Page 112 of The Light We Lost

With that, I tossed my phone on the dash and climbed out of my truck, facing Ye Olde Trusty Tavern one last time before the new owner took over. After donating the money Dad had left me to the school’s athletic program, I’d backed out of buying the bar. I could’ve asked the bank for a higher loan, and Indy had even tried giving me her half of the money from our deal, but I’d moved on. I was okay letting the bar go.

I had something better to hold on to.

Heath hadn’t seemed annoyed I’d backed out and moved on to the next buyer without a second thought. I wasn’t surprised; he’d always voiced his displeasure with me buying it.

But when he’d called this morning and asked me to stop by, wanting to introduce the new owner to the other local business owners, I hadn’t told him no.

Opening the door, I stepped inside, surprised to find it empty. The barstools were gone, the pool tables too. There were no pictures on the wall, and the liquor cabinets behind the bar counter were barren.

Heath stepped out of the back storage room. “It’s about time. Thought you were standing me up.”

I snorted, shaking his hand. “I like you, Heath. But I wasn’t about to skip out on Sunday breakfast with Indy. I value my life too much.”

“Smart man.” He chuckled, his gaze flickering to the gold band on my finger. It was my wedding ring from before. We’d put them on a month ago, right after throwing our divorce papers in the trash. “I once told you that you’d stand in my bar and tell me your biggest dreams came true. I’m glad to hear that’s the case. I’m proud of you, Nolan... and I know your dad is too.”

I froze, caught off guard by his words. Back in the day, Heath had been one of my biggest supporters. One year, he’d purchased us new uniforms, and after well-earned wins, he’d host a cookout for the team in his parking lot. He’d always believed I’d make it big. I’d just assumed I’d disappointed him when I didn’t.

But there was unmistakable pride in his gaze.

And I imagined wherever Dad was... he wore the same look in his eyes. He was proud of me. But he’d been proud of me before today. Loved me on my worst and best days. And I was so lucky and grateful to be his son.

“Yeah.” I tucked my hands in my pockets. “I’m glad it worked out the way it did too.”

He glanced at his watch. “Sorry to keep you waiting. The new owner was supposed to be here by now.”

I shrugged, not in a rush. When I’d left the house, Indy was going out to our garden. I imagined she’d still be there when I got back, so I planned to spend the afternoon in my shed working. “Any plans for retirement?”

“Yeah, I’m thinking of—”

The front door swung open and smacked against the wall, and I spun on my heel to see the commotion. “Ah, shoot.” Indy closed the door and knelt, examining the new hole in the wall. “Heath, can you fix that, or do I have to?”

“You bought it. You fix it.”

I glanced at Heath, not understanding his words or why he was grinning. Nor did I understand when Indy said, “Actually, it might work. If I just make it a little bigger, Nolan can hide behind it and sell his carvings.”

She laughed, giving me no explanation as to what was going on. Her hair was down, wild curls cascading down her back, and her dark jeans had yellow flowers painted on them. “Sorry I’m late.” Her voice was breathless. “I had to run all the way here.”

I furrowed my brows, confused. Before I could ask why she hadn’t driven, she gave me a sheepish look. “I locked the keys in my car again.”

I laughed, shaking my head. This was the fourth time since she’d gotten it. “I’m beginning to think you just like running everywhere.”

“At least she’s wearing shoes,” Heath teased from behind me.

Indy rolled her eyes with a smile and sauntered toward us, giving him a hug before slipping her hand into mine. “So, what do you think?” she asked as he patted my shoulder and walked away, the back door sounding shut behind him.

I raised a brow. “About?”

“The building.”

“Well, there’s a hole in the wall—”

She slugged my arm, and I laughed, catching her hands before she could do it again. I maneuvered them behind her and guided her backward, stopping when her back was pressed against the bar counter. She was giggling, not bothered in the slightest when I leaned over her, my hold loose on her wrists. “What’s going on, peaches?”

She smiled. She knew it didn’t matter if I had her trapped—I was wrapped around her finger. “I’d like to make a deal with you.”

I smirked, thinking about how well our last deal went. “Let’s hear it.”

Her chest rose with a quiet breath. “Heath sold me the building.”

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