Page 42 of Bridge to Home

“How did it go?”

“Not bad. She gave my legs a gentle massage and wants me to rest. Kennedy claims I’ll be ready to run the Mackinac Island 5k by spring. She’ll be back the day after tomorrow.” Harlow watched her father make his way across the living room.

“I thought we could have a sandwich and soup for dinner.”

“Sounds good to me.” Harlow glanced at the stack of mail. “I brought your mail in. It’s on the counter.”

“Thank you.” David picked up the pile and began flipping through it. “Nothing but junk.”

“I wasn’t trying to snoop, but I noticed an envelope on top from Easton Holdings Company.”

“Easton Holdings Company.” David shuffled through the stack again. “Ah. I see it now.”

“I’ve heard the name before. Doesn’t their company invest in commercial properties?”

“They do.”

Harlow waited for her father to elaborate. “And?”

“And what?”

“Why are they sending you a letter?”

David cleared his throat. “I wanted to wait until you were better, but I might as well spill the beans. I’m partnering with them to get this place fixed up.”

“You’re going to let someone else swoop in and take control?” she gasped.

“They aren’t taking control. It’s a partnership.”

“I’m shocked.”

“Why?”

“Because you poured your heart and soul into Wynn Harbor Inn and now you’re letting complete strangers who know nothing about this place, take over.”

“You don’t understand.”

“What’s there to understand?” Harlow asked. “Why don’t you sell it lock, stock and barrel and walk away?”

“Because it’s home. I can’t see myself living anywhere else.”

“It sure doesn’t sound like it. It sounds like you’re selling out.”

“Why do you care? You haven’t been back here in years.”

Harlow briefly closed her eyes. The truth hit a little too close to home. Her father had a point, one she couldn’t deny. Still, he could have given her a heads up to let her know what was happening. A little voice in her ear told her even a few weeks ago she would’ve ignored him.

David dropped the paper on the counter and placed his hand on the back of his neck. “I don’t have the funds to fix this place up and can’t get a loan. I’ve already tried. It’s too big of a project for me to take on by myself.”

“You could divide the property and sell off a few parcels,” Harlow suggested. “Keep this place and get rid of the rest. I could’ve helped you.”

“I’m not looking for a handout. Besides, I wouldn’t even consider dismantling Wynn Harbor Inn.”

“It sounds pretty close to what I envision happening seeing how you’re partnering with a big company like Easton Holdings.”

“I’ve met with Morgan Easton, one of the owners. She’s not a shark.”

“Morgan Easton.” Harlow’s brows furrowed. “I’ve heard her name before.”

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