Page 14 of Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

“I thought the council already filled all of the available storefronts.”

“All but a few, most of which still are under lease by their previous owners or owned outright by someone other than Seb Jonathon.”

The mayor, Seb Jonathon, also was the landlord to most of the buildings on Main Street, with a few exceptions. “Like the old Hudson bakery.”

“Exactly.” Mom tapped the side of her nose, and her blue eyes gleamed. “But there is one property whose lease has recently expired. Just three days ago, in fact.”

The picture was getting clearer. “So you’re thinking that if we can get the county to release the property to the town?—”

“It’s all but done. Sandy is pushing the paperwork through tonight.”

Declan arched a brow at Mom. “Tonight? The day before the Fourth of July?”

“Time is of the essence. Besides, she owes me.”

Dad grunted.

“Okay, so once you can get the property released to the town, you get the council to attach Grandma’s house to the final storefront available for leasing…”

“Right.”

“And”—he grinned—“you apply to run a business out of the storefront, thereby granting us ownership of Grandma’s house for one dollar.” He sat back. “Mom. You may have your crazy moments, but this…this is a brilliant business move. Problem solved.”

Mom rubbed her hands together. “Not me. You.”

Wait. “What?Me?”

“Yes, you. The rest of us are busy running our own businesses. You’re the only one old enough and responsible enough—with the right experience—to open a shop and make a success out of things.”

“Mom—”

“The contracts the council has been giving out state that home ownership reverts to the town if the business ceases operations within three years. It has to be you.”

His mouth opened. Closed. He took a breath. “I’ll admit, it’s a great plan. But I’ve already got a job, remember? Back in Chicago.”

She took his hand. “I know. And I’m sure it’s a great job, but you’re needed here, Declan. At least to help start it. Once you’ve got it going, if you need to return to your job, we can hire Olive or someone else to work there and report back to you. She just graduated and would probably like to branch out beyond working at the coffee shop.”

“Mom. I have to be back within a month if I want to keep this job. You can’t start a business then abandon it a month later.”

“She’s not really asking, son.” Dad spoke up, eyes flashing. “And you know how Grandma feels about that house.”

Declan stared at him. He did know, but—“Dad, I want to help, but…”

“Let’s not beat around. You owe her, son. So, just man up and do it.”

It was always so cut-and-dried with Dad, wasn’t it?

Declan’s mouth tightened, and maybe he should just grab his suitcase and…and leave.

Never look back.

Which had been Plan A all along.

Mom placed a hand on his arm. “I know this isn’t your first choice, but it’s a way to help.”

A way to make amends, she meant.

He looked away, at the pictures in the hallway, the legacy of the Kelleys. Shoot.

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