“Highway robbery.”
“You think? Then my resignation stands.” She wiggled her shoulders with uncontained triumph. “And the staff walks out with me.”
“Stop dredging up my worst nightmare. If everyone bolts, I’m stuck with an empty mansion and no one to run it. Am I supposed to live alone in the backwoods of Ohio? There isn’t decent sushi in a thirty-mile radius. Let’s not even discuss the absence of nightlife.” He gripped his skull. “I don’t have the constitution to live like a pioneer.”
Daniel, enjoying her brother’s distress, put in, “Then stop playing around.”
“Fine.” Freddie swirled his drink, sipped. “I’ll retain forty-five percent. Nonvoting shares.”
Daniel’s eyes silvered. “In your dreams.”
Freddie’s cheeks blazed. “Forty.”
Linnie, fed up with the antics, took the drink from his hand. “Thirty—and that’s final.” Stalking around the bar, she poured the booze down the sink. “Nonvoting shares. You’ll receive annual profits at my discretion. But not soon. I need to get the inn back to full capacity.”
Her brother waved a cocktail napkin in surrender. “Oh, all right. At least you aren’t demanding I give away all of my inheritance. You win.”
“Hold on. I’ve just thought of something else.”
“Now? You said we’re done negotiating!”
She made a quick note on her pad. “Before we entertain discussions regarding profit taking, you’ll make a goodwill investment.”
Daniel, flipping open the laptop, looked up approvingly. “Nice,” he murmured.
Freddie gulped down air. “I’ve made an investment. I returned the money I’d taken and threw in an extra twenty thou!”
“Which I appreciate, but you can do better.” She named her price, adding, “You’re managing a lucrative film company and won’t miss the cash. Besides, I shouldn’t have to secure bank loans to cover the bulk of the renovations.”
“A film company now less profitable because I promised the Sirens points on my next film. Or have you forgotten those devious women have their claws in me?”
“They’re not devious. More like inspired.”
Linnie was well aware of how much she owed them. Did the Sirens know about this morning’s events at the inn? She had a sneaking suspicion they not only knew, but were instrumental in encouraging the staff to hand in resignation letters en masse. A kindness done in secret she’d never forget.
Absently she wondered if Frances was home this afternoon. Her gorgeous colonial lay on the street behind Daniel’s. After the Skype meeting with her parents, Linnie decided she’d walk over and thank Frances in person—for all the wisdom imparted over the last weeks.
Including, she thought wryly, the protection delivered with rattling gourds.
Returning to the matter at hand, she told her brother, “You have until August to make the goodwill investment. Wire the money before leaving for the film shoot. If you don’t, I’ll hunt you down in the Australian outback.”
Freddie gripped his heart. “Where’s the rack? The iron maiden? Impale me now!”
“After everything you’ve put me through? Don’t tempt me.”
The theatrics were getting him nowhere, and he dropped the act. Or had the sense to stop stalling before she came up with more bright ideas.
Either way, she felt pretty damn good.
“All right, I agree to your terms. My sister, the hard bargainer. Never thought I’d see the day.”
Catching the amusement in his eyes, she said, “I love you, big brother.”
The endearment lifted his brows. “I love you too.” He waved the napkin sulkily. “Sometimes.”
Daniel laughed. “Aw, you big cream puff. You love her all the time.”
Ducking the observation, Freddie sat on the couch. The barest hint of happiness played on his lips.
Replacing it with mock disdain, he regarded her outdated laptop. “How do you log onto Skype with this thing? I can almost hear the chipmunks racing around inside. Ah. Here we go.” He motioned for her to join them, asking, “You told Mom and Dad to await our call?”
Anxiety bounced through her. “Sure did.”
“You explained why we’re calling?”
“No.”
He stared longingly at the bar, then frowned at her. “Was that wise?”
“We’ll see.” She sat on Daniel’s opposite side.
Skype jingled, and her parents logged on.
The indomitable Treat Wayfair looked slightly less intimidating with the puppy on his lap bouncing in and out of view. Sarah appeared nervous, her fingers scaling the collar of her blouse.
Treat glared at the camera. “Linnie, what’s going on?” Without awaiting a reply, he looked to Daniel. “Hello, son. What are you doing at a family meeting?”
Freddie patted the perspiration from his brow. “Dad, we need Linnie’s boyfriend at the meeting.” He dropped his head into view. “We’ll sort this out faster with an attorney present.”
Treat scratched his balding head. “Now, hold on. Daniel is dating Linnie? When did this start?”
Daniel grinned at her. They don’t know we’re living together?
The anxiety in her belly morphed into a beehive of discomfort. “Dad,” she said through parched lips, “I’d characterize my relationship with Daniel as more than dating. We’re living together.”
The news drew a gasp from her mother as she dipped out of view. “You’re living with a man after a few dates? Why would you do anything so impetuous?” She came back up blotting her eyes with a tissue.
For reasons unknown, the response melted Linnie’s anxiety. “Yes, Mother,” she said firmly, “I’ve become impetuous. I’m living in sin and rather enjoying it.”
Freddie said, “Might we discuss sin at a later date?” He readjusted the laptop to put Daniel center stage. “I’m giving Linnie control of the inn. Daniel will explain.”
He didn’t get a chance. Glowering, Treat said, “You aren’t giving anything away. You have a responsibility as my son—”
Daniel cut him off. “Mr. Wayfair, your son is returning his shares to the trust. Since your daughter is prepared to do the same, you are in control. When should we expect you to take over the operations?”
“Hold on just one minute. I’m not taking over. I’m retired.”
“Since your heirs won’t succeed you, would you like the name of a real estate agent? I assume you’ll sell the mansion.”
Daniel’s eyes turned steely. An impressive sight, and Linnie squeezed his hand. When he glanced at her, she used all her energy to transmit the silent message. I adore you.
He winked before returning his attention to the screen. “Mr. Wayfair? Would you like my assistance in locating a realtor? If not, I hope you’ll hear me out. I have a solution both your heirs will sanction.”
The resolve Daniel conveyed altered the trajectory of the conversation. His persuasive charms altered the future of one of Sweet Lake’s founding families. Within minutes, Linnie’s father grudgingly agreed to the new terms. His daughter would receive seventy percent and full control of the Wayfair. Freddie gladly agreed to thirty percent in nonvoting shares. With the inheritance complete, the trust would dissolve.
The Skype call ended, and Freddie snapped shut the laptop. “About the goodwill investment.” He appeared visibly relieved. “Will you take a rain check until next year?”
“August—you’ll put it in writing.” Giddy relief swam in Linnie’s veins. “I’d like to get crackin’ on the renovations.”
“So soon, Sugarpop? We’re not talking about a few greenbacks.”
“As if you’ll miss the cash. You’re rich.” She opened a bottle of wine, poured three glasses. Setting down the bottle, she pulled out her cell phone and sent the text. “And don’t call me Sugarpop.”
“As you wish, Linnie. I’ll have the money wired before I leave on the film shoot.”
“No excuses.” Her cell phone pinged as Frances
responded. “Call from Australia begging for an extension, and I won’t be amused.”
“Oh, go and find a doughnut. I said I’ll have the money, and I will.”
Daniel cut into the bickering between siblings. “Congratulations, sweetheart. You did it.” He kissed her before sending Freddie a teasing look. “Shouldn’t you go now? Pack your luggage, book a flight home? I’d like to celebrate with my woman.”
Playing dumb, Freddie lifted his glass. “I thought we were celebrating. The meeting went exceedingly well. Let’s get drunk.”
Linnie handed Daniel a glass of wine. “Keep him on a short leash,” she said. “I’ll be right back.”
He reached for his crutches. “You’re leaving? I thought we were celebrating.”
“We will, shortly.” She took the crutches, set them aside. “Hang tight. I’m walking over to see Frances. I’d like to thank her in person.”
“For what?”
The question lingered in the air. For what, indeed. Companionship and wisdom, and advice delivered over the rim of a mojito on a moonlit night. Other advice too, about how a sibling carries your history, all those memories, which begin flooding your heart early in childhood and carry you forward as you collect people to love and dreams to follow on a journey beautifully twined, the sorrow with the sweet.
She blew Daniel a kiss. “I’ll explain in twenty.”
She nearly danced out of the house. The door clicked shut, and she paused on the front stoop with her good fortune sinking in, warming her beneath the clear summer day. Overhead the maples rustled. The melody of gears shifting reached her ears as a girl bicycled past, her arms lifting from the handles to cup the wind.
A crunching beneath her shoes halted Linnie’s descent. The sharp fragrance of lavender bloomed in the air.
On the stoop, and the steps too, dried herbs made a fine layer. She was still inhaling their promise when she noticed the small gift. Beside her feet, a feather, blue like the ocean, clung to a length of twine.
Linnie tucked the feather into her pocket.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
WITH HEARTFELT THANKS
To my wonderful editor, Kelli Martin, for believing in the Sweet Lake concept from the outset.
To my agent, Pamela Harty, for her generous advice.
To my developmental editor, Krista Stroever, for all her brilliant suggestions, my copyeditor Jessica Fogleman, for her careful edit, and my author relations manager, Gabriella Dumpit.
To the fabulous Liberty Ladies for beta reads in a pinch, stimulating book chat, and most of all your friendship.
To KindleWorlds editor Sean Fitzgerald, for my first experience with Amazon editorial, which showed me how much the company values authors.
To Barry, for reading every review throughout the years and believing even when I entertained doubts. I love you, always.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2016 Melissa Miley Photography
Award-winning author Christine Nolfi writes heartwarming and inspiring fiction. Her debut novel, Treasure Me, was a Next Generation Indie Awards finalist. Many of her novels have enjoyed bestseller status and have been listed as “highly recommended” by the Midwest Book Review. A native Ohioan, Christine currently resides in South Carolina with her husband and four adopted children. For the latest information about her releases and future books, visit www.christinenolfi.com. Chat with her on Twitter @christinenolfi.
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