Page 47 of Halloween with a Daddy
“Draft the paperwork.” I say. “My dad tried to get this damn trust dissolved for years, and if this is the way to do it, then let’s make it happen.”
In the back of my mind, several things are spinning as I hang up the phone. If the trust is dissolved, then that means I could sell Grimwillow Manor. Hell, I could bulldoze the place and sell the land off to investors. I’d split the money with Elly, since that’s only right, but it would be an enormous weight off my shoulders. I could finally be free of the generational albatross that has plagued my family. But I don’t feel the burden like I used to. Grimwillow Manor brought Bethany and me together. It’s where we found each other.
Despite all of that, I know what I need to do. It’s the only thing that truly makes sense. I look over some of the news stories about Grimwillow Manor, review a few trends I’d normally only look at for work, and start making notes. The timing has never been better and it’ll solve all of my problems. I just hope Bethany agrees with it, because if she doesn’t, then everything we’ve built may go up in flames.
After making my notes, I pull up the email my secretary forwarded me, and start making calls. It only takes a few conversations to confirm what I already know. I’m on the right track. Interest in Grimwillow Manor is at an all-time high because of the news story. I could sell it tomorrow if the trust was dissolved. It’ll take longer than that for everything to go through, but there’s one thing I learned in college about business that I’ve never forgotten.
Strike while the iron is hot, otherwise you’ll blow the best deal you could ever make.
My last call is to Elly. I talked to her briefly when I was calling my family, but now that I’ve decided what is next, I want her to know. She’s supportive and agrees with what I’ve come up with. I promise to do right by her and the kids when it’s over, which she’s appreciate of, even though she says it isn’t necessary.
Now, I just have to tell Bethany.
When she gets home from college, I ask if she’ll take a walk with me. I’d rather we be alone when I talk to her about this.
“I’m going to have to go back to the city soon.” I take her hand as we walk past the houses on her block.
“I knew this was coming.” She sighs. “I will not cry this time. I’m happy we got a few extra days, regardless of why it happened.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t be gone long.” I squeeze her hand.
I fill her in on everything I learned today about the trust, and the fact it may soon be dissolved. She nods along, but says nothing until I explain it will finally allow me to sell Grimwillow Manor.
“You’re…” She lets go of my hand and stops walking. “You’re just going to sell it?”
“If the trust gets dissolved, then I’m no longer bound to the agreement.” I nod my head. “This story has gone so much further than Willow Grove. I had a buyer call me from California. How crazy is that?”
“It’s all people at school have been talking about.” She sighs. “Amelia went back to work today, and she said everyone there is talking about it, too. Mark is front and center, of course, dazzling with them with what he knows about Grimwillow Manor.”
“I kind of figured that.” I look down at the ground.
“So that’s it? If you sell Grimwillow Manor, you’ll have no reason to come back to Willow Grove.” She looks away.
“I’ve got plenty of reasons to come back.” I try to take her hand, but she pulls away.
“Just be honest here, Edgar.” She blinks and tears up. “Damn it, I said I would not cry. If this is going to be goodbye, then just say it. Don’t leave me here waiting if you’re just going to sell Grimwillow Manor and forget all about me. I know you’ve always wanted to be done with the place.”
I look down at the ground. She’s right. Getting rid of that old manor is all I’ve ever wanted.
Until now.
“Selling it isn’t the only option, you know?” I put my hands on my hips. “Someone told me it would make an awesome Bed & Breakfast.”
“Yeah, and you said you didn’t want to invest any of your own money into it.” She shakes her head.
“I’ve had a change of heart about that.” I take her hand, and thankfully, she doesn’t pull away this time. “Thing is, after I cash out my stock options at work, and the trust gets dissolved, I’ll needsomethingto invest my money in.”
“Why would you cash out your stock options?” She gives me a confused look.
“Because, Bethany Brooks.” I reach up and wipe away a tear from her eye. “I’ve fallen in love with you. Willow Grove is growing on me. I talked to the board of directors earlier today. I’m tendering my resignation.”
“What?” Her jaw drops. “You’re serious?”
“How would you feel about helping me run a Bed & Breakfast?” I smile. “I know it’s not what you’re going to school for exactly, but you have a minor in history. That could come in handy with making sure everything is accurate, so the guests get the proper Grimwillow Manor experience.”
“Is this just another option, or are you really asking me that?” Her voice trembles.
“I love you, Bethany.” I pull her close and press my forehead to hers. “Do this with me. You love Grimwillow Manor more than anyone else and I can’t do it without out.”
