Page 79 of Sugar Coated Lies
“This is a lot to take in. What about you guys? Where will you live?”
“We have the condo down in Palm Beach. Lots of great golf courses around there, too. Your mother always wanted to retire by the beach. We’re thinking of getting a house on the water and selling the condo. I’d love to step out back and board our boat.” He slurps the rest of his milkshake.
I do remember Mom talking about retiring on the coast; I just assumed it would be here in Georgia or in South Carolina. “Won’t you miss the farm?”
“We can visit, right?” Mom asks. “Stay at the estate?”
“Yeah. Of course.” My thoughts spin all over like a dreidel on a table.
Dad pats my shoulder. “Think it over. You don’t have to decide anything today. Take the time while we’re gone to decide. Whatever you choose, we’ll be on board.”
“Including whatever you don’t choose.” Mom stands and brushes out the tiny wrinkles on her pants. She walks over and kisses my cheek. “I have to finish packing. Tell Everleigh we’re thinking of her, in case I don’t get to see her before we catch the red eye tonight.”
I nod, my mind still reeling.
“I better pack, too, or I’ll never hear the end of it from your mother about how I wait until the last minute and always forget something.” He glances at the door where Mom just left.
I nod and let out a big exhale. “Thanks, Dad.”
He gives me an appreciative grin. “You’re welcome.”
Wow. I drop onto my desk chair and watch him leave the office. I knew this day was coming, but it feels different than I imagined. This is all mine. My farm, that I earned, just like Dad did, and his father before me. My farm to protect, grow, and maintain. My farm to pass down to my kids one day. Unexpected pride spreads throughout my chest. The future I envision now is something new. A life here with Everleigh. Our kids being raised here, learning the business, and inheriting it one day.
I never thought I’d want that or anything close. How one woman can change my perspective is beyond me. But she has.
Before I overthink it, I call my jeweler, Thomas. He sells me all my watches. I trust him and this will be my most important purchase ever.
I’ve just ended my call with Thomas when Easton barrels into the office in the grand way he does most things.
“I’m back.”
“Clearly.” I close my laptop to hide the ring I had pulled up on the screen. “You didn’t text me that you were coming back.”
“I didn’t know I had to check in.”
“Well, you work for me now, so…”
“So what else is new?”
“No. I mean, you officially work for me. Dad is finally retired.”
“Holy shit.” A grin spreads across his face. “He gave you the farm?”
“He did.” I stand.
“Daire, that’s amazing. Congrats, man.” He hugs me and pulls away. “I thought it’d be another year.”
“Me, too.”
“Does that mean the house is yours as well?” Easton scratches his head, putting all the pieces together.
“I wasn’t expecting that part, but yeah, they offered.”
“And?”
“I think I’m going to take it. I have to talk to Everleigh first.”
“I knew it.” He plops onto the chair in front of the desk.
