“Do you really mean that?”
“Of course I do!”
“Because I’ve been telling you for years it’s what I want. If you’re not concerned about my ability to run this place, then either you don’t believe me for some reason or...”
Mom tilted her head, her gaze sharpening on him. “Or what, honey?”
The words caught in his throat. The ones that had taunted him as he labored through seven years of college, fitting classes around his work schedule. “Is there some other reason you don’t want me running Pinehaven?”
Thought lines creased her forehead. “Like what?”
“Like... like maybe you hoped Meg would change her mind someday?”
“Meg?She’s perfectly happy with all her numbers. Why would we be hoping for that?”
“I just thought maybe you wanted to—” His throat tightened, strangling off the words.
She put her hand on Jonah’s arm. “Wanted to what?”
“It’s just... This place was passed down through your family, Mom. I thought maybe you wanted your real child to take it over.”
Mom’s expression turned stricken as tears glazed her eyes. “Jonah.You are my real child. You’re myson. Honey, what have I done to make you think this?”
His own eyes stung. “You haven’t—I just wondered, Mom, that’s all. You and Dad want to retire, yet you insisted I get a degree. It felt like you were just drawing things out, like maybe you’d really hoped Meg would take over.”
She cupped his cheek. “My sweet boy. I just didn’t want you to take on this responsibility because you felt we expected you to, especially once Meg dropped out. You’re so smart and gifted—you could be anything you want to be. We just want you to be happy, that’s all.”
“This resort makes me happy, Mom. I love this work. Ibelonghere.”
She smiled through her tears. “Yes, you do. You belong here in every way possible.” She wrapped an arm around him.
He drew her into an embrace, and a wave of relief washed over him as she held him tight.
“Jonah Landry, I love you more than words can say. You’re gonna do a wonderful job with this place. I trust you completely with its legacy, and your grandparents would approve 100 percent.”
“Mom...” He tried to pull away, but she held him tight.
“Real child.”She whacked him on the back of the head. “Don’t you ever say something like that ever again. Don’t you even think it!”
His lips twitched. “Mom. The ice cream’s melting.”
“What?” She pulled back and glanced down at the container smooshed between them. The lid had come askew and ice cream was trickling down Jonah’s shirt. “Oh. Sorry, honey. I’d better get this up to your dad before he ends up with a milkshake.” She palmed his face again. “I love you. Please don’t give this another thought.”
“I won’t. Love you too, Mom.”
So much had gone wrong this fall. But as he turned and headed back down the stairs, Jonah felt lighter than he had in months.
Chapter 29
Lauren could not believe she’d been suckered into this errand. Tammy had sent the address last night, and only then did Lauren realize the town was way up north and practically in Vermont—three hours away. Darn that Tammy!
She got into the driver’s seat of the old GMC and fastened her seat belt while Jonah slid silently into the passenger side and buckled in. They’d barely said hello, which was just fine by her. The less said, the better, to her way of thinking. It would be a long three hours. Six, really, when you counted the return trip. She sighed.
“Sure you don’t want to take my truck?”
“Yep.” She turned the key and the vehicle rumbled to life. Sure, Jonah’s truck was newer and nicer. But she’d had enough of sitting in the passenger seat. Moments later she pulled from the resort lot and onto the main road, his presence filling the vehicle like noxious fumes.
That probably wasn’t fair—and not quite accurate. But clinging to her righteous indignation felt good. Safe. Especially when his presence seemed to fill the cab, his masculine scent tickling her nose.
