“Watching you realize that success isn’t only about building something bigger. Sometimes it’s about building something better.”
Noah was quiet for a long moment. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my legacy. About what I want to leave behind. Wilson Enterprises will outlive me now, and it’ll do it while taking care of the people who helped build it.”
“That’s worth more than any quarterly earnings report,” Patrick agreed. “Speaking of building something worthwhile, how are things going with Cole’s resort project?”
“The site survey was completed last week,” Noah replied, leaning forward with the kind of enthusiasm Patrick remembered from Noah’s early days at Wilson Enterprises. “The location is even better than we hoped. We’ll have lake views from every room, but the building will be set back far enough to preserve the natural shoreline. Cole’s architect thinks we can integrate the structure so seamlessly that it’ll look like it grew out of the landscape.”
“And the community impact studies?”
“That’s been the most interesting part,” Noah said, his eyes lighting up. “Instead of just hiring local workers for construction, we’re planning to create permanent positions for area residents. Cole wants to create an economic engine that’ll benefit Sapphire Bay and the surrounding communities for decades.”
Patrick nodded approvingly. This was the kind of project that could transform a region without destroying its character. “How does Cassie feel about your new career direction?”
“She’s cautiously optimistic,” Noah admitted with a rueful grin. “The resort project isn’t the kind of thing that requires sixteen-hour days and weekend conference calls.”
“And Cole? Is he someone you can work with long-term?”
Noah’s smile became more relaxed. “Remember how he was in college? Always the guy who could organize a camping trip that somehow turned into the best weekend of the semester? He’s still like that. He sees the big picture, but he also pays attention to details that make the difference between a good experience and an unforgettable one.”
Patrick remembered Cole Morrison well. He’d visited the family a few times during college breaks, and Patrick had always been struck by the young man’s combination of ambition and genuine warmth. If anyone could develop a luxury resort that enhanced rather than exploited its surroundings, it would be Cole.
“When do you think you’ll break ground?”
“In about a year’s time. We’re still working through the permitting and environmental review process. Plus, we want to spend the winter months doing more community outreach. By the time we start building, every family in the area should understand exactly what we’re planning and how it’ll affect them.”
After telling Patrick more about the resort project, Noah checked his watch. “I have to go, Granddad. I promised Cassie I’d pick up a batch of Kathleen’s chocolate chip cookies before she closes.”
Patrick smiled. “I won’t stand in the way of Kathleen’s cookies. Take your bottle of wine home. Cassie might like a glass with dinner.”
Noah shook his head. “You keep it, Granddad. You never know, you might have something you want to celebrate soon.”
Patrick had no idea what that could be, but Kathleen might enjoy tasting the subtle flavor of the wine.
When they were in the hallway, Noah paused in the doorway. “You know, six months ago, I would have been dreading this trip. I would have been stressed about wrapping up my role as CEO, uncertain about the future, and feeling like I was disappointing everyone by stepping away.”
“And now?”
“Now it feels like the beginning of something rather than the end.” Noah’s voice was filled with quiet confidence. “Tomorrow isn’t about saying goodbye to Wilson Enterprises. It’s about saying hello to whatever comes next.”
After Noah left, Patrick stood on his front veranda for a long time, thinking about beginnings and endings, and the courage it took to choose the life you wanted.
He was grateful beyond measure for the path that had brought him to Sapphire Bay, to this moment, to this perfectly ordinary evening, that felt like everything he’d ever hoped for.
Chapter 33
Kathleen smoothed her hands along her navy dress as she waited in the café, watching through the front window for any sign of Piper’s rental car. A month had passed since their initial meeting on the back veranda of Kathleen’s home. During that time, there had been multiple conversations with Dr. Mitchell at the Smithsonian, consultations with a media lawyer Patrick had recommended, and countless late-night discussions about whether they’d made the right decision.
The café felt different today, charged with anticipation. Even Patrick seemed more restless than usual as he arranged chairs around the large corner table where they would review Piper’s completed proposal. Chloe had arrived early, her excitement barely contained as she bustled between the kitchen and dining room, ensuring everything was perfect for what felt like the most important meeting of their lives.
Unfortunately, Percy couldn’t be here, but Kathleen had promised to call him as soon as the meeting was over.
“She’s here,” Patrick announced from his position near the window, and Kathleen felt her stomach flutter with nervous energy.
Piper entered carrying a sleek black presentation case and what appeared to be a laptop bag. Gone was the anxious uncertainty of her first meeting with them. It had been replaced by the quiet confidence of someone who had crafted something beautiful and meaningful. Her curly hair was pulled back in a neat bun, and she wore a simple gray blazer that looked professional and approachable.
“Thank you for meeting me here,” Piper said as she approached their table. “I know this hasn’t been an easy decision, and I want you to know how much I appreciate your trust.”
Kathleen studied Piper’s face, searching for any sign of the calculated ambition she’d recognized in other media professionals. Instead, she saw the same genuine passion that had impressed her during their first meeting, now tempered with what looked like profound respect for the story she’d been given permission to tell.
