Chapter 36
Pane
I’m going to win the Maddox Group, and then I’m going to stay. There are big plans for Mystic Meadows swimming in my head, plans that involve building a resort in the mountains. Which will bring tourism to the town that will, in turn, feed into Rowe’s farm.
A farm she will win back.
So no, I’m not leaving. Rowe is my future. This place is my future. These people are my future. All of it is my future.
I see that now.
And I’ll never stop seeing it.
How much of this does Rowe know? None.
I’m holding this close to my chest until after I win. When I’m announced as the newest CEO of the Maddox Group, that’s when it’ll be time to share my vision with her, and not a moment earlier.
“Pane!”
I look up from the banister I’m polishing one last time. Rowe’s just walked in from the outdoors, and she’s grinning at me.
My heart convulses at the sight of her. What Sunbeam has brought into my life has changed me from the inside out. I didn’t know it was possible to feel so much, to be filled with such happiness, such joy.
Rowe Wadley has been the most unexpected surprise in my life, and I love her.
Love her.
It’s not put into words until this very moment as she smiles widely at me, her expression open, her eyes warm as she drinks me in.
And I’m falling.Havefallen.Didfall for her.
“Come on. I want to get a picture.”
She takes my hand and we head outside, where Cristina, Isaac, Ron, McCauley, and Donner, along with the guys from his yurt community, meander in front of the house. The piggycorns race by, tails wagging, hindquarters bouncing. They run in a packed tidal wave, nipping and tugging ears, heads butting shoulders.
My heart swells at the sight of them.
Will wonders never cease?
“Pane, go stand over there,” Rowe instructs.
She sets up her phone and hits the timer button. Then she runs over and slides up beside me. I put my arm around her as she yells, “Say, cheese!”
In unison, we all say, “Cheese!”
The photo snaps and we break apart.
Isaac comes over and shakes my hand. “Big day tomorrow.”
“We’re ready.” I turn to Cristina. “You all booked?”
“All booked,” she announces proudly with a wink at Rowe. “My first client is one of the Collins boys. Don’t worry, I told him I don’t do full body. He’s only getting a back massage.”
Rowe grimaces. “Thank goodness.” To me, she says, “We’re booked solid for the next two weeks, but I don’t see how this is going to change anything.”
“Just trust me.”
She pushes onto her tiptoes and kisses my cheek. “Okay. I trust you.”
