“No. Of course not.” He shook his head. “I take full responsibility. I’m just saying that if I’d known sooner, I’d have nixed The Outpost from the deal right away.”
“Dishonesty killed my first marriage,” Tess said. “How can I trust you now?”
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it up to you,” he said, pulling a folded-in-half manila envelope from his back pocket. “Including giving you The Outpost. This is the paperwork to have the property signed over to you as soon as we get the deed. I want you to have it.”
Tess’s mouth fell open. Her initial surprise quickly turned to disgust. “You think I’m gonna just let yougiveme the store?”
“Oh, dear,” Mrs. Schlesselman mumbled. “Danger, son. Danger.”
“I wanted to buy it,” Tess said, heating up. “I wanted to work for it. I’m not your charity case, and I’m not about to take a handout from you. Take your deed and shove it.”
A slow, broad smile spread across Logan’s lips, infuriating her further.
“What are you smiling at?” she barked.
“I thought you might say that.” He pulled a second envelope from his other pocket.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“A purchase and sale agreement,sellingyou The Outpost. It’s a fair price. Only slightly less than what you would have paid Moody. I shaved off a little for your pain and suffering.” He winked. “I can’t avoid being the seller, but I know how much it means to you to do it on your own.”
The anger drained as quickly as it had risen. She took the envelope but didn’t open it.
“So, once we sign this paperwork, The Outpost is mine, and you’re out of it?”
“Yes. You can get your own financing, but if you have any problems or want a better rate, we can work out a payment schedule.”
Her face softened, and she stared at him. “You knew I wouldn’t just take it?” It was more statement than question.
“It’s one of the reasons I’m so in love with you, Tess,” he said. “Your independence. Your strong, sexy, spectacular independence.”
Tess blinked. “Did you just say you’re in love with me?”
He nodded emphatically. “I know it’s only been a month, and it might seem too soon, but it is what it is. I love you.” He took her hands in his and stared into her tear-filled eyes. “Please say we can try and make this work.”
“Just kiss him already,” Mrs. Schlesselman muttered from under her umbrella. “Man, youth is wasted on the young.”
“I’m gonna kill her.” Tess chuckled.
“I can’t wait to hear this story,” Logan said.
Tess leaned in and kissed him softly. “I love you too,” she whispered. “You wanna get out of here?”
“Are you kidding me? You in that bikini is killing me. Yes, let’s go.”
Tess wrapped a towel around her waist, and Logan picked up the boom box. Hand in hand, they walked over to Mrs. Schlesselman.
“Meet you at the bar for dinner at seven?” Tess asked.
“Well, if you insist.”
“I insist.” Tess smiled. “See you later.”
“I expect an invite to the wedding,” Mrs. Schlesselman called out after them.
EPILOGUE—Four Months Later
Logan
