Page 27 of Top Shelf

“Zoe says men say no when they mean ‘I don’t know how.’ She’s usually right about everyone’s psychological damage.”

I reach for my shirt. “It is complicated.”

“Most family stuff is,” he says, leaning back. “And you don’t have to tell me. I’m just saying if it’s bad enough to make you look like that after our win, maybe sharing would make it easier.”

If there is one thing I hate more than Chase Walton being smug, it’s when Chase Walton is correct. With a sigh, I meet his eyes.

“If I am married by Midsommar, a traditional festival in Sweden celebrating the summer solstice, Solvik transfers to me,” I mutter. “If I am not, it goes to my cousin Anton.”

Chase blinks, frowns, and then exhales slowly. “That sounds fake. Or like the plot of a movie Zoe would make me watch and then pretend she isn’t crying.”

“I am aware.”

“Is it legal to do this?”

“Yes.”

He rubs a hand over his jaw, letting the information settle. “And Anton is the one sending you the messages?”

“Yes. He wants to develop it.”

The word tastes bad to say out loud, and Chase hears the message underneath it. “You believe he’ll ruin it?”

“I believe he believes himself.” I look toward the door, though there is nothing there I need. “He sees land for more cottages and events and business.”

“What do you see?”

The question is simple, but the images it conjures hit hard enough I have to look away. Because I see the old dock by the lake. The treeline. The meadow in summer. I see a place that kept part of me when I left for America.

“Home.”

Chase stares at me, nodding slowly until my phone suddenly vibrates next to me, and I turn it over.

Freja.

“My sister wants me to make a plan,” I say, nodding at the phone but not answering it.

Chase leans back, folding his arms. “Okay.”

“That is all?”

“I’m processing, gimme a second.” He looks down at the floor between his shoes, then back up. “So the condition is marriage.”

“Yes.”

“And you don’t currently have a wife?”

“No.”

“Girlfriend?”

“No.”

“Secret Swedish fiancée hiding in a fjord?”

“Walton.”

“Had to check.”