Chapter 17

Seventeen

Lily

I ’d been flying high since the night Jake stayed overnight. We’d gotten together a few other times in the past few weeks, always at my place.

I’d wait on the porch for him, and as soon as I heard the rumble of his motorcycle coming down the lane, my heart would thump harder. When he took the few steps to the porch, I’d hop into his arms, wrapping my legs around his hips as his lips met mine.

My brain knew this was fleeting. The real Jake—the one who eschewed commitment—could return at any moment. The one who probably believed he didn’t deserve me, or whatever was happening between us. But I’d enjoy it in the meantime.

After we exchanged orgasms, I’d rest my head on his shoulder while he told me about his dreams for the garage. He wanted to branch out into restoring more antique cars. That’s where his passion lay, but he needed the steady income that routine repairs provided.

I listened, providing encouragement when it was called for, but didn’t tell him what to do. He needed to figure that out on his own. I knew he couldn’t be pushed. He was stubborn.

I loved that about him. That he was so steadfast with his plans for the future. He was slow to make decisions because he carefully considered all the angles. Sometimes, I wondered if he only considered the potential pitfalls versus the amazing progress he’d make if he listened to Ryan’s suggestions.

I knew he wouldn’t welcome my opinion. He’d put me in this box where we had sex and shared our thoughts, but he wouldn’t allow more. We wouldn’t be going on a date in town, to dinner, or to a drive-in movie. Logically, I knew we were both too busy for anything like that, but it still stung.

Despite my better judgment, I wanted more. If I let myself dream of the future, I wanted everything with him. Things between us were so easy when he wasn’t fighting it.

This morning, I planned to meet with Gia to walk the grounds of the farm to plan Zoe and Max’s wedding.

With the others’ help, I’d managed to empty the barn of everything but the limited-edition Tiger Gold Pontiac GTO that was still under a tarp.

I hadn’t brought it up to Jake because I didn’t want to burst whatever bubble surrounded our tenuous relationship. He’d been so excited when he first saw it, but then he hadn’t mentioned it again. Was he waiting for me? Or was he not interested in helping me to restore and sell it?

It was probably a lot of work, and he was already doing so much for me with Berta.

I waited on the porch, in the wooden rocker that had sat here since my grandmother was alive. I’d made fresh lemonade this morning, and the pitcher sat on the small table next to me. When Gia’s SUV slowly made its way down the lane, I stood, waiting for her on the steps.

Gia opened her door and climbed out. She turned and took in the farmhouse. I held my breath, not sure what she would think of my family’s home.

Gia breathed in and looked at me. “This is incredible. I can’t believe you’ve been keeping this to yourself.”

I stepped off the porch and backed away from the house to see it from her perspective. White siding with a large porch that wrapped around the first floor and expanded in the back, and an equally large deck on the second. The upper-floor deck was unusual for a farmhouse, but it was one of the things my grandparents had loved about the house.

Gia nodded toward the first-floor porch. “I can see wedding photographs being taken here.”

“You have to see the other side.” My excitement picked up now that she seemed interested. I led the way around the porch to the back.

I had memories of Grandpa dragging a large dollhouse onto the porch, where I played with the dolls and furniture for hours as the rain softly fell overhead.

“This is perfect,” Gia said softly as she ran her hand over the white railings. Wide steps led to the flat yard, with trees lining the path to the area.

Gia gestured toward the flat expanse a short walk from the porch. “I can see ceremonies held there with the pond as the backdrop. Cocktail reception here. Mingling after the ceremony while Abby takes pictures. And the reception?”

“We could hold it outside under tents, or we could offer the barn.” Gia could have anything delivered—dance floors, tables, and tents—if we needed them.

“Can you show me the barn?” Gia asked, heading down the steps and toward the red barn. “I love having the option of an indoor space. No bride likes to think about the possibility of rain, but it’s a reality.”

I hurried to catch up to her. The barn was a newer addition to the farm. As it hadn’t been used for any farm operations, it was in good shape. The red paint was only slightly faded, giving it a rustic feel.

“There’s electricity inside. My grandfather stored a vintage car inside and wanted it protected from the elements.”

Gia smiled wider as we paused in front of the open doorway. “You answered my next question.” She turned her head to take in the space. “This is even better than I imagined.”

That was high praise coming from her. I led her inside and flipped on the overhead lights.

Gia wandered the room, examining everything, and I could see the wheels turning in her head. “The tables could go here. The stage over there.” She gestured to the front and then the back.

“That’s what I was thinking.”

Her eyes met mine with a gleam. “This is perfect.”

I took in a deep breath for the first time since I woke up this morning. Jake had kissed me good-bye, telling me Gia would love it, but I wasn’t so sure. Her standards were high, and the farm wasn’t ready for events. Not yet.

Gia pulled the tarp up slightly to reveal gold paint. “What can we do with this?”

“I asked Jake to take a look at it, and apparently, it’s a limited-edition muscle car from the sixties.”

“What does that mean for us? Can we move it outside, or does it need to be in a covered building?”

“I’m hoping Jake can tow it to the garage and get it ready for sale,” I said, even as the thought of selling my grandfather’s prized possession tore at my heart.

“Is that what you want to do?” Gia asked with concern on her face. “I know how much you love your grandmother’s van.”

“This doesn’t have the same sentimental value for me. Although it did for my grandparents. This was the car my grandfather was driving when they met.”

“I love that.” Gia pulled the tarp the rest of the way off, and dust pillowed in the air around us. She was quiet for a few seconds, deep in thought. Finally, she asked, “Is there a way we can put it in another structure on the property? How do you feel about offering it as an option for the bride and groom to leave the property to go to their honeymoon suite? The gold color is unusual, but it would be perfect for photographs.”

The idea swirled in my chest, making my entire body feel lighter. “I like that idea. Just not sure I can add another structure at this point.”

Was it feasible? Or should I sell it? My grandparents would probably love the idea of the vehicle being used to create happy memories.

“It’s just a suggestion. The farm is perfect without it.” Gia moved on, talking about how we could decorate the large space, hanging floral arrangements and twinkling lights from the rafters. She even mentioned adding chandeliers for the brides who wanted extra bling. We ironed out the details, writing lists of things we could do ourselves and what we’d need to order in from Harrison’s rental company.

I listened to her plans, but I was distracted by the idea of using the GTO as part of my business. I thought my grandparents would have approved. I just wasn’t sure I could restore two vehicles. One was free, but the second wouldn’t be. I wouldn’t allow Jake to help any more than he already was. I didn’t want to take advantage of him.

I walked the property with her, telling her my plans for landscaping and the timing of the blooms. She took notes so she could inform the potential brides.

She stopped on the flat area, turning in a circle and taking it all in. “This is something that Silas Sharpe doesn’t offer.”

I tipped my head to the side. “The owner of Chesapeake Resort?”

She nodded absentmindedly. “He can only offer one option—the bay.”

“That’s a good draw.” Most brides came to Annapolis for a waterfront wedding. A pond on a farm couldn’t possibly compare to what Silas had to offer at Chesapeake Resort.

The wrinkle in her forehead smoothed out as she came over to hug me. “I love to give couples options, and this is the perfect one. Farm weddings are very trendy right now.”

I was a little surprised because she wasn’t overly demonstrative. “Are you serious?” I asked as she pulled away, a bright smile on her face.

“This is amazing. I’m so glad you’re open to the idea of holding weddings and events here. It’s perfect.” She turned and faced the house. “Have you thought about renting out the house for guests to stay?”

My mouth was suddenly very dry. “Like a bed-and-breakfast?”

Gia nodded eagerly. “Kind of. Or just for guests for the wedding, maybe a honeymoon suite for the bride and groom.”

I hesitated, chewing on my bottom lip before responding. “I haven’t. I thought I’d still live here.”

“It might be too much when things really get up and running. You’ll want your own space. We could use the house for the bridal party to get ready.” Gia continued talking as if she hadn’t upended my existence.

Not wanting to think about moving out of the home I loved, I said, “I have a summerhouse for that. If you’d like to look.”

Gia nodded eagerly. “I’d love to. This property is full of hidden treasures.”

“It is,” I said, thinking of the muscle car in the garage I hadn’t thought much of until Jake said it was a find.

My heart constricted because the buildings and the property were my family’s history. I didn’t want to move out or let other people live in the main house. I hoped the summer home was a good alternative.

I showed her the smaller building, which we’d always referred to as the summerhouse, even though I couldn’t remember why. Without electricity, it was cold in the winter and stifling in the summer. It had a long front porch like the main house, and the inside had a first floor and stairs to an attic. Today, it was hot and musty. Inside, it was cluttered with boxes and equipment. I was ashamed to admit I didn’t know what my grandparents used it for. I’d never asked.

I was hit again with the realization I’d never know. My grandparents weren’t alive for me to ask, and my mom hated when I brought up the farm. She didn’t like people to know she grew up here.

Gia’s nose scrunched from the dust in the air. “It needs a ton of work.”

My stomach sank. “It does.”

She shook her head. “It won’t be ready in time for the summer.”

“I don’t have the money to take care of the renovations yet.” Maybe once we held a couple of events at the farm, I’d have enough to think about improving this place.

Gia stared at the space, her brain still turning. “It has potential, though. We could even use it as a kitchen for catering the events.”

“I hadn’t even thought of that.” That sounded more expensive than a bridal party suite.

Gia smiled as she made her way to the screen door and fresh air. “That’s why you have me.”

“Thank you for looking. I really appreciate hearing what you think.” Her enthusiasm encouraged me to continue with my plans. There was hope for the future. I was just worried about what it meant for my house.

“Don’t worry about the summerhouse or the main house yet; we can see how Zoe and Max’s wedding goes before we make further plans.”

I nodded, even as my stomach sank. “Like a dry run, of sorts.”

“Yes, but I think it’s going to be amazing. You have a gem here.”

My heart overflowed with joy and excitement. I couldn’t wait for spring to arrive, to see Zoe walking down the flower-lined aisle toward Max. “We’re going to throw the best wedding for them.”

Gia nodded solemnly. “That’s what we do. I wouldn’t give the go-ahead if I didn’t think this property had everything we need to make it a success.” She pointed toward the barn. “But that car needs to go so we can play with the setup and lighting.”

“I’ll talk to Jake.”

“See that you do. Let me know if the car will be available to drive the bride and groom from their hotel or bed-and-breakfast in town. If so, I’ll take a few pictures and add it to the portfolio for this venue.”

I could see the GTO becoming part of the brand I’d envisioned for the flower farm. A bride and groom waving to their guests as they drove down the lane.

“Have you thought about a name?”

“I’ve always thought of it as the rose farm.” I hadn’t imagined it would be something official. A destination for couples.

“Write down your ideas. We can meet with everyone and brainstorm options.”

Gia clasped her hands together as we neared her SUV. “Thank you so much for opening your home to Happily Ever Afters.”

“It was a plan of mine for a while. I just wasn’t sure I had the time or money to make it a viable option.”

Gia opened the driver’s side door of her car. “Whatever you need, let me know. I’ll make it happen.”

Not only were Max and Zoe friends of ours, but we had a reputation to uphold. I knew Gia wouldn’t allow the wedding to go forward if I wasn’t ready. It added pressure to the situation. I hoped I could pull it off.

When she left, I returned to the barn, intending to throw the tarp over the GTO, but instead, I ran my hand over the shiny gold paint. The interior was white leather but tinted yellow from age. The material from the roof hung. It might need new interior, upholstery, and tires from sitting in the garage for so long. It could be restored, but was it worth it? Would the property survive without it? Or would it be the icing on the cake for the wedding venue?

I thought back to that conversation with Jake about business. It was about figuring out what made me unique and adding that to my offerings. I couldn’t help but think my grandparents’ love story would be perfect.

Could I swing adding another building on the property and a garage to house the van and this car? It would be practical to have a garage in the winter. It would add value to the property, but where would I get the money?

First, I needed to know what Jake thought of the car. What it would take to restore it and how much it would cost.

I typed out a message, asking if he could stop by tonight to discuss it. I’d ignored the issue for as long as I could. I thought in the back of my mind, if the car was still here, I had a reason to be involved with him. But that was ridiculous. We had more than cars between us.

Opening the door and sliding into the backseat, I let the memories of that first night with Jake assailed me. I touched the cool leather, remembering how he’d held me while the rain came down. The car held memories not only for my grandparents, but for me too. Was I okay with selling it? With letting someone else make new memories inside?

The thought of letting go of any of my grandparents’ things was painful. But what if Jake and I didn’t work out? What if he wasn’t ready for a relationship? Would I still want the reminder in my garage? I wasn’t so sure.

I breathed in the smell of leather and the lingering grease. That night with Jake had been magical, the rain a steady and comforting rhythm overhead as we’d explored each other safely inside.

This barn, the car, and Jake would always be a great memory. One I could hold on to forever, whether I had the vehicle or not. It was hard to separate memories from things, but I’d need to if I wanted to clear the space for something new.

The idea of restoring the muscle car was tempting. The story behind my grandfather getting the car was unique. It would make for an amazing story for the bridal couple and the guests.

Motivated to find something to back up the story, I closed the barn and went to the main house. The boxes were still stacked in the living room. I went through them one by one, looking for more pictures of my grandparents. When I finally opened a box of photographs, I took them out and lined them up on the wood floor.

There were ones of just my grandparents together, but there were a few with the car behind them. It was clear, looking at their pictures, the car was an important piece of their history. My grandmother had noticed the unique color and vehicle before her eyes rested on my grandfather.

I closed my eyes, envisioning what that must have been like. The excitement and anticipation of meeting someone for the first time, wondering if that person was your future. I let the love flow through me.

I couldn’t help but wonder if this thing with Jake was similar. Was he my future, or was he just a pit stop along the way? How did anyone know the answer? Was it a feeling you got inside?

I never wanted to talk to my grandmother more. I needed her advice and wisdom. My parents wouldn’t be any help in this situation. They would tell me I was being reckless and foolish. That no one would want a barn wedding. It would ruin my grandparents’ memory, not memorializing their love, but cheapening it.

I knew what they’d say, so why did I continue to subject myself to it? I was right to distance myself from them. I just wasn’t so sure I was doing the right thing with Jake.