Page 37 of Red, White, and You

We take a stroll through the camp, the man asking questions about the facilities, the number of cabins, and the financials. I answer everything to the best of my ability, but he’ll need to spend some time looking over the paperwork before he informs the potential buyer.

We reach the edge of the lake, and I pause to take in the breathtaking view. The water sparkles under the sun, and the gentle breeze carries the scent of moisture on the forest floor, the beginning signs of winter creeping around the bend.

Sensing my hesitance, Mr. Harris speaks up. “It’s a lovely property you have here. The potential for development is immense.”

I nod, my gaze still fixed on the lake. “Yes, it’s a special place. But it’s time for me to move on.”

He looks at me curiously, perhaps sensing that there’s more to this decision than meets the eye. “If you don’t mind me asking, why sell such a beautiful property?”

I take a deep breath, my heart heavy with the weight of my confession. “There’s a woman waiting for me in New York.”

A flicker of understanding crosses the man’s face, and he nods knowingly. “They have a way of turning our worlds upside down, don’t they?”

Chuckling, I slide my hands into my pockets and gaze out across the lake. “This one certainly does.”

“And she’s worth it?” He extends his arm toward the lake. “She’s worth giving up all of this?”

I turn and meet his gaze. “She’s wortheverything.”

Mr. Harris nods, then we continue the tour in silence.

As we reach the end, he extends his hand toward me. “I hope you find the happiness you seek,” he says sincerely.

I shake his hand firmly. “Thank you. I hope the next owner of this place will cherish it as much as I have.”

“Barring anything below bar in your financials, I think you have a deal, Mr. West.”

We shake on that and Mr. Harris climbs back into his car, leaving me with a heavy sense of finality. As he drives away, I stand alone by the lake, the decision practically made but the road ahead uncertain.

With renewed determination, I head back toward the camp, my heart filled with hope and the promise of a future with the woman I love.

Brie

Friday morning drags on like molasses. The deal has been made. Money has been exchanged. The final paperwork still needs to be signed, but I have instructed my real estate agent to send the notary to Camp West so I can surprise Brady and sign the documents in front of him.

As soon as thisinexplicablylong day is over.

The clock ticks slowly, signaling the approach of noon. How is it only midday? With a huff, I reach for my phone and press the intercom button. “Andi?”

“Yes, Brie?”

“Call Clarence, please. I can’t wait until five o’clock. I have to get to Pennsylvania”

She giggles and I frown as I stare at the intercom. What’s so funny?

The door to my office swings open and Brady steps inside, a smirk pulling at his full lips. “What’s in Pennsylvania, Breezy?”

My heart skips a beat at the sight of him.

The air shifts, as it always does, when we’re within reach of one another.

“Brady…” I quickly push my chair back and rise to my feet. “What are you doing here?”

His deep blue eyes take me in slowly. “Breezy,” he breathes, “you look even better than I remember.”

Laughing, I shake my head. “You say that every time.”

“It’s true every time.”

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