“It’s the perfect mix of mountain and water views. It’s so peaceful out here too, yet it’s just a short walk to downtown.”
“Yeah, I’ve had my eye on it for a while, and it just came on the market this week.”
A few months ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated. I would have put an offer on the land the minute it hit the market. It was the perfect place to build a custom home.
But I was hesitant because I didn’t know what the future held anymore.
If I’d have a reason to leave.
The only reason I’d consider leaving was standing in front of me.
She bit her bottom lip. “It’s pretty dreamy. I can see why you had your eye on it. Would you build a home for yourself? Or a home to sell?”
A home for us.
“I don’t know. Both are options.”
“Well, I think this has to be the best location in Blue Sky Bay. You can walk to downtown, you’ve got the most incredible view of the lake, and look at those mountains. Can you imagine those in the winter when they’re covered in snow? It’s really magical. I love it.”
I nodded. “Yeah. It’s a special piece of land.”
She spent the next thirty minutes walking the property and telling me everything she would do if she designed this home. The entire back of the house would be windows. The view would be the focal point. She’d have courtyards in other areas of the home, because the surrounding forest would offer gorgeous views if you had sitting areas off the home. I loved her creativity. Her vision.
We both shared a love for taking nothing and creating something special.
She continued talking about it on our walk home. I carried Meatball, because apparently, he was done with physical exercise for the day.
He curled up in the dog bed that we’d grabbed for him on the way home, and I sat on the edge of my bed and watched as she packed up one of two large suitcases that she’d be taking with her on her flight to New York early tomorrow morning.
And before I realized it, it was time to get dressed and ready for Gracie’s goodbye party down at Four Clovers.
I chuckled as I realized we were color-coordinated when she strolled out of the bathroom. She wore a white flowy skirt, black cowboy boots, and a cream sweater that hung off her shoulder.
“I mean, we didn’t even plan this.” She smiled as she walked over to where I was sitting on the bed after just pulling on my work boots. “I like your tan polo shirt. We match well.”
“Did we plan it, though? You did buy me the shirt.”
“I love a neutral aesthetic.” She leaned down and kissed me. “We definitely need to get some photos tonight.”
We decided to leave Meatball at home after feeding him and taking him out. Tonight would be busy at the container park, since it was line dancing night.
Once we arrived, the place was already going off. “Busy” was an understatement. I could swear, everyone in town had come out to say goodbye to Gracie. She’d made a mark on this town and the people who lived here.
She and Tatum had dragged Stanley and Margo out on the dance floor, and all the guys and I were laughing our asses off as we watched. Everyone from my office, and even some of the subcontractors, William and Carl and Jackson, had stopped by to wish her well. The Petersons were there, gushing about how much they loved their home.
“Holy shit. Even Wanda Waters is here. That woman doesn’t leave her antique store,” Bass said as he reached for his beer.
“Well, she does live in the apartment above it, so that’s pretty convenient for a homebody.” Brody laughed.
“Gracie’s a special woman,” Cannon said, glancing over at me. “Sorry, brother. I know it sucks for you.”
“Nah. Don’t be sorry. I’m proud of her for doing this.” I took a long pull from my bottle and looked out over the dance floor, where Gracie was leading everyone in her favorite line dance.
“She doesn’t strike me as a city girl,” Phoenix said. “She’ll be back.”
“Agreed,” Bass said. “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl. Look at her.”
She held up the hem of her long skirt and moved her feet left and right, a big smile on her face as she sang along with Chris Stapleton. She was in her element.
