“Or we could reopen the family lodge and turn a profit,” Cadence said. “Make more money long-term.”
“Look, I don’t have time for this. I will be on a plane soon, and once I touch down in Vegas, they take our phones. There’s a number to call if there’s some kind of emergency, but otherwise, I’m out of contact until the show is over. Whatever you want me to sign, get it emailed to me ASAP.”
Cadence and Sophie looked at each other over the table, almost in disbelief. They expected Tessa to be extra testy. Her whole life could change in the next five weeks, and it all started today. There was a lot of pressure. But they hadn’t expected such indifference about the lodge.
“We can keep it?”
“If it’s not going to cost me anything out of pocket, then go ahead. Do whatever you two want to do with it. Just get me the paperwork. Like yesterday.”
“We’re on it.”
As soon as the call ended, Cadence put in another one to Mr. Jenkins, while Caroline huffed and drummed her fingers in silence.
* * *
“You’re sure you’re okay with this?” Cadence asked Sophie one more time as they waited for Mr. Jenkins to start a pot of coffee. He left the file open on his desk, the two addendums on either side—one with intent to sell, and other with intent to keep the lodge for a minimum of one year—for them to review.
The choice was theirs.
“It’ll be like taking a sip from a firehose,” Sophie admitted. “But I’m ready for a new challenge.” Her gaze landed on Caroline sitting in a kid-sized chair in the corner, playing with Lego blocks. “I’m ready to be around for my daughter again.”
Cadence had her pen poised, but gave Sophie a minute to read over the fine print. The terms didn’t matter much to her; regardless what it took, she intended to make the lodge successful for all their sakes. She knew in her heart this was where they were meant to be.
“Give me that pen,” Sophie said. “I’m about to break Mr. Maxwell’s heart.”
They’d agreed to call Ted Maxwell once Tessa’s electronic signature was received. Thank him for his generous offer, and even welcome him to stay gratis during the next festival weekend. They had full intention of being up and running within a month’s time.
Back in Kansas, there were so many things yet to do. Janine had no idea she’d be resigning in the middle of a very busy season, and Cadence felt guilty for leaving her boss before her agreed term was up. But there were other candidates on a waiting list to work under the top agent, ones who’d be happy taking Cadence’s place. Then there was her apartment lease to break and her belongings to pack and ship to Alaska.
“Your turn.”
Cadence scribbled her signature on the dotted line just as Mr. Jenkins reentered the room.
“All done?” he asked.
“Only one signature to go.”
“I’ll take this and scan it so we can get that sent to your sister.” He reached for the addendum across the desk, but as he turned, the file fell to the floor. Dozens of papers scattered.
“We got it,” Cadence told Mr. Jenkins, not wanting a single thing to delay Tessa receiving that addendum on time.
He nodded his thanks as both sisters gathered the papers off the floor. One had flown clear toward Caroline. Cadence bent to pick it up, stopped in her tracks by a familiar name.Ford Harris. It shouldn’t surprise her to see his name in Great-Aunt Patty’s file. He was the caretaker, after all. Provisions had been made to keep him employed. But it was the heading that gave her pause.
“What is it?” Sophie asked.
“Another addendum.”
“A third option?”
“No.” Her eyes scanned the paper too quickly, forcing her to go back through. But words and phrases jumped out at her.Fifty thousand dollars.One year. Whitmore.Intent to keep.“It’s for Ford.” Her legs wobbled uneasily as the meaning of the document sunk in. “He-he gets money if we decide to keep the lodge.A lotof money, Soph.”
Her sister took the paper from her, scanning it. “Fifty thousand?”
Cadence felt her world spin at hurricane speed. Is this why Ford had stuck by her side this whole time? Because he wantedmoney? “I need air. Will you—”
“I’ll stay until we get Tessa’s signature.”
“Thank you.” Cadence stumbled out the door, narrowly missing a kid blazing by on a bike. Mobs of people filled the sidewalks, all headed down the block for the festival grounds. She turned against the current of the crowd, yearning to go to the only place that made her feel at peace: the lodge.
