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“That isn’t why you’re in here an hour before we open on a day you told me you wouldn’t be here.”

“I want to run something by you. Actually, I hoped Charlie could be here.”

“He’ll be home in time for Owen’s party,” Carol said. “His father had some doctor appointments. Charlie wants to be sure he gets the facts, not his father’s revisions. Why did you want to talk to him?”

Fallon massaged her eyes.

“Just tell me, Fallon.”

“Okay. Here it is. I want to expand Murphy’s, and I want to know if Charlie wants to buy in—if you and Charlie want to be partners in the business.”

Carol stared at Fallon.

“Not the reaction I expected,” Fallon said.

“What are you talking about?” Carol asked. “Expand the bar?”

“Not exactly.”

“Okay. What? Get a bigger jukebox? More pool tables? Why do you want Charlie to invest in the pub? Fallon…”

“Okay! Geez. Slow down,” Fallon said. “No. Look, I’ve been thinking about things.”

“Like expanding a pub that’s barely in the black?”

“Yes. And before you say one word, I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of years. You’re right. It’s not easy to sustain this place on winter business alone. Someone is always in here asking about holding an event. I think we should add a barn out back.”

“A barn? What are you hoping to add to a petting zoo? We can just put Pete and Dale in a pen.”

“Not for a petting zoo. For banquets.”

Carol’s brow furrowed. “You want Murphy’s Law to offer banquets?”

“People ask if they can host events all the time.”

“People we know.”

“And?” Fallon asked.

“I’m not sure people wedon’tknow will want to hold their wedding or funeral receptions at a place called Murphy’s Law.”

Fallon laughed. “Fair point. So, we’ll make it an extension with a different name.”

“Fallon, I know you’re worried about me and Charlie…”

“That’s not why I want to do this. And it isn’t to fix Charlie’s problems, either. Look, I’m starting something new. I don’t want to give this place up, and I don’t want to give it away. No one loves this place as much as I do, exceptyou.You’ve been running Murphy’s for a decade. No one thinks I know that, but I do. I want this place to be something special—not just for me. Charlie knows the business. You know how this place works. Hell, Charlie could move his shop up here as part of it. This isn’t afreebie, Carol. It’s a business proposition. One that I think might benefit everyone.”

Carol remained silent.

“Hello?” Fallon asked. “Did you hear me?”

“You’re serious about this.”

“One hundred percent. You think it’s crazy, don’t you?”

“No,” Carol said. “I think it has potential.”

“Seriously?”