Page 39 of You, Me, and Forever

“Hit me with it.”

“There’s a really intricate mural painted in the office on the back wall. It looks like you brought in some famous artist to do it. What’s the story with that?” I’d noticed it a few times, and I’d been drawn to the detail.

He chuckled, and then he blinked a few times. “Montana painted that for me when she was home from college one summer.”

My eyes widened. “Montana painted that mural? By freehand?”

“Yep. She spent hours doing it.” He cleared his throat. “Lydia is a cancer survivor, but she went through a couple rough years, and I sank into a pretty dark place the summer my wife started chemo. But Montana came home that summer and found me sulking in the office, and she decided to force me to see the good. She wanted me to make one of her vision boards, and I refused. I was a bit of a stubborn assback then, worrying about my wife night and day. She and Daniel kept this place going those first few months, and she spent hours every night painting those flowers and butterflies on the wall, because they’re Lydia’s favorite.”

“Wow. I had no idea she was such a talented painter.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “And I’m happy to see Lydia doing so well now.”

“Yep. She’s been cancer-free for two years, and we just take it one day at a time. And Montana has a huge heart, and there’s nothing she won’t do for the people she loves.” He shook his head. “She took the sale of this place really hard, but what I keep trying to tell her is that it’s not the inn that she’ll miss. It’s not the structure. She’s attached to the memories that she made here. But those will live on whether or not this place is still standing. You can’t buy someone’s memories.”

“Yep. That’s the truth.” I glanced up to see Will sitting in the office, staring out the window. “All right. I’ve left him waiting long enough. I’ll see you when I’m done.”

“I hope you’re going to stick around for the wedding. Watch these girls work their magic. The whole town will be here.”

“I’ll stop by for sure.” I held up my hand and made my way to the office.

“Hey, Will. Sorry I’m late. Thank you for waiting.”

“Yeah, not a problem. I checked on the supplies you’d sent over, and we’re good to go on everything.”

“That’s great news. Thank you for checking on that. I’ll have my team get the orders placed immediately.”

“Great. I’ll be leading the crew next week for Charlie. He said you had some questions about salvaging a few pieces before we demo the place.”

“Yep. There’s a few things I’d like to keep if it’s possible.”

“Anything is possible if you’re willing to pay for the time and manpower to do it.”

“Well, money is no object when it comes to this, so let’s walk the interior and I’ll point them out to you.”

We both moved to our feet. He had his iPad in hand to take photos, and we walked every inch of the inn.

After Will took off, I ducked into the kitchen when the guests started arriving. Music piped through the inn, and it appeared that everyone in town was coming out for this wedding.

“Hey, I didn’t know you were still here,” Montana said as she came walking into the kitchen. She reached for a carrot stick from one of the trays that had been offered to the guests when they’d first arrived.

“I’m here.” I shrugged. “I thought I’d stick around and see you in action.”

“Well, buckle up, Moneybags, because it’s go time.” She winked before speaking into her microphone. “I’m heading to the bride’s suite to get the bridesmaids. You’ve got the groomsmen all lined up, Vi?”

And she turned and hurried out of the kitchen like she’d been shot out of a cannon.

Daniel chuckled as he moved to the oven, and the smell of garlic and butter wafted around the space. He had at least fifteen to twenty people working around him tonight; they’d need a lot of help getting this food out to the guests. It was impressive.

“She doesn’t mess around,” I said.

“Never. She takes her job very serious. Glad I taught my girl about having a work ethic.”

I moved closer, keeping my voice low. “Let me ask you something, Daniel.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“Violet mentioned that Montana’s ex is going to be here with his fiancée tonight. Is that going to be a problem for her?”

His gaze filled with empathy. “You know, I don’t really know. I never thought he was right for her back when they were together. She never seemed all that happy with the guy. I sure as hell never trusted him, and I thought he was up to something the last few months because he traveled all the time. But I’m sure that seeing himmove on so fast has hurt her. But when it’s Montana, she’ll never let you know it.”

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