Page 85 of Patio Lanterns

“Because I was wrong about them. I thought they were only buying undeveloped land, but they’ve also been trying to expropriate private property from existing cottage owners. Including this one.”

Rick frowned. “I think only the government can expropriate land, but I get what you’re saying. You think Polaris North is going after the Pelletier cottage?”

“They’ve been trying to buy up the oldest and smallest properties around here to make way for lakefront estates. I can’t believe I didn’t see it until Robbie showed me the light.” He shook his head.

“She did?”

“Robbie and I grabbed a bite and talked it over last night, and this morning, I called up Polaris North demanding answers. They refused to admit anything. So, I told them that unless they’re willing to be upfront about their development practices, I was out.”

“Out?” Rick echoed. “You mean you’re willing to walk away?”

“I can’t get into business with a company that values profits above people. That’s not the brand I want.”

Rick clapped his hand on Aidan’s shoulder. “I can’t tell you how proud of you I am, son. That takes guts.”

“I’m not feeling too gutsy right now, especially when I think of how close I came to getting sucked in by Polaris North. I owe Robbie. She made me stop and think.”

Of course she did, Rick thought, because that’s how amazing she is.

“She has a way of doing that,” Rick said. “I mean, look what she accomplished in just a few minutes this evening. Now she’s got everyone talking.”

Aidan shrugged. “We may not be able to stop Polaris North, but maybe we can make it harder for them to buy up land by making people aware of what’s really going on,” he said. “So, I guess that means you’re off the hook. You and I won’t be going into business together.”

Rick smiled. “Tell you what. When you’re ready to start up your own company, count on me being your first investor.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.” Aidan beamed. “But just so you know, I wouldn’t want you to only be an investor, I’d like the benefit of your expertise. Obviously, I still have a lot to learn, and who better to learn it from than my old man?”

Rick got choked up. This was a huge breakthrough, and it suddenly seemed entirely possible that they’d be able to fix their broken relationship and start to heal old wounds that had barely scabbed over. Aidan had shown he could do the right thing by walking away from a lucrative partnership, and it made Rick want to drop his guard and do the right thing, too. It was time to man up and tell Aidan the truth about his involvement with Robin. About how she’d turned his world upside down, and somehow, made everything right again.

“Son, I—”

Aidan slapped him on the back. “Hey, I’m gonna grab some chow while the line’s shorter. Catch you later?”

Rick barely managed to nod before Aidan walked away. Guess we’ll have to find time to talk. Later.

He scanned the crowd until he spotted Robin, her pink dress like a beacon in the night. His heart doubled its tempo as he made his way over, dying to tell her how freaking proud he was.

She was talking to a couple who looked familiar, but whom he did not know. He caught Robin’s eye and her face lit up. “I’m so glad you made it, Mr. Hunter.”

He smiled back at her. “So am I.”

“Hey, do you know the Koskies?” she asked him.

“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,” he said, extending his hand. “I’m Rick.”

“No introduction necessary, I know exactly who you are. You’re Ricky Hunter,” said the man vigorously pumping his hand. “Honey, do you know who this is? Only one of the best non-import receivers to play in the CFL in the past thirty years.”

Rick chuckled. He’d achieved some notoriety back in his playing days, but it had been years since he was recognized, and never outside of Greater Vancouver. “Well, I don’t know about that.”

“I’m Lila,” said the woman standing next to him as he shook her hand. “And this goofy knucklehead is my husband, Carl.”

“I’d heard you moved to Lake Whippoorwill, and was hoping to run into you sometime, but…” Carl paused. “Well, it’s just so great to finally meet you. Wow.”

“As you can see, Carl’s quite shy,” Lila teased, giving her husband a playful poke in the ribs. “Rick, you’re the one who did all that work on the Maple Leaf Lodge? It’s beautiful.”

He nodded. “Actually, my son Aidan did a lot of it before I moved in. He’s a contractor specializing in custom builds and renovations.”

“Good to know,” Carl said. “Because we might have some renovations of our own soon.”

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