I’m in no mood for a party. But Nick has become a real friend. The guy let me stay here before they even opened for business. Tonight is his night, the soft opening to get the community back here to the Timberline Inn. My absence would be glaring, and I don’t want to let him down.
“Fine,” he says, knowing there’s no point in pushing me. “Did you get the delivery?”
“What delivery?”
“I guess that answers my question. Aunt Clara’s lawyer called yesterday. He asked for your address and overnighted you a letter.”
“Another letter from Clara?”
“Yep. Who knew she was so mysterious?”
I tell him I’ll be in touch and head downstairs. No question the place is ready for this evening’s event. The Timberline Inn, with its historical charm, is decked out in soft Valentine’s touches. Heart-shaped garlands hang from the beams, delicate candles line the tables, and rose petals are scattered along the aisles around a generous dance floor that flows into the tent outside.
To my ex’s consternation, Valentine’s Day has never been my thing. But I can’t deny the inn lends itself to a romantic atmosphere. And the flowers are spectacular. It was generous of Nick to keep the account with Oopsie Daisies knowing what he knows. I suspect the topic of his wedding order will come up with his future mother-in-law soon enough.
I find the FedEx envelope at the check-in counter. The return address is Clara’s attorney. I bring it up to my room, and rip open the seal.
Inside is a white envelope with my name written in Clara’s distinct handwriting. I don my reading glasses.
Hi Griffin,
If you’re reading this, your thirty days are up. Sounds funny, especially since my owntime is up. By now, you’ve met Ruby, analyzed the shop’s books, and determined we are deep in the red. Knowing you, you’ve quickly concluded that given the damage, it’s time to close the doors.
Since the shop was not viable, you may wonder why I sent you there for a month. The answer is simple: Ruby. She’s the most special woman I’ve ever met. I won’t bother listing her qualities, as no doubt you’ve witnessed them firsthand. I knew if I suggested the match while I was around you’d have declined. But one good thing about dying is it gets people running in circles for you, so I decided to leverage that and arrange a match from the beyond. I truly hope you’re happy I did.
Griffin, you’ve always been a talented young man, but vulnerability has never been your thing. And yes, you’ve had a tough go of it. But if you can get out of your own way, and put your sad past behind you, you’ll see Ruby could be the person who brings light back into your life. You two would balance each other out likesun and rain, different but necessary for growth.
I hope you’re not angry with me. I know you’re a very busy man, and the boonies, as you always called them, are not like your beloved city streets. But Ruby is worth the thirty days and far, far more. You both deserve a second chance at love. Two people I love most in the world.
Miss me, but not too much.
Aunt Clara
I swallow hard, wrestling with emotions I’ve been uncomfortable with for years. I read the letter one more time, tension building in my throat. Loss, gratitude, and regret swirl inside me.
“Sorry I didn’t get to know you as well as you apparently knew me.”
I know I’m ridiculous talking to a piece of paper, but something tells me she hears me wherever she is. I fold the letter gently, placing it back in the envelope.
Ruby is worth the thirty days, and far, far more.
Years ago, I had my heart broken badly, but my brother and Clara were both right. If I want love in my life, I need to let go of the gloomy past and let in some sunshine.
As I open the door, Nick comes charging up the steps, pre-event jitters bouncing off him. He looks sharp.
“I see you found themail… hey, you okay?”
“Peachy.”
He pats my shoulder. “See you downstairs in a few,” he says, his mind clearly on other things.
I call after him. “Break a leg, Nick. You’ve got this.”
“Thanks, buddy.”
There’s an energy surrounding the inn, and I realize against all odds, I’ve been looking forward to this small-town dance. Too bad I’ll be going stag.
Chapter Thirty-One
