“I’m so glad,” Kaitlyn said, smiling. “I have to admit when I saw the images you sent of your fiancé’s property, I was a little jealous.”
Elaine laughed. “I think we all were. We’ve been cooped up in the city too long. Those lucky enough to work on your show may never want to leave, Gia.”
The co-executive producer was a middle-aged man with silver framed glasses, wearing an expensive suit. He reminded me of my high school principal. The same assessing look, that always made me question whether I was about to get in trouble.
He looked down at me from the head of the table before asking, “Do you have any more questions for us before you sign your life away, Gia?”
His serious tone made me question my decision, for the first time. A show of my own was a dream come true, so why was I suddenly afraid it could turn my whole world upside down? Maybe because I would go from being my own boss and having a one-woman small business to being a cog on a large production team… that was about to take over Joel’s life and home.
If he really were my life partner, I might not think twice. After all, we’d be laying the foundation forourfuture. But under the circumstances he was making all the sacrifices and it suddenly made me feel like a selfish brat for putting him in this position.
“Um, do you think I could step outside for just a minute? There’s a call I’d like to make.”
Shock registered on all the faces around the table before Elaine asked, “Is there a problem?”
“No, I just, um, need to talk to someone first.”
The co-executive producer, Mr. Brayden, frowned. “I don’t understand. Your lawyer has already looked at the contract. I thought we’d addressed any questions or concerns—”
“Yes, sir. You have.” I knew the only way I was going to get out of this uncomfortable situation was by telling them the truth. “I just want to share everything I’ve learned here today with my fiancé before I make the final commitment. This property has been in Joel’s family for generations and means a lot to him. I’d just like him to weigh in one last time before I sign, if that’s okay?”
Elaine’s expression softened. “Of course, we understand. By all means, go and have a chat with him. We’ll give you a few minutes.”
“Thank you.”
I scrambled out of my chair, nearly spilling the contents of my oversized purse onto the floor in my haste to get to the door. I finally heaved a sigh of relief when I was in the lobby. Spotting the main exit, I made a beeline for it, needing some privacy and fresh air.
Joel answered my call almost immediately. “Hey babe, I was just thinking about you. How did your meeting go?”
Just hearing his voice put me at ease. I wish he could have come with me, but he claimed getting the barn ready for our wedding had to be a priority and I couldn’t disagree. “Um, it’s not over yet. I just needed to talk to you before I signed.”
I sank onto a metal framed bench, setting my purse down beside me as I watched people rush by. Just being in such a frenzied environment all day, every day, would make me a nervous wreck. I’d never appreciated the peace and quiet of our little hometown more.
“What’s wrong? You’re not having second thoughts, are you?”
“I am, mainly because of you. I hate how selfish I’m being, asking you to turn over your home and—”
“G, stop.” He sighed. “I’m doing what Iwantto do.”
“But what are you getting out of this? Besides proving you’re a better friend than I deserve?”
There was a long silence before he said, “My life was pretty empty before you invaded it.” He chuckled. “And quiet. Truth be told, I hated the silence.”
“Really?” He’d never mentioned being lonely, but I supposed it was to be expected. His life in the city was busy, never a dull moment, if the pictures he posted on social media were any indication.
“Yeah, but now I have something to focus on. Something to take my mind off my dad’s death and what my future might look like.” He cleared his throat. “Sure, I’ve made a lot of money, but I don’t know what the hell to do with it, aside from fixing up this old place. Farming isn’t in my blood, the way it was with my dad or grandad, but I need to find something to fill my days, you know?”
My heart went out to him. I had no idea how lost and alone he’d felt. “And me bringing all this chaos into your life is helping you somehow?”
“Believe it or not, yeah, it is. Now I wake up with a purpose every day. I have goals, things I want to get done. I know it won’t last forever, but the distraction is good for me. I think it’s helping me to heal. To, uh, deal with my grief.”
“And you’re not just saying that to make me feel better about this whole thing? Because I know you. That’s exactly the kind of thing you would do.”
I could almost see his smile when he said, “I promise, I’m telling you the truth.”
I’d known and dated a lot of men. But I’d never trusted anyone the way I did Joel. He would never lie to me or deceive me. I’d stake my life on that. “Okay, if you’re one hundred percent sure, I better get my butt back in there and sign those papers before they decide they don’t want me.”
“Don’t worry about them. I’ll always want you.”
