayed here, we would’ve just gone to the courthouse.”

He sighs and looks up toward his house, rubbing his temples.“I never wanted you to have that albatross.”

“Whisper Springs?”

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