Taking Chances: A Whiskey Ridge Romance

by Rachel Hanna

  He let out a noise and then turned to Piper. “So you’re here to cash in, huh?”

  “I don’t understand what you…” Piper started to say.

  “Oh please. Small town girl makes friends with rich old woman. Even a monkey could do the math on that one.”

  “Cameron! Your grandmother wouldn’t be very happy with you right now,” Mr. Dylan chided.

  “Look, my grandmother was a sitting duck in that tiny town. I tried to tell her…” he said, shaking his head.

  “Excuse me!” Piper shrieked as she turned to him. It wasn’t often that she got mad, but she was livid right now on top of being tired from the long drive. “First of all, you don’t know me or anything about me, so to accuse a stranger of trying to bilk your grandmother is not right. Second…” she started, but he interrupted her.

  “Look…”

  “Second…” she repeated even louder with her index finger held in the air, “I’m not the kind of person who would try to take someone’s money. I work hard, and I don’t take handouts. I had no idea that Lola had any money given her living situation.”

  “Oh, please, do you expect anyone to believe…”

  “Cameron, quiet down. We’re running out of time. I have a court hearing in a little while,” Mr. Dylan said, sending him a pointed look. It was obvious that Cameron was somewhat trained to listen to the good attorney, so at least he had that going for him. Cameron sighed and sat back in his chair, his arms crossed.

  It was sad really that this good looking man seemed to have the personality of an angry yellow jacket. He sure didn’t seem like someone who had been raised by Lola.

  “Okay. Let’s get started. You two are the only people named in Lola Carver’s will. She was very specific about how her wishes were to be carried out.”

  “I’m her only living relative. Why is this woman included at all?” Cameron asked, not looking at Piper.

  “Because Lola had a strong bond with Miss Williams, and it was her decision to do what she wanted with her property, Cameron. Your grandmother was of sound mind, and you know that.”

  “Property?” Piper said. Cameron rolled his eyes and huffed before crossing his arms again.

  “She never told you about her property here, correct, Miss Williams?” Mr. Dylan asked.

  “That’s right. Actually, she only mentioned Whiskey Ridge to me the other day, right before she… passed.”

  “Probably because she knew these were her plans, and she knew her time was coming to a close,” Mr. Dylan said solemnly.

  Piper nodded slightly and looked down.

  “Let me read the letter and then I can explain logistics and so forth, okay?” he said. He began reading.

  Dear Cameron and Piper,

  If you’re reading this letter, it means I’m gone from this Earth. And while you may be sad, it’s just the cycle of life and rest assured that I’m at peace. I lived a long, full life with lots of love and excitement along the way, and that’s more than many people get so I was truly blessed.

  Cameron, you were the apple of my eye as a child, although we’d grown a little less close these last couple of years. I fear for you a bit because you seem so alone in this world, without your parents and now without me. I’ve prayed for years that you’d find your soulmate, someone who can love you and show you that life is worth living well.

  I know this may come as a shock to you, but everything I’m doing in this letter and in my will is really for you.

  Piper, you have been a light in my life since I met you. Your warm heart and caring spirit brightened every day of my life at the diner. I thought of you as a real granddaughter, and I adored Lucas too. You deserve the greatest of life’s blessings, and this letter and my will seek to do that for you.

  I hereby leave my orchard, farm and greenhouse business to Cameron Elliott and Piper Williams equally. They are to run the business and property together for the span of six weeks at which time they can make a decision on whether to move forward as business partners, sell their share to the other or sell off the entire business.

  “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me!” Cameron said, bolting upright from his chair and speaking through gritted teeth.

  “Sit. I’m still reading,” Mr. Dylan warned, and Cameron sat down shaking his head the whole time. Mr. Dylan continued.

  Right now, I’d imagine Cameron is pretty upset. I’m sure he thought I would leave everything to him, but I don’t feel it’s in his best interest to do that at this time.

  The house and all properties will be shared equally among Cameron and Piper as well. The big house will be their living quarters. The yellow guest house will become Nancy Williams’ home, and the other guesthouse is already occupied and will continue to be.

  “Who the hell is Nancy Williams?” Cameron asked, his eyebrows furrowed.

  “My mother,” Piper said softly.

  “Oh, good God. You really pulled a fast one here, lady.”

  “I had nothing to do with this!”

  “Please, let me finish this,” Mr. Dylan said as he rubbed his temples.

  The business will continue to run as usual for the next six weeks. At that time, both parties shall meet back with Peter Dylan to decide the final resolution to this matter.

  All of my personal belongings from my home in Minnsville will be donated to the charity I’ve chosen so that no move will be necessary. I’ve already had family heirlooms and mementos moved to storage in Whiskey Ridge, and those will go to Cameron as the boxes contain many memories for him. The home in Minnsville will also be sold and the profits donated to a local animal shelter.

  Please know that I love you both and only want what’s best for each of you. Do good in the world.

  Love,

  Lola Carver

  “Mr. Dylan, this can’t possibly be legal. It’s just a letter…” Cameron said.

  “Everything is legal. She signed all of the documents weeks ago. This letter was just to explain in a more personal way. You’re welcome to take a look at everything,” Mr. Dylan said, sliding the file across his desk toward Cameron.

  Cameron shook his head and let out an ironic laugh. “I guess this is my punishment for not visiting more.”

  “Maybe you should have,” Piper heard herself say out loud.

  “Excuse me? You don’t even know me, lady,” he said.

  “Mr. Dylan,” Piper said, totally ignoring Cameron’s comment, “I don’t think this is going to work. You can sign my portion over to Mr. Elliott here because there’s no way I’m living under the same roof with him. I won’t subject my son to that.”

  “Oh crap. You have a kid too? Why don’t you bring all of your extended cousins along to mooch off my grandmother too?” he said, standing and staring out the plate glass window facing the square.

  Piper did her best to continue ignoring his snide comments, but it was hard. She wanted to pummel him right now.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Williams, but that isn’t part of the deal. Lola made it quite clear.”

  “I loved Lola, but no one can force me to take ownership of property and move clear across the state of Georgia.”

  “True, but if you don’t take ownership and follow through then the property will be sold, in its entirety, and all of the funds will be donated to another charity.”

  “What?” Cameron shouted. “Why would she stipulate something so insane?”

  “Keep your voice down, Cameron. This is a place of business.”

  “I’m sorry, but this is just…”

  “Unbelievable,” Piper muttered. Cameron cut his eyes at her and nodded slightly.

  “It was her choice. Either the two of you work together or Lola’s lifelong passion will be sold and donated. And unless you can afford the two million dollar price tag, Cameron, there’s nothing you can do.”

  Two million dollars? Did she hear that correctly? Her heart started pounding. Lola had basically left her a million dollars? Not including what the business produced?

&nb
sp; She knew. She knew the moment that she told Piper she would get a blessing one day that she was doing this. A tear rolled down Piper’s cheek at the thought of how much Lola had meant to her, and the magnitude of what she’d done for her now.

  “I’ll give you a moment to consider your options. I have to make a quick phone call,” Mr. Dylan said before leaving the room.

  The two of them sat there, in their chairs, for several moments. They were both staring straight ahead.

  “I can’t lose her property,” Cameron finally said quietly. “It was her dream. She and my grandfather worked so hard.”

  It was the first honest, real thing he’d said. “I can understand that. But this can’t work. We’re obviously very different people.”

  He sighed. “It’s a pretty big house. Maybe we can make it work. It’s only a few weeks, after all.”

  “I have a seven year old son, and I refuse to subject him to constant bickering.” She stood up and looked out into the square. It was a quaint little town with few cars on the road and more people riding bicycles. It looked like the perfect place to raise her child.

  “What if I promise to behave myself?” he asked, the first quirk of a smile she’d seen on his face.

  She considered it for a moment and then shook her head. “Look, I’d love to help you, and I’d never want to disappoint Lola, but I just can’t. I have a life in Minnsville. I have a job…” As she said it, she knew it made no sense. She had no family other than her mother there, and her job was about as dead end as it gets.

  “You said you have a son, right?” he said as she was walking toward the door to leave. She stopped and turned.

  “Yes.”

  “I guess you have to ask yourself whether owning part of my grandmother’s place could change your son’s future.”

  She had a choice to make, and she knew it wouldn’t be an easy one, but when it came to her son and his future - and breaking the cycle of poverty in her family - there was only one right answer.

  “Are you sure you aren’t a salesman?” she asked.

  “Nope. Writer.”

  “Hmm… Maybe you missed your calling,” she said with a smile as Mr. Dylan re-entered the room.

  “Well, have you two made a decision?” he asked, sitting back down behind his desk.

  “I think we have,” Cameron said, looking at Piper.

  “We’re going to give it six weeks,” she said.

  “Great. Lola would be so happy to hear that,” Mr. Dylan said with a big smile. “Now, each of you will receive a salary. Here’s the amount,” he said, sliding a piece of paper across the desk.

  They each looked at it. Piper was thrilled since it was about three times what she was making now anyway. Cameron made some grunting noise and then leaned back in his chair.

  “The salary will last for the six week period at which time you can decide how to adjust it. It will begin immediately so that you can each quit your jobs or take time away from them…”

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa. I’m not quitting my job,” Cameron said shaking his head. “I’ve spent years building my publishing house.”

  “Well, then we’re at a stalemate, I suppose. Unless you can take a six week leave of absence…” Mr. Dylan said, closing up the file.

  Cameron sat for a moment and then sighed. “Fine. I’ll work it out.”

  “Good. Then let’s get started signing the papers and giving you two access to your new home.”

  With that, Mr. Dylan stood up and led them both into an adjoining conference room where papers were waiting along with keys to the property and further instructions about access.

  When it was all said and done, Piper found herself standing on the sidewalk in front of her car with Cameron. They both appeared to be shellshocked at the thought of what they were about to do, especially since they were perfect strangers.

  “So, when do you plan to move in?” he finally asked her as they watched Mr. Dylan drive away and his secretary lock up his office.

  “I… don’t have a clue. This was so unexpected…”

  “Well, I have to fly back to New York to tie up some loose ends, get someone to stand in for me… So, I’ll be back at the end of the week. I’ll bring my things with me then. Do you have movers?”

  “I don’t really own anything that’s worth hiring movers,” she said softly, looking down at her shoes for a moment.

  “Oh.”

  “So, I’ll probably head up and get things started in the next couple of days.”

  “And your son?”

  “He can stay with my mother for a couple of weeks to finish up school before his Fall break.”

  “Gotcha. Well, I guess I’ll see you later then,” he said as he turned and started walking toward his rental car.

  As she watched him drive away, she surveyed the town square one more time and felt Lola’s presence. She could definitely see the appeal of Whiskey Ridge, and she couldn’t wait to start her life over with the amazing blessing that Lola had given her. She was determined to make the most of it.

  * * *

  Cameron pulled off the side of the road just outside of Whiskey Ridge and took a deep breath. He felt like he’d been holding his breath for hours.

  Why had his grandmother chosen to handle things this way? Was she angry with him for not coming home more often? Did she want to punish him by taking half of his inheritance and forcing him to move in with a perfect stranger?

  Even if she was a rather adorable looking stranger.

  He had to admit to himself that getting to look at Piper everyday probably wasn’t a terrible deal to make. She was petite and cute with her wavy light brown hair and big green eyes. She looked so lonely, though. He’d have to find out what that was about.

  No.

  He wasn’t going to get involved. She was as rich as he was now, not needy. She had a kid too, and he wanted nothing to do with that kind of responsibility. He just needed to bide his time, work his six weeks and then buy her out. This was his family’s place. She had no sentimental attachment to it, and he would work hard to convince her to leave the moment those six weeks had passed.

  Maybe if he made life miserable for her, she’d be thrilled to leave in six weeks. He’d borrow whatever money he needed to buy her out, and then he’d decide what to do with the property.

  Chapter 4

  “I can’t believe you’re leaving!” Ernie said as he pulled Piper into a bear hug. “But what a blessing Miss Lola left you. I tell you, nobody deserves it more than you, Piper.”

  Ernie was a big teddy bear, and she was definitely going to miss him. “I’m going to miss you too, Ernie. But I promise I’ll visit.”

  He smiled. “Be happy, kid. That’s all you need to worry about.”

  After she finished saying her goodbyes to Clara and a few other friends in town, Piper packed up her few important belongings, like Lucas’s baby pictures, and prepared to head for Whiskey Ridge.

  Explaining the change in their lives to Lucas had been hard. His seven year old mind still didn’t grasp where Lola had gone, much less why they were up and moving to a place he’d never even visited.

  Thankfully, her mother was excited about the change since she’d get to be a part of it too. Nancy had lived most of her life in Minnsville, and she was ready to get out of the tiny dirt road town, even if it meant living in a guest house.

  Because Lola fronted some salary money, Nancy was able to cut her hours way back for a couple of weeks to take care of Lucas while he finished school. Then he’d have a Fall break for a week while they settled him into Whiskey Ridge and got him registered for school there.

  Piper knew there was a lot of work ahead of her. She was moving to a place she’d never even seen to run a business she knew nothing about, and she would have to register her son in a brand new school at the same time. She was feeling pretty overwhelmed - and already missing her little boy - as she hit the city limits of Whiskey Ridge.

  She stopped at the local diner for a quick
cup of coffee and directions to Lola’s property figuring that local folks would definitely know where it was. The place, she’d been told by Mr. Dylan, was called Blue Ridge Orchards and sat just on the edge of Whiskey Ridge.

  “Hey there! My name’s Candy. What can I get ya?” said a waitress with bright red hair and a huge smile when Piper walked through the door. She was a rotund woman with caked on make-up and the reddest lipstick Piper had ever seen. But the diner itself was a huge improvement from The Greasy Spoon, for sure.

  For one thing, it was clean and bright. The chairs were chrome and black, and the booths looked like they had been updated but remained in that 1950s design.

  “Hi. I’m new in town, and I’m looking for the Blue Ridge Orchards.”

  “Oh, beautiful place! But I didn’t know they were open to the public right now?” Candy said with one hand on her hip.

  “No, ma’am, they’re not. At least not that I know of. I’m one of the new owners.”

  Candy’s face changed to a look of concern. “New owner? Where’s Miss Lola?”

  “I’m sorry to say she passed away last week,” Piper said. It was still hard for her to get the words out.

  “Oh no! And they sold the place already?”

  “No, she actually left half of it to me. In her will…”

  “And the other half?”

  “To her grandson. Cameron. Maybe you know him?” Piper said.

  “Oh yeah, we all know Cameron around here. He was a bit of a problem child in his school years, you know, after his parents died in that terrible plane crash.”

  Piper wondered what “problem child” meant exactly, but she let it go. She just wanted to find her new home, take a hot bath and relax after her long ride.

  “Anyway, could you give me some directions? I’m really tired after such a long drive…” Piper said, forcing a smile through her exhaustion.

  “Of course, sweetie. What you’re gonna wanna do is go down this road here…” she said pointing outside. Thankfully, there weren’t many turns to get to the orchard, so Piper jotted them on a napkin and got back in her car.