Page 94 of His One True Wish

Improvements:

- Southern fence line

- Barn - electrical upgrades, flooring improvements, heating system (I’m going to use this space a lot, thank you!)

- Insulation in the cabin

- Bathroom, expansion - update the tub

- Southern field - drainage

Please let me know what you think. I don’t want to overstep, but I figure I can chip away at this list. Cam and I have been walking the property daily. You can hear the river from the back porch, and it does sound like it’s talking to me. It’s just like you promised.

You mentioned email is the best way to reach you before you travel. I’ll keep providing you updates and wish you well.

Best,

Axl

I looked up from the computer, my heart racing. Gran talked Axl into staying at Smoke River, and he was paying for all those improvements out of pocket. My heart warmed a bit, realizing that he wasn’t totally taking advantage of Gran. Nothing in this email contradicted what Axl shared.

My heart lurched, noticing Gran’s reply.

Subject: Re: Thanks and a question

From: Louise Prescott

Axl,

Thank you for your newsy message. I love knowing you will be at the cabin, keeping an eye on things for me. When I’m unable to get up the mountain, you being there gives me great comfort. Thank you for taking this on.

Tears flooded my eyes. Gran died just a few weeks after she sent this message.

I like your list. I am sending it back to you in priority order and would like you to focus on the fence and the barn to start. I hate looking out that window at a sagging fence line. It makes the property look abandoned. I want people to know it’s a happy home. Knowing you and Cam are there makes me smile. You can hold on the bathroom for a while. I agree the tub is small, especially for a man your size, but that is a bigger investment.

I would prefer a wire, please send funds to the OACA Bank Account below.

Gran listed an account number in Smoke River. I sat up in bed as I read the numbers. I knew, or I thought I knew, where Gran and Mom kept their money. I had no knowledge of this account. I glanced at Gran’s door, hearing the sound of Mom walking down the stairs and her voice in the kitchen. She was up. I needed to tell her about the computer and what I was learning, but I couldn’t tear myself away.

A couple more things to know about me and the cabin. My family has owned it for years. It’s a magical place, and you should be prepared to know that wishes come true to those who skip a rock across Smoke River.

“Oh, Gran,” I whispered, thinking that Axl probably rolled his eyes at this. I actually laughed. He’d made fun of me for throwingthat rock into the roaring river. So he had heard about making a wish in that white water before. “Told you so,” I muttered.

I plan to travel, so I might not be replying for some while. Please send me updates and know that even if you don’t hear from me, I’m appreciative of what you are doing. It means a lot to me.

My heart pounded. She told Abby she intended to travel, too. When Gran’s heart gave out, it was a surprise to Mom and me, but I suspected Gran knew what was coming all along. She was getting her house in order. My hands shook as I continued to read.

Please send me updates and if you need anything. Talk to Mason. He has known me a long while and always knows what to do.

You and Cam stay warm and cozy. I can tell you feel the love of Smoke River in your bones. Thank you for giving me the comfort of being there. You are needed, and I know that you being there is going to lead to happiness for you and to others I hold dear.

Love,

Louise Prescott

I looked up, breathless. Axl would have read this and figured Gran was just a kind, doting old woman. He wouldn’t have read anything into her messages, but as I soaked up her words, I felt as though she were telegraphing a message to me. She picked Axl. She asked him to take care of the place. She said she was leaving. She thought Axl would lead to happiness for others she held dear. Was it me?

Axl and Gran had one more exchange on this thread. As far as I could tell, she hadn’t sent him another message.

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