Patrick ran a hand through his hair. “Noah called me. There’s a serious problem with Wilson Enterprises. A company called Meridian Capital has been quietly buying up stock, and they’re making a move for a hostile takeover.”
Kathleen set down her coffee mug. “A hostile takeover?”
“They control nearly thirty percent of the outstanding shares already. If they get to forty percent, they can force changes to the board of directors. Noah thinks they want to break up the company and sell off the pieces.”
The words seemed to come from very far away. Kathleen understood what Patrick was telling her, but she couldn’t seem to make it feel real.
“What does that mean for you?”
“The board wants me to come back. They think having a founding member actively involved in the company’s response will convince shareholders that the current management team is stable and effective.” Patrick leaned forward in his chair, his elbows on his knees. “I’m flying to Manhattan tomorrow morning.”
Tomorrow morning. The words hit Kathleen like a physical blow.
“How long will you be gone?”
“I don’t know,” Patrick said quietly. “It could be a couple of weeks, maybe longer. In a worst-case scenario, it could drag on for months.”
Kathleen touched the locket at her throat, its metal still warm from Patrick’s hands. Just moments ago, she’d been preparing to tell him that she was falling in love with him. Now he was telling her he might be gone for months on end.
“What about your work here?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
“I’ve called another builder from my construction crew. If you’re happy for him to help, he can take over the structural work on your house. I won’t be able to help with the hidden room until I get back, but I’m only a phone call away if you need some advice.”
Kathleen felt a familiar ache in her chest, the same hollow feeling she’d had when her marriage fell apart. She enjoyed spending time with him and laughing at the same corny jokes he did. And now he was leaving.
“Noah must be very worried,” she said finally.
Patrick nodded. “Wilson Enterprises has been his whole life since he graduated from college. He’s worked so hard to build something lasting, and now these corporate raiders want to tear it all apart.”
Kathleen understood family obligations. She’d made plenty of sacrifices over the years for the people she loved. But understanding didn’t make the disappointment hurt any less.
“Of course you have to go,” she said, proud of how level her voice sounded. “Noah needs you.”
“I’m sorry, Kathleen. I know the timing is terrible, but we can still get the foundation fixed.”
The foundation was the least of her concerns. “I’m sure the contractor you called will take good care of everything.”
Patrick reached across the small table and took her hand. His palm was warm and calloused from years of construction work. “This doesn’t change anything between us. When I come back?—”
“When you come back, we’ll see where things stand,” Kathleen said gently, pulling her hand free. She couldn’t bear to make promises or talk about the future when everything felt so uncertain.
They sat in silence for a long moment, the celebration inside the inn continuing without them. It should have been a perfect afternoon. Instead, it felt like an ending.
“I should probably get going,” Patrick said eventually. “I’ve got an early flight tomorrow.”
Kathleen nodded, though she didn’t trust herself to speak.
They walked back through the inn together. She stood beside Patrick as he said goodbye to Isabel and Frank and congratulated Susan on the wonderful meal. To anyone watching, they probably looked like two friends ending a pleasant afternoon.
Only Kathleen knew that her heart was breaking.
At his truck, Patrick paused with his hand on the door handle. “Take care of yourself, Kathleen.”
“You too,” she managed. “I hope you can fix whatever’s happening with Noah’s business.”
Patrick leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll call when I can.”
Kathleen nodded, not trusting her voice. As Patrick got into his truck, her fingers unconsciously touched the locket at her throat.
