Chapter 11

Ifixed a sink in one of the guest rooms. When I was satisfied that it wasn't leaking anymore, I changed the designation for the room in the system to available. After that, I fielded a few requests for extra towels and toiletries. Then the night slowed down.

I wanted to stay occupied. I wasn't ready to go to my apartment yet. I was hoping to see how Fiona felt after dinner with her family. She'd been so nervous about the visit home, even though she'd been once before. I almost offered to go with her, but her brothers would immediately think something was up. There'd be no reason for me to be there. I wasn't friends with any of the Calloways. Not like I was with the Monroes.

Finally, I sat on the front porch, admiring the tree and wondering how this became my life. I'd gone from living in a trailer on the back of the property to owning this place. Even though Marley had inherited the inn because Gram didn't think I could run it while deployed, Marley had added me to the deed when I moved home.

I hadn't paid for the inn, but it felt good to own something. The inn was my legacy even if I felt like an outsider in it growing up. That had nothing to do with my grandmother but my parents who never failed to remind me that the inn wasn't ours. Grandma would never give it to us. That I shouldn't expect a handout, even though that's exactly what they'd been getting their whole lives.

They asked Gram for the trailer and money. She'd given it to them because she wanted me and my sister to be taken care of.

I must have nodded off in the chair because the next thing I knew, lights were shining in my eyes. I straightened. Was it Fiona coming home?

Fiona closed her car door and made her way up the porch steps.

"How was it?" I asked her, regretting my decision as soon as her hand went to her chest.

"You startled me."

I stood and moved toward her. "Sorry. I just wanted to see how you were doing."

She smiled, and I could see that she was more relaxed than before. "Can we sit on the swing?"

"Of course." It was our favorite place to sit when we hung out here as teens. My parents rarely came to the inn itself, saying Gram didn't want our family lurking around. My mom's favorite thing to taunt us with was that everyone thought we were trash.

We settled on the swing, and I pushed off with my foot to move it.

"I forgot how my brothers teased each other. And it's nice to see Jameson more settled."

"Is he the one that's a firefighter?" I'd heard a little about her brothers over the years, mainly how most of them were in law enforcement.

"And he substitute teaches at the middle school. He said that they are in desperate need of teachers, and apparently the kids love him."

"Middle school kids love him?"

Daphne smiled. "That's what he says, and I believe it. He's the brother that's charming. The rest of them didn't get that same trait. Apparently, Jameson fills in for bus drivers too."

"How does he have time for all of that?"

Fiona frowned. "I probably should be worried about him doing too much, but I'm just so happy he figured out what he wanted to do with his life; I can't give him a hard time."

"Your brothers aren't your responsibility."

Fiona sighed. "I know, but I've always worried about them. Especially since Mom died. I had her for nineteen years, but they didn't. I know Teddy and Wes kept an eye on our younger siblings."

"You don't have to worry."

"I don't think you ever stop worrying about your family."

"You're probably right." I thought about Marley and how I worried about her when I was deployed. I relied on her and Gram's letters to feel like I was on the right path. Occasionally, Gram would tell me how Fiona was doing. It hurt to read that Fiona had moved on, but at the same time, she'd graduated from college and had a successful career. That's what I wanted for her.

"It was nice. I'm glad I went."

I felt better knowing that she was okay. "Good."

"I'm no closer to knowing what I want to do with my life, but I like spending time with my family. There's something about being able to swing by for family dinner night, or to watch Izzy for Cole and Daphne so they can go out."

I was almost afraid to ask, "Do you want to move closer to home?"

"My job takes me all over the place. I have to travel to whatever hotel needs my help but my home base is in Chicago."

"You like traveling?" I continued to use my foot to push the swing.

"At first, I did. I thought I'd be able to see all these cities, but you end up just working all the time. Then I'm exhausted from the travel."

I wished she was ready for a more relaxed lifestyle. But I couldn't push her. It had to be her decision.

Fiona stood. "Thanks for listening to me, but I should get to bed. We have another full day tomorrow."

I stood and followed her inside. "

There was something intimate about walking Fiona to her room. It wasn't something I'd been able to do when we dated. I didn't get an opportunity to knock on her door, talk to her dad, and be grilled by her brothers. Then kiss her on her porch at the end of the night. I never thought I'd missed out on anything until now.

Back then, I didn't think I was good enough to meet a girl's parents. That no one would want me to show up on their doorstep to take out their daughter. But things were different now.

When we reached her door, Fiona paused and turned to face me. "Thank you for being there for me tonight. You didn't have to."

My heart squeezed at the grateful look on her face. I reached out to cup her jaw, wishing I could lean in and touch my lips to hers. Instead, I let my hand drop away. "Anytime you need me, I'll be there."

I expected her to argue with me, to say I was the one who'd already walked away. I wasn't there when she needed me. But instead, she merely nodded, then turned to open her door. "Good night, Aiden."

"Night, Fiona." I fisted my hands so that I wouldn't knock on her door and kiss her like I wanted to. We were slowly easing into a friendship, but there was no way she was ready for anything more.

* * *

Afew days later, they were calling for a big snowstorm to come in earlier than expected. Most of the guests were checking out early, cancelling their stay, or pushing back their check-in date. It sucked, but I couldn't control the weather.

There was a lot of excitement in the air about the impending storm.

I'd kept busy with Fiona in the bowling area, building the new shelves. She was my assistant, and every so often I lost her when she consulted with Marley or Heath. Heath had brought in a crew to start work on the theater.

We hoped to open the theater sometime in the New Year. I would have loved to schedule a private showing around Christmas for us and maybe the Monroes. For now I kept those plans to myself.

"Do you want to go to your dad's for a few days?"

"Why would I do that?" Fiona asked as she continued to measure and mark the wood. She measured, and I cut; it was a good routine we'd established. It had the added benefit of me getting to work closely with her.

"The storms coming in. You might get stuck here for a day or two."

Fiona paused what she was doing and looked up at me. "You want me to stay in my dad's house."

"You said Daphne's cottage was available."

"Yeah, but I'd be by myself."

I checked my phone when I got an email notification. "The last guest just checked out early, and all the incoming ones have delayed or cancelled their reservations."

"Are you saying we'll be here by ourselves?" Fiona asked.

I nodded. "If you stay here, we can continue working."

Fiona smiled. "Let's do that. Not that I don't love my family, but it doesn't make sense to stay at the cottage by myself when I can help you here."

"This project isn't interfering with your ability to spend time with your family, is it?"

Fiona shook her head. "You know, I see them most evenings."

When another notification buzzed on my phone, I pulled it out again.

The family is going through the light display tonight. It will be a private event. We're closing the farm because of the storm. You want to come and invite Fiona?

Heath had already left for the day, and we were working late. "Heath wants to know if we want to see the light display tonight. It will just be the Monroes."

"Are you sure they want me to come?"

"Heath specifically invited you." I showed her the text exchange.

"Will Daphne be there?"

"I can ask."

Are Cole and Daphne going?

They don't want to venture out if the storm comes earlier than expected. They don't want to get stuck.

"It will just be the Monroes who live on the farm."

If Fiona is worried, tell her not to be. Everyone knows I invited her.

I tilted the screen toward Fiona, and she leaned in to read it.

Fiona blew out a breath. "Maybe this will ease some of the tension between the families. Daphne said there's been a sense of competition. Then when Emmett found out about Cole's relationship with her, he was upset."

"I don't get it. From what it sounds like, the Monroes set out to make their business more profitable. The Calloway farm is closer to town, so it's more convenient for customers. The Monroes were trying to draw people to their farm with the promise of an experience. Marley came up with a lot of new ideas for marketing, and I think it's working. They opened the shop, and they have various events, like movie night and an Easter egg hunt."

"My brothers were grumbling about the low turnout this year. I think we're going to have to do something different going forward."

"Maybe you can help them with that?"

"I consult on hotel management. I don't know anything about running a tree farm. Plus, I don't want to take any of the ideas the Monroes are using."

"It's just business. I think you might be able to help."

"I've been listening to Marley's podcast. She's so inspiring. I love how she empowers women to be better with money. I can see how it gives them more confidence and a sense of power."

"I listened to every one."

Fiona's eyes widened. "You did?"

"Marley's my sister. I wanted to see what she was doing, and I enjoyed her message. It helped me go through some of my baggage from my parents and release some of those old beliefs. I realized that family isn't just blood. It's who you chose to surround yourself with."

"I love my family. I had a good upbringing. But Marley is making me think about what I really want out of life. Do I want to work somewhere I'm not appreciated?"

I grunted in agreement.

Fiona tipped her head to the side. "Do I want to have a boss at all?

"It doesn't feel good not to be appreciated, and I have to say, I'm enjoying being my own boss. I partner with Marley, but we work together well."

Fiona looked down at the board she'd been measuring. "She's giving me something to think about."

"You could talk to her about it. I'm sure she'd give you advice."

Fiona carefully marked the board with a pencil where I should cut it. "Marley's a coach. That's her job. I wouldn't want to take advantage and ask for free advice."

"She's my sister. Feel free to take advantage."

Fiona handed me the board, and I stacked it on my to-be-cut pile. "Besides, she's the one who offered me a position here. I'd be working for her."

"She offered you a position in a consultant capacity. Independent contractor kind of thing."

"She wants me to work here. Her opinion might be biased."

I took off my goggles and put away the saw. "I think she could advise you even though she wants you here. She's good at seeing those things."

Fiona chewed on her lower lip. "It's easier for us to give someone else advice. It's harder for us to see what to do in our own lives."

"True. You ready to grab some dinner and head to the light display? It's late."

"We should go before the snow starts. Is it crazy to say I'm excited? I've seen snow in Chicago and when I've traveled, but it's not the same when you live in a city."

"Not at all."

We put away our tools and materials and headed up the stairs. I turned off the lights when we got to the top. "Are you saying you want to play in the snow?"

A smile curved over her face. "I think I do."

"I can make that happen. We have sleds and even a snowmobile."

Fiona raised a brow. "Just one?"

"You can ride with me."

Fiona settled on the stool. It had become our routine to cook a few times a week and heat up leftovers the other days. I'd offer to order something, but I liked the time we spent together. Each day, she opened up a little more.

Fiona grinned as she rested her elbows on the counter. "I feel like a little girl again, excited for a day off of school."

"You promised we'd get some work done. It will be nice not to have any guests to attend to."

"How's Charlotte working out?"

I set the container of pork chops and potatoes on the counter. "I have to admit, she's amazing. She's so good with the guests. They love her."

Fiona gave me a look. "You should have hired someone a long time ago."

"Yeah, but I think it's Charlotte I like. We could have gotten someone who wasn't good with people or didn't show up on time. But she's amazing. She comes in early, works late, puts out coffee and that flavored water pitcher. Then she even arranged for a baker to provide afternoon snacks. And like I said, she's so good with the customers. She has an upbeat, positive personality. Always quick with a compliment and a suggestion for a restaurant or a tour in town. We've sold more ornaments and paintings with her manning the front counter."

"I love that for you. You deserve to have good help."

"I just hope the hotel continues to turn a profit, or we won't be able to keep her employed."

"You're doing all the right things. The customers will come. I looked at the reviews online last night."

I plated the food and put one into the microwave, hitting Cook, then turned to face her. "There aren't that many."

Daphne scrolled through something on her phone. "They're all positive though. Quaint inn just outside of Annapolis! Here's another: We enjoyed our stay. Top-notch service. My kids loved the cookies served in the afternoons. Unique touches like this make me want to come back." And then there are few who specifically mention the holiday decor and proximity to a Christmas tree farm. Perfect for a holiday visit with the family. Will be back!"

I cleared my throat. "I try not to look at those. I'm afraid of what they might say."

Fiona put her phone down. "Everyone who posted had a positive experience."

"That's good to know."

The first plate heated, I removed it, put the second inside the microwave, and hit the button to cook it.

"You're building something amazing here. You're going to get tourists and locals who want a romantic evening away. You're family friendly too. I saw the reviews initially because Marley posted them on social media."

"What did she do?" I asked as I placed a plate in front of her.

"She posted videos on social media. Each slide has a different review. These are perfect for social proof." Fiona showed me the video, and I was surprised by how well done it was.

"Thank God for Marley. I wouldn't be able to do that kind of thing without her."

"Maybe not. But you could hire someone who's good with marketing and social media."

I tipped my head to the side. "Someone like you?"

"I consult on marketing for hotels too. I don't usually create the posts and videos myself. But these are great. Marley's doing an amazing job showcasing the inn."

"It wasn't my dream to run the inn, but when Marley said she was going to stay here and make a go of it, I wanted to do it with her. It felt like I needed to do it."

"You wanted to do this for your grandmother and your sister?"

"I think so." I ate slowly, savoring the taste of the food and the feeling of being with someone who understood me so well. Maybe this was why no one else fit for me. Fiona knew me better than anyone. We'd only dated a couple of years, but it was enough to know each other inside and out. That's why I should've known she'd take my rejection hard.

I just hadn't anticipated her asking me to marry her.