“But there’s not enough left to send you to college.”
“He would like to.”
“I’m sure he would.” She slid the envelope…an envelope containing everything Arlen London would need to secure his future, to put him on a path that would pave the way to make a young man’s dreams come true, toward him. “While you were fixing my bike tire, I saw your eyes light up when you talked about Northern Michigan University. It’s a dream for you.”
“And probably never going to happen.”
“You’re wrong.” She nudged it even closer. “This is for you.”
He stared at the envelope for a long moment. Not taking it. Not looking away…just staring at his name she had carefully handwritten on the front. “I can’t…”
Harlow cut him off. “You can, and you will. Go ahead and open it.”
Arlen picked up the envelope. He flipped the flap and removed the contents—a set of enrollment papers along with the gift card she’d purchased at the post office.
“I remember you mentioning that you like hunting and fishing. You can use the gift card to buy some stuff.”
“Thank you. I’ve been saving for a new hunting rifle.”
“This should cover the cost. There’s more.”
He slowly unfolded the papers, his eyes growing round as saucers. “This is a receipt for NMU college tuition.”
“Plus school supplies, plus housing and the meal program. I have your entire package set up. All you need to do is fill in the information and you’ll officially be enrolled for up to four years, all expenses paid and even some spending money in your account,” she said.
The color drained from Arlen’s face. His hand shook as he held the papers. “A full ride.”
“One hundred percent. I spoke to an advisor. We calculated all the fees for the four-year tuition program. This is what we came up with.” For a second, Harlow thought he was going to pass out. “Are you okay?”
He lifted his gaze, an unreadable expression on his face. “I can enroll in any program I want?”
“Anything NMU offers. You’ll also have enough to choose where you want to live, whether on or off campus. The food program covers your meals. All you have to do is finish filling out the paperwork and you’re good to go.”
In the blink of an eye, Arlen flew around the table and hugged Harlow so hard he almost knocked her out of her chair.
“I don’t know what to say. I have some money saved and can put it toward school.”
Harlow hugged him tightly. She pulled back, keeping hold of both of his arms and met his gaze. “Whatever money you’ve saved is yours to continue saving. Who knows? An emergency might come up and the money could come in handy. You won’t have to use a single penny to go to school.”
“Why?”
“Money doesn’t buy happiness. In fact, many times it makes people miserable. You know what makes me happy?” She didn’t wait for him to answer. “Doing nice things for good people. I couldn’t think of a nicer, more deserving person to help.” Harlow gently shook him. “You deserve this. I’m only going to ask for one thing.”
“Anything. I’ll fix your bike for the rest of your life.”
She laughed out loud. “Deal, but this isn’t what I was going to say. When you graduate, I would like to be invited to your graduation so I can help you celebrate.”
“You’ll get the very first invitation.” Arlen started to return to his seat, but was so excited he couldn’t sit still. He picked up the papers and re-read the admissions guidelines line by line. “I’m gonna do this as soon as I get out of work tonight.”
Harlow set her napkin on the table. “What do you think you’ll major in?”
“I-I don’t know.” The look on his face, full of wonder and incredulity, tickled Harlow. That, and the fact that he couldn’t stop smiling.
“You can do anything you set your mind to. I hope you stay in touch and let me know how you’re doing.”
“I’ll never forget you and home. Mackinac Island will always be home.”
“So, you won’t forget about all of us when you become a successful business owner,” she teased.
