Page 74 of Merging Wright

Myles only shrugs, turning back to his coffee mug. Did my brother know he wasn’t inheriting the town? Did he know he had two million dollars coming to him if we pull this restoration off? What if Fischer hadn’t died until November? We never would have completed this project in a month as the end date was specific—Kringle Fest.

What was that old man scheming, and what does my brother know about it?

“It’s interesting you mention the bait and tackle shack because I have some ideas,” Jane interjects. Her hand returns to my thigh for a brief pat, as if she can feel the tension rising off me.

Of course, Jane has ideas, and I spin on my stool, spreading my legs around hers. My hand remains on her lower back. She pulls up her plan.

“I suggest we tear it down and build a community room there instead.”

“What?” I chuckle. “Now we’re building new buildings?”

“Not a building, just a low structure. I saw it on HGTV. A community room offers space local residents can rent and draws people to gather for celebrations like wedding showers or engagement parties.”

“Sounds kind of romantic.” Myles wiggles his brows.

Jane and her romance.

I speak next. “I’m not saying no. I’m just saying—”

“We’d name it the Camilla Wright Community Room. All are welcome here.” Jane lifts her tablet, showing me a design logo for the outside of the building. She knows she has me. There’s no way I’ll say no to naming a place after my mother. “The place would focus on gathering family and friends.”

Jane glances at me before peeking over at my brother. “After all, that’s what Wrightwood is all about. Fischer wanted to bring his family together and rebuild his town.”

I snort. She’s full of romantic ideas now, but Myles side-eyes Jane, pursing his lips while his hand cups his coffee mug.

He definitely knows something. I’d bet my million-dollar inheritance that Myles knows exactly what Fischer intended by demanding I return.

“The community building sounds like a nice gesture. Ma would love it and I can build it without it being linked to the inheritance project as it isn’t a specification to build something new.” Myles’s agreeability irks me, and my fingers spread over Jane’s lower back. She rounds her back as if to maximize my touch.

“Well, isn’t it wonderful to agree on things? Building something new is a good sign.” Jane’s voice rises like she’s a motivational speaker.

Only, I’m not ready to play nice in the sandbox. “As long as it doesn’t affect the rest of the projects. By Christmas, we’re out of here.”

Jane tsks. “As a community center will express family unity, I’m happy you both agree it’s a worthy project.” Her hand returns to my thigh, placating me with a pat as she smiles at me before peering over at Myles.

Oh, I see what my sneaky wife is playing at, and it isn’t going to work. Myles and I aren’t ever going to fully agree on anything.

That’s not how this family rolls.

34

Playlist: “Come a Little Bit Closer” – Jay and the Americans

(from Guardians of the Galaxy)

[Jane]

Mach and Myles each excuse themselves when our meeting comes to an end while I remain in the coffee shop to make some final notes. The tension between the two men would take a chain saw to cut. And I was more confused than ever about their relationship. Myles is so easygoing and agreeable. I don’t understand Mach’s reticence.

With more knowledge of why Myles limps, I’m curious if Mach’s accusations are true. Did Myles sleep with his brother’s wife? Did he get her pregnant? Was she going to stay behind to be with one brother while married to another?

I don’t know enough about Tracy Wright to make a decision about her. I don’t want to judge her, but I also can’t wrap my head around loving two men, twins no less. How could she do something like that? Mach is clearly heartbroken by the situation. Brokenhearted enough he hasn’t risked loving someone again. It explains his one-and-done dating routine. It also made me sad for him.

Despite what Ripley had put me through, I was willing to love again. His actions hurt. He wasn’t fair or kind, but it didn’t mean I’d blacklisted love. I deserve to be loved. I wouldn’t hold myself back from the possibility of someone else being better than Ripley. He wasn’t worth the years I gave him, or the year after our breakup where my heart struggled to move on. But I learned from my sister Lindee, the past is in the rearview mirror. Through the windshield, the road ahead is where your aim should be. My younger sister is a wise woman considering her entire career is based on looking backward into history.

Thinking of Lindee, I had planned to call her and with the addition of Camilla’s future bed and breakfast, I have even more to share. The idea makes me giddy, as do most of the projects in town. I should probably update both my sisters on my river accident and my marital status.

Eventually, Willow enters the diner and gives me a timid smile.