Chapter 43

forty-three

DANIEL

The following day, I stood on the edge of what would be the tiny home village. I was proud of the decision my company's trust had made, but it was only the beginning of what needed to happen if the village was to be built.

When I met with Pastor Adam, we went over the events the fundraising committee was planning. But even the country music festival wouldn't give them the capital they'd need to complete the project.

The only thing that would provide a fully functioning village was corporate sponsorship. My company's trust couldn't invest more money in the project, but we could help Andrew with the proposal he was putting together.

This morning, Andrew was taking photos of the site. Wilson Enterprises' marketing team would take those images and add the architects' vision of the tiny homes. Prospective funders would see exactly what the village would look like and how their money would be spent.

"What do you think of this angle?" Andrew asked.

I smiled as Ben studied the video on Andrew's laptop. With his worn jeans and a blue sweatshirt wrapped around his waist, he could have been anyone enjoying a Sunday morning walk. But he wasn't anyone. He was Ben—a talented jeweler and the man I loved.

"It makes the property look huge. Using a drone was a great idea." Ben looked at Andrew. "Are the images usually so clear?"

"I use a high-definition lens in my camera. As long as the weather cooperates, the quality of the images is as good as any film crew could create." Andrew moved the lever on the remote control panel a little to the right. "If Daniel's staff use the photos and video in the marketing package, it'll attract a lot of new sponsors."

I looked over Ben's shoulder at the video. "That's what I'm hoping, too. Where did you find the drone?"

Andrew's quick smile made me think there was a whole lot more to him than what he'd told me. "I used it for a client who wanted photos of the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. I still use it, but usually when I'm away from people and their property." He brought the drone closer and landed it at our feet. "That should be enough video for now. I'll take a few more photos and then email everything to Wilson Enterprises. If there's anything else you need, let me know."

"I'll do that." I picked up the drone and slipped it into its case. "Do you want me to take this back to your truck?"

"That'd be great."

Ben closed the laptop. "I'll take this. We'll wait for you by the picnic tables."

Andrew smiled and handed Ben his keys. "I won't be too long."

I watched Andrew stride toward one of the properties. He was a good example of the type of person I'd least expect to be living here. Andrew could have lived anywhere in the world but, for some reason, he'd chosen to live in a small town on the edge of Willow Lake.

"What is it about Sunrise Bay that draws people to it?" I asked Ben.

He shrugged. "For some people, it's the scenery. For others, it's the quiet, peaceful lifestyle. Then you've got people like me who are starting over and don't want to live in a big city."

I looked into his eyes. "Would you ever live in a big city again?" I held my breath while he considered my question.

"Maybe, but I'd have to find a way of balancing city life with what I have here."

"There aren't many places that could give you even half the things you've found in Sunrise Bay."

"That's why I'd have to think about it carefully." Ben slid the laptop into its case. "One day, I want to have children. But I can't imagine raising them in a city like New York. It's too noisy and polluted."

"Living in a city gives you opportunities you won't find anywhere else."

"Probably, but life is what you make of it. Those opportunities will always be there, no matter where you live. What about you?" he asked. "Would you ever consider living anywhere apart from Manhattan?"

I knew Ben would be disappointed with my answer, but it was the truth. "I need to be close to work."

"What about when you have a family? Would you still stay in New York City?"

"If I had a choice, I wouldn't want my children growing up in a big city. But sometimes, you don't get a choice."

"You always have a choice." Ben placed the strap of the laptop bag over his shoulder.

I touched his arm. "Once I've achieved what I need to do with Wilson Enterprises, we could live somewhere else."

"You're assuming I'll move."

I frowned. "I have to live in Manhattan, Ben."

Ben looked into my eyes and sighed. "I know. It's just…"

"What?" I asked softly.

"I've seen what big cities can do to people. It's too easy to get lost in the crowds and lose sight of what's important. I want my life to be more than that. I want to make a difference."

"You could make a difference in New York City."

Ben's eyes filled with regret. "I want to help people in Sunrise Bay."

I let go of his arm. "Can't you do both?"

"Maybe, but it won't be easy." Ben looked across the yard. "We'd better take this equipment back to Andrew's truck. He'll be finished soon."

I hesitated. If I didn't make some kind of compromise, Ben would never move to Manhattan. "What if we could divide our time between New York and Colorado for twelve months? After that, we can talk about moving back here or to another town."

Ben seemed surprised by my offer. "Why would you do that?"

"Because I love you."

With a smile that melted my heart, he said, "I'll have to find an apartment with a studio."

I wrapped my arm around Ben's waist, hoping with all my heart that he'd want to stay with me. "I know somewhere that's perfect. The only downside is that you'll have to share with a roommate, and he isn't the world's greatest cook."

Ben grinned. "As long as he has a good sense of humor and likes spicy food, he'll be perfect."

"Did I tell you my favorite takeout is beef curry?"

"I never would have guessed."

Ben leaned forward and kissed me so tenderly that I didn't want to let him go. I deepened the kiss, needing to show him how much he meant to me. How much I was looking forward to sharing my life with him. How much I didn't want to leave.