Page 81 of Chasing the Sun

“What exactly does that mean?” Helen asked, a deep furrow settling between her brows.

“This means that the historical society is responsible for either running the farm themselves or selling it. If the property were to be sold,” he continued, “the proceeds are to bedonated directly back to the town of Star Harbor, earmarked for public works and education, as dictated by the deceased.”

Helen’s lips pressed into a thin line. “So, as a group, it is up to us to decide the best path forward?”

The man nodded. “It is. Stan’s final notation reads: ‘This land belongs to all of us, but someone’s got to carry the torch, might as well be the smartest bunch of women I know.’”

I pressed my lips together, fighting a fresh wave of grief. That someone carrying the torch was supposed to beus, but of course, not everyone saw it that way.

“When must the decision be made?” one of the town council members asked from the back.

“Hopefully not before I might be able to throw my hat into the ring.” Cal’s voice had my head whipping behind me. His frame filled the doorway as a sea of eyes tracked him.

Still dressed in his suit, he walked down the center aisle toward the front of the room.

He nodded terse greetings to some but avoided my gaze entirely. “Mr. Stafford’s land borders the Drifted Spirit Inn. It’s my understanding that at one time, the property was one parcel of land. I would like to purchase the farm to reunite the properties.”

I stiffened, my blood running hot as my cheeks flamed and my mind raced.

“But Elodie is the one who’s been working the land with Mr. Stafford,” Selene said, voice sharp. “She’s the one who has put in the time. She had the vision—the vision Stan himself wanted to bring to life.”

Her eyes blazed in Cal’s direction, and my chest squeezed for my sister’s loyalty.Bless her.

The group broke into murmurs of agreement and dissent. I tried to keep my face blank, but inside I was vibrating with panic.

After steeling myself, I stood. “It’s not about who wants it,” I said, my voice cutting through the noise as I lifted my chin and willed my voice to be strong and clear. “It’s about what is best for this community.Mycommunity.” The dig was petty considering Cal had lived in Star Harbor for a long time, but he wasn’tfromhere. This decision was huge—bigger than any soft feelings I had been starting to develop for my new neighbor.

I set my shoulders. “It’s about who has earned the right to purchase it.”

Cal tilted his head as he studied me, his gaze locking with mine. “And who decides that?”

“You want it for your inn,” I shot back. “I want it for the farm—for what Stan believed in. A family destination that brings people together.”

His eyes heated, and a tingle raced up my back. “You think I don’t give a damn about that land? I’ve lived next to it for ten years. I’ve made Star Harbor my home. Have you?”

Fire burned in my lungs, but I stood tall. “And you had plenty of time to make an offer while Stan was still here. You didn’t.”

His mouth twisted as his jaw flexed. “Careful, Darling. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I pulled my shoulders back and set my jaw, hoping he wouldn’t call my bluff. “I know enough.” I raised an accusatory eyebrow, hoping no one else could see my fingers tremble at my sides.

“Enough to bankrupt yourself trying to turn a crumbling farm into a fairy tale?”he huffed.

I hadn’t intended to publicly argue with Cal, but I wasn’t giving up on Stan’s dream without a fight.

A disgusted noise rattled in the back of my throat. “Better than using it as a marketing ploy for overpriced brunch.”

Helen clapped her hands once, sharp. We both stood at attention like the tantrum-throwing children we were acting like. “Enough. This isn’t the timeorthe place.”

I shook my head, biting back tears as shame washed over me. I was embarrassed for how I’d acted, but Cal had pushed—just as stubborn as I was.

The damage was done. Lines had been drawn.

When the meeting adjourned, I grabbed my purse and avoided Cal’s gaze altogether. Outside the library, I stormed down the steps, the midsummer sun scorching the back of my neck. Cal followed, his dress shoes loud on the pavement.

“You really think I’m the enemy here?” he called to my back.

I stopped short and turned, hurt and shame bubbling to the surface. “Aren’t you?” I gestured toward the library. “Whatwasthat in there?”