Page 40 of Only You

“So, what do you want to show me here?” he asked.

“You’ll see. I’m taking you there now before we head to the house.”

As I drove, Owen took in the sights. “It sure is pretty here.” He smiled.

I pulled over on the side of the road and put the car in park.

“What are you doing?” Owen asked.

“This is what I wanted to show you.” I climbed out, and he followed.

“I don’t understand, Alex.”

“Look around, my friend, and tell me what you see.”

“Uh, nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

“My great-grandfather paid millions for this area to prevent anyone from building on it. Harbor Falls is fifteen miles that way.” I pointed. “He didn’t want anything being built near his town. He liked the seclusion of it; at least, that’s what my father told me. My parents used to bring Athena and me here when we were kids. My father would stand in the middle of the fields. He wanted to do something with this land, but it never happened. My sister used to run around with her arms out shouting, “Welcome to Athena Harbor, where all of your dreams come true.”

“You’ve lost me,” Owen said.

“Welcome to Athena Harbor, my friend.” I smiled.

“What?” He stared at me. “You’re going to build a town?”

“I am. A new town for people to move to with jobs, shops, and restaurants. Homes for permanent residents and a vacation spot for those looking to get away. The town will start two miles outside of Harbor Falls.”

Owen reached over and placed his hand on my shoulder.

“It’s a great dream, Alex, but are you one hundred percent sure about this?”

“Yeah, I am. This is what my sister would have wanted. In honor of her, I need to do this. Let’s go to my hometown.” I smiled, patting his back.

We climbed into the car, and I drove home. When I reached the black wrought iron gates, I punched in the code and drove through.

“Wow. You grew up here?” Owen asked. “This place is beautiful.”

“Thanks.” I smiled.

When we stepped into the house, Mara walked over.

“Mara, this is my best friend, Owen. Owen, this is Mara, my housekeeper and friend.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mara.” He extended his hand.

“The pleasure is mine, Owen. Welcome to Harbor Estates. I can take your bag and put it in your room.”

“Thank you.”

“Uncle Owen?”

“Lucy. How are you, sweetheart?” He hugged her.

“Good. What are you doing here?”

“I asked him to come. We have business to discuss. He’ll be staying with us for the weekend.”

“I’m happy you’re here.” She smiled. “I’m going to change into my bathing suit and go swimming.”

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