As much as I didn’t want to give up on my ranch, I need to be realistic. And the reality is that the chances of some miracle happening, allowing me to pay off my debts on this property, was non-existent.
Haley and Grandma Estelle asked if I was just doing this because of how things ended between Callum and me.
I’m not.
Just like I knew how it would always end between us, I knew this was how it would end for Holley Ridge.
At least I’ll no longer have the stress hanging over me and I can enjoy my last Christmas here.
“So what are you going to do?” Bernie asks as I stroll past the veranda, the unofficial Holley Ridge chess club focused on their matches.
All except Bernie, who is sadly without a partner now that Callum’s gone.
“What do you mean?”
“Once the sale goes through. What are your plans? You staying in Sycamore Falls?”
This isn’t the first time someone has asked this question. Once I started spreading the word that I’d be selling, nearly everyone has asked what I plan to do.
The truth is, I have no idea. Nearly every night since I signed those papers, I’ve snuggled up on my couch with a glass of wine and my journal, trying to make a list of what I should do.
The page is still blank.
Haley tells me that maybe it’s a sign I shouldn’t have sold. Not yet anyway.
But I think I’m done believing in signs.
I pull my coat tighter and shrug. “I’m not sure. There won’t be much reason for me to stay anymore. I’ll miss Haley and Grandma Estelle and everyone, but I don’t know…” I blink back the tears threatening to fall.
As much as I love the town I’ve called home for most of my life, I’m not sure I can stay. Not sure I can bear watching my family home be demolished and resurrected as luxury homes for the ski bunnies.
Not sure I can stand a daily reminder of my biggest failure.
And my biggest mistake.
“I don’t know if I can stay.”
Bernie doesn’t push. Doesn’t prod. Doesn’t tell me I’m not only making a mistake in leaving but also in selling. In his eyes, there’s nothing but acceptance and understanding.
“Your father would have been proud. If he were here, he would have done the same thing. Not just in deciding to sell, but what you did to help your employees during those difficult years. I’m sure he’s looking down on you right now and smiling.”
“Thanks, Bernie.”
“You bet, kid. Now come on.” He motions for me to join him. “I could use a partner.”
I hesitate, surveying the large crowds of people coming through Holley Ridge.
“If you could take a break from work to have relations with that young man, you can humor an old man with a game of chess.”
I push down the embarrassment that Bernie, one of my father’s best friends, just called me out for “having relations” with Callum. I suppose it’s better than using one of Grandma Estelle’s colorful terms. I’d probably die of embarrassment if he accused me of skipping out on work to play hide the sausage with Callum.
“For old time’s sake,” he encourages. “You used to run home from school just so we could get in a game of chess before your riding lesson.”
“Okay.” I climb onto the veranda, saying a quick hello to all the other chess players before sitting across from Bernie.
I wait for him to make the first move, since he’s playing the white pieces. Instead, he huffs out an annoyed breath.
“Damn bladder.” He pushes to his feet. “Excuse me for a moment, dear.”
