“My pa says hi. He’ll stock it at the store, but we can preorder, so he won’t sell out before we get ours.”
He popped in another thick chunk and chewed. “Fantastic.”
My chest all warm, I grinned. Jordy smiled back, and the warmth in my ribcage expanded.
No, I wasn’t losing Jordy. No way, not ever.
17
LAUREL
The chalet was done.
The contractors were packing their tools and loading boxes into the huge-ass truck bed. The younger guy kept his head down and climbed into the passenger seat as soon as they were done. He pulled out his phone, red in the face, probably terrified of me. But the one who looked like Santa on steroids stretched out his hand toward me.
“Thank you for trusting us, Mr. Riley. Hope you’re happy with the result.”
“It looks great, thank you. We should have hired you from the start.”
His smirk looked smug. “Next time you’ll know.” Then he winked. “I hope you had a nice stay at the B&B, though. My boy’s been taking good care of you?”
I blinked. “Huh?”
“Montgomery, my oldest. He’s got a big mouth but an even bigger heart.”
I was so stunned it took me a while to find my words. Was this man Monty’s father? Now, when he said it… They had the same build, and when I imagined the white beard gone, the resemblance was definitely there.
“I’m sorry. I had no idea you and Monty were related. The B&B’s really nice. I had a…great time.” Understatement of the year. But I didn’t think Monty’s father would have appreciated me elaborating on just how thorough Monty’s services had been.
“Glad to hear it. Well, we’ll leave you to it, Mr. Riley. Have a good day.”
He hopped into the monster of a truck, gave me a salute, and started the engine. The gravel crunched under the tires, and they were gone.
Sam walked out of the chalet, a laptop bag in his hand. “So, it’s all yours. Finally, huh?”
I gave him a nod. My mind was still reeling.
“I’ve stocked the fridge and taken care of all the necessities. You can move in right away.” He grinned at me, and I forced a smile back.
“Thanks. Great.”
“Is everything okay, Laurel?”
“Yeah, sure. Um, Sam?”
“Yes?”
I glanced down the empty road where it turned into the dark forest. “What was the contractor’s name?” I asked. “The older, bearded guy.”
“Barrett Wolf. The Wolfs are like the Beauville staple, several generations back. Mr. Wolf’s husband runs the grocery store, and you know their son, Montgomery Wolf, who owns the B&B and the pub. He took over the lumber mill when his grandfather retired. The younger brother used to be involved as well, but he relocated to Green Peaks with his husband. I think the dinerand the bakery are also in the Wolf family, owned by Barrett’s brother and his children, Montgomery’s cousins.”
“How do you know all of this?”
“From Oliver Kondike and Barrett himself.”
“Oh.”
I was still staring at where the truck had disappeared. Barrett Wolf seemed like a good man, rough around the edges but stable and kind. I could see how a father like that could raise a Monty.
