Chapter 26 Unexpected Gifts #3
"Well, this is your chance to experience it properly.
To start fresh with technology that's yours from day one.
And trust me, the difference in camera quality alone will absolutely transform your content.
The video stabilization is industry-leading, the low-light performance rivals professional cameras, the computational photography features do things automatically that used to require expensive editing software.
It's all game-changing for creators who want to produce high-quality content without needing a full production crew. "
He reaches under the counter and pulls out another box—this one larger, flatter. The unmistakable Apple logo gleams on the side.
"And this," he says with obvious pride, setting it down next to the phone box, "is the matching MacBook Air in the same rose gold color to coordinate with your phone.
It has the M3 chip—which is Apple's latest and most powerful processor for the Air line—2 terabytes of storage so you'll never worry about running out of space, and 24 gigabytes of RAM which means you can run multiple heavy applications simultaneously without any lag. "
He taps the box affectionately. "More than enough power for professional video editing, photo manipulation, graphic design, running streaming software, managing multiple social media accounts, anything you want to do.
And it'll last you years—literally five to seven years of solid performance before you'd even need to consider upgrading.
Apple products hold their value incredibly well both in terms of functionality and resale. "
"If you need any lessons on using either device, any tutorials or troubleshooting help," River continues kindly, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses, "you can stop by anytime during business hours.
No appointment necessary. I know Millbrook is a bit of a drive from Oakridge Hollow—about forty-five minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions—but I'd absolutely make it worth your time and effort.
I offer completely free tutorials for all my customers, especially content creators who are building their brands.
I genuinely love helping people discover what technology can do for them. "
He gestures around his well-organized shop with obvious affection.
"This place is my baby. I opened it specifically because I was tired of seeing small-town folks get scammed by predatory electronics dealers.
So I consider it part of my mission to ensure everyone who buys from me knows how to use their purchases to their full potential.
Play around with everything, experiment, try new features, and any questions you have—no matter how basic you think they are—bring them to me. "
I look at Theo and Nash, feeling emotions threatening to overwhelm me completely. Grateful and undeserving and blessed all at once.
Theo nods reassuringly, his olive-green eyes warm despite his typically stern expression.
"I can bring you whenever I come to the gym for training.
Three times a week like I mentioned. If you have questions for River or want to practice with the equipment in a comfortable environment, we'll make it work. It's not an issue at all."
Nash adds with a casual shrug that makes it seem like driving forty-five minutes is nothing, "And if Theo's schedule doesn't line up with your questions or you need help on off days, Gray and I can still make the drive easily.
Forty-five minutes is nothing. Honestly not a big deal at all.
We go on longer drives for coffee sometimes. "
They're willing to drive forty-five minutes each way just so I can ask questions about using a computer.
They bought me a phone and laptop that together cost more than what I used to make in months.
They believe in me enough to invest this much without expecting anything in return.
I don't deserve this. I don't deserve them.
I feel tears pricking at my eyes again—seems like that's all I do today is cry—but these are good tears. Overwhelmed tears. Grateful tears.
"Thank you," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for believing in me. For investing in my dreams like this. For seeing potential in me when I can barely see it in myself. I don't know how to properly express how much this means to me. Words feel inadequate."
"That's what we do for our Omega," Nash says simply, like it's the most obvious thing in the world and doesn't require thanks or explanation. "Taking care of you, supporting your goals, helping you succeed—it's not a burden or obligation. It's a privilege."
River begins the checkout process with efficient movements, scanning items with practiced ease and processing the payment on one of the American Express cards.
"Can I help you with the setup and installation process?
" he asks. "Transfer your data from your old phone to the new one?
It takes about twenty minutes but ensures everything moves over smoothly—contacts, photos, apps, passwords, everything. "
"That would be absolutely amazing," I say gratefully, already dreading trying to figure it out myself later.
"Perfect." He smiles knowingly. "And I'm sure you'll want to do a proper unboxing video later for your followers. First impressions, reactions, all that good content. But for now, let's get you set up practically so you can start using these immediately."
While River works on the technical setup—connecting cables, entering passwords, initiating the data transfer from my ancient iPhone to the gorgeous new one—he makes casual conversation that somehow feels friendly rather than forced.
"You know," he says conversationally, glancing at the window where darkening clouds are visible, "the weather report I heard on the radio this morning was calling for a pretty significant snowstorm tonight.
Supposed to start around eight or nine this evening.
They're predicting anywhere from six to eight inches of accumulation overnight, possibly more if the system stalls over the region. "
He glances up from the phone he's configuring to make eye contact with all three of us.
"If you folks don't have accommodations arranged yet here in Millbrook, there's a brand new cozy lodge that just opened last month about two miles outside town.
The Winter Pine Lodge. Beautiful place—all exposed timber beams and stone fireplaces and modern amenities wrapped in rustic charm.
Great food at their restaurant too. Very Instagram-worthy if you're looking for additional content opportunities. "
He returns his attention to the setup process.
"Might be worth staying off the roads tonight rather than attempting to drive back to Oakridge Hollow in potentially dangerous winter storm conditions.
The highway between here and there gets treacherous fast when snow starts accumulating.
We lose power to the streetlights sometimes and visibility drops to almost nothing. "
Theo, Nash, and I exchange meaningful looks—one of those silent pack communications that's becoming more natural every day.
"That's probably the smart choice," Nash agrees readily, always the practical one. "Driving in a snowstorm with minimal visibility and icy roads sounds like a legitimately terrible idea. Not worth the risk."
Theo nods decisively. "Agreed. I'll step outside in a minute and let Grayson know the plan. He'll need to take Snowfall to whatever stables or ranch facilities are nearby for boarding. Can't leave her standing outside in a developing snowstorm. She needs proper shelter, food, water."
"Wait!" I blurt out quickly, grabbing Theo's muscular forearm before he can head toward the door. "Can I come with you? To tell Grayson? And maybe... maybe go to wherever he's taking Snowfall? I'd love to see where the horses stay."
Please say yes. Please let me come. I want to spend time with all of them. I want to be included. I want to see Grayson with the horses and experience this with them.
Theo and Nash exchange another one of those loaded looks—the kind where entire conversations happen in seconds through eye contact alone.
"Sure," Nash says warmly, his blue eyes crinkling with a smile. "We can all go together. Make it a group outing."
Then Theo asks casually, but his tone carries weight like he already knows the answer will be important, "Have you ever ridden a horse before?"
I shake my head, suddenly shy and self-conscious about my lack of experience.
"No. Never. I've pet horses at fairs and county events and stuff, fed them apples and carrots, but never actually ridden one.
My grandfather always said he'd take me horseback riding someday, that he'd teach me properly when I was ready. .."
I trail off, my throat tightening with familiar grief. Not wanting to finish that sentence. Before he got sick. Before he passed away. Before all those some days ran out of time.
Theo's expression shifts to something warmer, softer, more tender than I usually see from him. He exchanges yet another look with Nash, and this time they both grin—matching expressions of mischief and excitement.
"Why don't we do a quick detour after this?" Theo suggests, his voice holding a promise of adventure and new experiences.