Page 58 of Make-Believe Match

“You just what? Don’t want to see this place survive? Don’t want to make money? What don’t you want to do?”

“I don’t want to see my memories trampled, okay?” I tried to control my emotions but couldn’t. “Look, my parents’ ashes are scattered there. When I think about people sitting there sipping gin and tonics, my soul dies a little bit.”

“I’m sorry about that, but if you don’t let go, this entireplaceis going to be a graveyard. And if you’re not willing to do what it takes to prevent that, I’m out. So you need to tell me now.”

Pushing back from the table, I jumped out of my chair and headed out the front door, slamming it behind me. Out on the porch, I placed my hands on the wooden railing and filled my lungs with the late summer air. A hint of fall was on the breeze, something cool and earthy. The change of season. The sun was setting beyond the trees, and I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth on my face.

The door opened and closed behind me. Softly, not like I had done it. A moment later, I sensed Devlin behind me. He put his hands on my shoulders and tipped his head onto mine.

“I’m sorry, Lexi,” he said. “I’m really sorry.”

I didn’t trust myself not to burst into tears, so I stayed silent.

“That was insensitive of me to say those things. I’m just worried. I don’t want all this to be for nothing.”

A tear slipped down my cheek. Then another.

“Hey. Come here.” He turned me into his arms and wrapped them around me.

Burying my face in his chest, I gave in and wept, comforted by his embrace. He didn’t say anything, just stroked my hair and my back, and let me cry.

“I know I need to let go,” I said between sobs. “It’s just hard.”

“Of course it is.”

“This place meant everything to them. I feel like I’m letting them down by letting go.”

“You’re not, Lexi. In fact, I bet they’d be so proud of the way you’re fighting to save this place. Fighting to keep their dream alive. Willing to do whatever you have to do to save it.”

“Even marry my enemy,” I said with a sniffle.

A chuckle rumbled his chest. “Aren’t we friends yet? I gave you a bracelet and everything.”

“I guess I just had this delusion that money would function like a time machine,” I confessed. “We could bring people back by polishing up what was already here. Making improvements here and there without really altering the vibe.”

“I think,” he said, tipping my chin up with his fingers, “you have the potential to build something amazing here. Something unique. Something that will create all kinds of buzz.”

“And you’ll help me?”

“I’ll help you.” He hesitated. “I have some money set aside. It’s not a ton, but it’s a decent amount. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to invest it here.”

“Really?”

“Yes. We can work something out where the resort can pay me back after a certain amount of time. Once it’s profitable.”

“Of course! I’ll pay you back—I promise.” Smiling, I looped my arms around his waist and hugged him hard. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I leaned back again. “Do you think there’s room for a ski apparel boutique in the new lodge? Or maybe a store where local artisans could sell their products? That could be anything from food items to jewelry to handmade soaps or skincare.”

“Absolutely. Those are great ideas. See?” He cradled my face in his hands and wiped away the leftover tears on my cheeks with his thumbs. “Forward motion is the key. Focusing your energy on the future, not the past.”

I took a deep breath. “I’ll try. And you really think we can come up with saltwater grotto money?”

“I talked to someone today who thinks they might be able to come through with some venture capital. I’ll know more next week.”

“Who is it?” I asked as we headed inside.