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We’re both silent then, deep in our own thoughts. I begin telling Dad about Ariana and everything that happened. When I finish, Dad is silent for a beat before responding.

“This woman who got hurt. She sounds special,” Dad adds.

I clench my jaw. I’m not sure I’m ready to talk about that with anyone. My need for fatherly advice finally takes over.

“Ariana is James Titan’s kid,” I grumble.

He laughs.

“Dad, it’s not funny,” I mutter as I kick a rock with my foot.

“It’s a little funny,” he replies with a long chuckle.

“Why do you think he wants the property?” Dad adds.

I run a hand over my face. “I don’t know. He collects real estate for fun. I think he has a condo near here. Maybe it’s convenient?” I suggest.

“No. I think there’s something more there,” Dad muses.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know, kid. But if I were you, I’d look more into it. At least do that before you make a decision and uproot your entire life. And, Eric?”

“Yeah?”

“I know Tori’s death changed you. I know you miss her every day. But maybe the universe sent Ariana to you for a reason. Maybe it thinks you’re ready to love again. And if it’s not Ariana, then maybe it’ll be someone else someday. Just don’t write off love, OK? You deserve it. You deserve to be loved. And I know it’s scary. But the rewards are so much greater than you can imagine. Promise me that you will at least consider it?” Dad asks.

I stew over his words for a long minute. “OK,” I reply.

“Good. Now, go fix this mess. I know you can,” he says.

I laugh. “Right.”

“You can, Eric. And you will. You’ll see,” Dad says. “Gotta go. Mom’s cooking up some seafood stew and it smells amazing.”

I shake my head as I envision Mom cooking. She loves cooking. It’s probably where I get it from.

“OK. Tell Mom I said hi,” I reply.

“I will. Love you, kid,” Dad says.

“Love you guys too,” I reply as I disconnect and stare at the barn.

I decide to go back inside. I do need to talk to Ariana, but first, I want to figure out why her father wants my property. I have my work cut out for me.

I sit down at my desk and Joy looks over at me. “Joy, how are you at searching land records?” I ask.

“Land records?” she questions.

“Yeah, Dad said something, and now…I don’t know, it could be nothing, but I want us to properly research the farm before I even consider Titan’s offer. Something just doesn’t add up,” I state.

“And what about Ariana?” she asks, giving me a pointed look with one raised eyebrow.

“I need to talk to her. I…just need a little time to collect my thoughts,” I explain.

“Eric?” Joy says.

“Yeah?”