Chapter 38
Hard to believe it was already December. In four weeks Gray would return to Riverbend Gap and his job, putting three hours
between him and Shelby. Where would they go from there?
He pushed the thought from his head and hunched over the laptop at his dining room table. He was recording the construction
year.
Gray sat up straight, stretching his neck. He’d been at this for almost two hours, but he was nearly finished. His phone buzzed
with an incoming call and he grabbed it, hoping Shelby was reaching out. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her and planned
to squeeze in every moment while he could.
But it was Gavin’s name on the screen. He accepted the call. “Hey there. I was just finishing up the books.”
“How’s it looking?”
“Good as usual. I guess you know you’re having another great year.”
“Sure feels like it. We’ve been busy enough.”
“I hope you guys aren’t too overwhelmed with me gone.”
“We’re managing. But we’ll be happy to have you back.
In fact, that’s why I’m calling. Wes and I have been talking.
.. We’d like to extend that offer of co-ownership we mentioned before.
We were hoping you might like to buy into the business over the next few years.
We’d love to have you on our team long term. ”
Gray fell back in his seat. Well, this was sudden and unexpected. Yeah, they’d mentioned it in passing before, but not this
directly. Maybe Gray’s leave of absence had them squirming a bit. “I don’t know what to say. I’m honored you’d want to bring
me into the business. You and Wes have worked really hard to build it.”
“You’ve been a big part of that, Gray. We’d love to ensure you remain a part of it. I just wanted to put that out there so
you can give it some thought. If you’re interested we can discuss terms and such when you return.”
Over the next few minutes Gavin caught him up on the open jobs, then Gray asked about the family. Gavin and his wife had two
kids, and Wes and his wife, Avery, were expecting their first. The Robinson family seemed to be bursting at the seams.
When Gray finally ended the call, he sat there speechless. He truly was flattered they’d offered him a piece of their family
business. Owning a company was something he’d been gunning for ever since high school, but would a partnership work for him?
Would it give him the autonomy he craved? Part of his desire also stemmed from his inability to trust others. But he’d been
healing in that area. He’d grown to respect and trust Gavin and Wes.
But ownership in Robinson Construction would also root him in Riverbend Gap. It was yet another layer of complication between
Shelby and him.
The next evening Gray’s eyes drifted around the restaurant. Lit garlands draped from the nearby fireplace mantel, and two
wreaths hung on the stone walls. Christmas music played lightly in the background, and the buzz of quiet conversation carried
throughout the spacious room.
Gray gazed across the table at his beautiful date.
Shelby’s light brown hair tumbled over her slim shoulders in waves, and her brown eyes gleamed in the candlelight, rivaling the sparkle of her grandma’s diamond earrings.
Somehow Shelby had gotten even more gorgeous in the years he’d been away.
She’d always been strong and smart and giving.
But there was even more to admire about her now.
He felt so proud as he watched her run the shop.
She’d grown into the position with such confidence.
They were dining at The Grille at Bayside Marina tonight, Grandville’s most prestigious restaurant. When he’d made the reservation
the other night just before closing, Shelby protested. She was worried about putting their relationship on such a big stage
so quickly. “Can’t we ease into it? Walk the trails at Ramsey Park or grab supper at Davey’s BBQ? There’s a certain faction
that won’t be pleased we’re dating, you know.”
He poked her in the side. “Like Brendan Remington?”
Her ex-boyfriend was recently divorced, but he hadn’t so much as glanced her way when she last spotted him at Publix. “If
he’s still holding a grudge over a high school breakup, he needs to grow up. I just don’t want anything else happening to
you.”
“Relax. We are easing into it. Our reservation is for Wednesday night. There’ll hardly be anyone there.” He wrapped his arms
around her, loving the feel of her. “Besides, I used to dream of taking you to The Grille—and now I can finally afford to.”
Her expression softened. “I never cared where we went. I only wanted to be with you. But that’s very sweet.”
He pulled her closer. “Sweet enough I can have my way?”
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “Fine, The Grille it is. But only if you let me have my way.” And then she’d kissed his socks right off.
“Hello? You in there?” Shelby wore an amused expression.
“Sorry. What’d you say?”
“I said you look very handsome tonight. That shirt matches your eyes. And how is it you still have a summer tan in December?”
“How is it you’re the prettiest woman in every room you enter?”
She chuckled. “Oh, you’ve turned into quite the charmer, Briggs.”
“Just calling it like I see it.”
The server came to refill their water glasses.
The past week together had been like a dream. He didn’t realize how much he’d missed her all these years until she was back
in his life. The forgiveness she’d granted him had been such a lavish gift. One that left him grateful and relieved. It felt
as if a weight had slipped from his shoulders. With Shelby he was at peace. At home. He could let down his guard because he
trusted her—and that was more than he could say for most people.
This week he’d thought a lot about Thanksgiving night. Most of his ruminations brought a smile to his face. But there was
one thing she’d said that hit him like a bucket of cold water.
“You up and left me. You left me just like my mom.”
The words had eviscerated him. Not once in his harried departure, or in all the years since, had he considered that he’d done
to her exactly what her mom had done. He pictured her mother’s postcards on that bulletin board. Shelby’s hopeful expectation
of her return. The ultimate rejection she felt when the woman never materialized. Those postcards had ended up in the garbage
right alongside all her hopes.
He made himself think about this now. Because he hadn’t then. He’d only been thinking of himself and his desperation to escape
Grandville. He’d already apologized. He wouldn’t dwell on his failure, but he would make sure she knew he appreciated the
second chance she was giving him.
Speaking of which... “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
“Uh-oh.”
“It’s nothing bad. Well, I guess that depends on how you look at it. Gavin called last night to check in.” He paused a beat.
“He and Wes want to offer me co-ownership in their business.”
Something flickered in her eyes. “Wow. That’s big. They’re brothers-in-law, right?”
“Yes. We haven’t discussed details, but I’m sure I’d be a minor player in the equation.”
“It says a lot about what they think of you—that they’d offer ownership to someone outside the family. That’s quite an honor.
And this has always been your dream.”
“Yes, but it’s also my dream to be with you.”
Some of the tension fell away from her expression. “What are you thinking then?”
“I don’t know. Let’s just put it on the back burner for now. I don’t want to complicate things any more than they are. But
I have a lot of trust to build back with you, and that starts with transparency... so I wanted you to know.”
She gifted him with a smile. “I appreciate that. Thank you for telling me.”
After their server returned with refills, Gray was glad when Shelby changed the subject. “Did you hear Patsy asked Haley to
make a sign for her boutique? I told Haley she could easily have a side gig if she wanted one.”
“She’s got talent. I’ll bet other stores in town would love her help.”
“She’d do a great job with those handwritten chalkboard menus, too, like the ones at the coffee shop and deli. I’ll have to
mention it to her.”
“You’re such a caring person. Most people would’ve fired her weeks ago—I was in that camp if you’ll recall.” He took her hand
and swept his thumb across her knuckles.
At the sign of affection her gaze darted self-consciously around the dining room.
The restaurant had filled since they’d arrived. There were Bill and Trudy Jennings, and way across the room, the Shacklefords—Logan’s
parents. Hopefully Shelby wouldn’t spot them— awkward . Dave and Janine Pullman were looking their way. Weren’t they friends of the Remingtons? Oh well.
Shelby wasn’t the only one who needed to stop worrying about what other people thought. He had no control over that. Feeling
sorry for himself was a waste of time. He wouldn’t let anyone make a victim of him ever again.
He squeezed Shelby’s hand and offered a confident smile. “Hey, where’d that smile go?”
“I can’t help it. Everything’s just perfect and I don’t want anything to spoil it.”
Her words warmed him through. But he also had to fight the natural inclination to worry about that other shoe—the one that
always seemed to drop on him.
But no, that was his past talking. He wasn’t a teenager anymore, at everyone else’s mercy. He was worthy of a good life. Of
success. Of love. “Everything is perfect. Let’s just enjoy it.”
The server arrived at their table, presenting a circular tray laden with sizzling steaks and expertly garnished vegetables.
The aromas made Gray’s mouth water. He gave Shelby’s hand a final squeeze. Yes, that was exactly what they would do. Just
enjoy each other.
That thought flew from his mind a few hours later after he dropped off Shelby. He pulled into his driveway and his headlights
swept the front of his house. Frowning, he exited his SUV and approached the porch. He hadn’t left a light on, so he unlocked
the door, stuck his hand inside, and swept it over the switch. The porch illuminated—and so did the large black words spray-painted
on the white siding.
Go home, loser!