The boy erupted in laughter, then grabbed Shadow’s ear. The canine easily extricated himself and licked Ollie’s feet, provoking a belly laugh.
“That dog is so gentle with him,” Liddy said.
Caleb joined them. “Told you we need a dog, babe. A nice black Lab or golden retriever. A lake dog.”
“Or a rescue dog...” The debate had been going on for weeks.
Caleb’s gaze caught on the lakefront. Without another word he headed down the gentle slope of the lawn, pulled his phone from his pocket, and began framing shots.
“Uh-oh,” Liddy said. “Looks like he found more inspiration.”
Shelby took in the view. The sun was setting at their backs, bathingthe homes around the bay in a buttery glow. The sunlight glimmered like gold on the water. “I can see why.”
These days Caleb continually found inspiration in the beauty surrounding their hometown. His paintings were selling like crazy at Muse and Masterpiece.
A minute later Caleb joined them again. “Did you see the lighting on those houses?”
“Your next masterpiece,” Liddy said.
“I don’t know about that, but I can’t wait to paint it.”
“How’s Haley doing at the gallery?” Shelby asked. In May her former bookseller had taken a position at Muse and Masterpiece.
“She seems to be doing great. She’s a budding artist. Showed me some of her work. It’s fresh and interesting.”
“Caleb’s thinking about asking her if she wants an apprenticeship with him.”
“Oh wow.” Shelby was so glad the girl had found her passion. “I’ll bet she’d love that. She could learn a lot from you.”
“How’s business been this week?” he asked.
“Very busy with all the tourists in town for the holiday. It’s nice to have a Saturday off.” She thought back to the night when everything had shifted—the town hall meeting. The next morning the store had a line out front, and the shop was crazy busy all through December. Between in-store sales and Phoebe’s preorders, they’d easily paid the back rent due in January.
They’d even remained busy during their slower winter months, allowing them to put back a little cash.“I knew you could do it.”Gram’s voice echoed in her head.“My Sweet Girl has a head for business.”
Shelby glanced out over the water, feeling her grandmother’s presence like the breeze on her skin. Sometimes she missed her so much it was a physical ache. But she also knew Gram would be proud of her. And proud of Gray—she’d always believed in him.
And so did Shelby. In April she’d drawn up papers, offering Gray the 49 percent ownership that Gram had bequeathed to him.
He’d offered her a warm smile, a soft kiss. “This is your store, honey. We’re partners in life and business. I don’t need papers to prove that.”
“Maybe not, but Gram wanted you to have it, and so do I. You’ve earned it, Gray. It’s yours if you want it—if being a partner is enough for you.”
His eyes softened on her. “Being your partner in business and life is a dream come true.”
In May Brendan’s case had finally gone to trial. Because there was an eyewitness to the shooting—one of Gray’s neighbors—he’d taken a plea deal for a lesser offense. But he was still sentenced to three years. He’d probably be out in half that, but Shelby and Gray weren’t bitter. He’d lost the respect of the community and his position at his father’s investment firm.
Later that same month, Richard Remington had shocked them both when he’d come into the store and handed Gray a check. It was enough to cover the scholarship his grandson had stolen from Gray.
“I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive your father for what he did to our son,” Richard said. “But my wife and I realize you bear no fault in Troy’s death. This money is rightfully yours.”
“I appreciate what you’re saying. But I can’t accept this check. You didn’t take that scholarship from me.”
“I cultivated an environment that framed you as a bad person. Both my sons adopted my attitude and did you wrong. I was culpable. Please take it. My wife and I want you to have it.”
The money still sat in their bank account. Last month they’d decided to offer a partial scholarship each year to a disadvantaged Grandville graduate. Gray felt good about giving back a little, and Shelby was so proud of his generous heart.
They both felt a little sorry for Richard and Renee. Their grandsonwas now in jail, and shortly after the town hall meeting, Mason was suspended from the police force without pay, pending an investigation. He was eventually found guilty of misconduct for pulling Gray over without cause. In May he’d been reinstated on a probationary basis.
