Normally, I would go home to my place after a long day. I liked the silence and being alone after spending a day taking care of customers and dealing with the guests at the lodge. But I couldn’t bring myself to go home just yet.
I only had two weeks left of my last Christmas at the lodge. Two weeks before everything changed forever. The truth of that was devastating in a way that made it hard to breathe. I wouldn’t have the option of sitting in front of the fireplace in the only home I knew. My heart squeezed just thinking about the inevitable.
I heard footsteps and looked up to see Emmy walking into the room, still in her work clothes from her shift at the café.
“Can I join you?” she asked softly.
I nodded, grateful for the company. Emmy settled into the chair beside mine, pulling her feet up underneath her like she always did when she was getting comfortable for a real conversation.
“I heard through the grapevine about the offer,” she said. “The real offer. Are you okay?”
“No,” I admitted. “But I’m working on it.”
Emmy was quiet for a moment, just sitting with me in a comfortable silence only best friends could share. “Maybe you’ll meet a hot Australian guy who makes you forget all about Kent Bancroft.”
“I’ve already forgotten about him,” I said, but the lie sounded hollow even to my own ears.
“Yeah right.” Emmy gave me a knowing look. “Sylvie, you haven’t caught feelings for a guy in years. I saw the way you looked at him. You were hopeful, and he stomped on your hope and walked away. It sucks.”
I admired how Emmy could always state the facts plainly while somehow making me feel better at the same time. She didn’t coddle me or tell me what I wanted to hear. She just told me the truth with enough kindness that it didn’t sting quite as much.
“I really thought he was different,” I said quietly. “I thought maybe he actually cared.”
“Maybe he did. Maybe he does. But caring about someone doesn’t mean much if you’re not willing to choose them over the things that are easier or more comfortable.”
That stung. Because that was exactly what Kent had done. He’d chosen his family’s expectations over doing the right thing.
Over me.
“Yeah, but I guess it doesn’t matter now, does it?”
“I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“How is the rest of the family taking the news?”
I sighed and shook my head. “It’s a weird feeling, you know? Dad already told us this would be our last Christmas with the farm and the lodge, so we already knew that was coming. But now, it’s just all gone.”
“I don’t want to sound crass, but did I hear correctly about the money you’ll be paid?”
I snorted. “The amount of moneyiscrass.”
“The money should definitely help soothe the pain,” Emmy said gently. “I mean, with that kind of cash, you could do whatever you want. Go anywhere, be anyone.”
I knew she was right. Two hundred million dollars was more money than I could even wrap my head around. It was the kind of wealth that could buy freedom, adventure, endless possibilities. But that didn’t make me feel any better about losing everything that actually mattered to me.
“Money can’t buy everything,” I said, staring into the fire. “It can’t buy back our family history. It can’t replace the memories we’ve made in this place. It can’t give me back the future I thought I was going to have.”
“No, but it could buy you a pretty amazing trip to Australia,” Emmy said with a small smile. “And hey, if you’re going to be rich, maybe we could hit Scotland too. You could see those castles you’re always talking about.”
Despite everything, I felt my lips curve into the first genuine smile I’d managed all day. Emmy had always been able to find the silver lining even in the darkest moments. “You’re already planning our world tour?”
“Someone has to. You’re too busy wallowing to think practically.” She nudged my shoulder playfully. “Come on, admit it. The idea of seeing the Scottish Highlands doesn’t sound terrible. Find yourself a man with a long… kilt.”
For just a moment, I let myself imagine it. Emmy and me, backpacking through Europe with unlimited funds and no responsibilities tying us down. Visiting every castle and cathedral I’d ever dreamed of seeing. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to start over somewhere completely different.
But then reality crashed back in, and I shook my head firmly.
