Page 49 of Choose You

I narrow my eyes. “I see what you’re trying to do.”

“Well, am I right?” He smiles and waits for me to answer.

“I suppose. I have great people working for me. And someone I trust to keep the company moving forward if I’m not there.”

“Then what’s the problem? Sounds to me like you’re in the position to grab hold of your happiness and own it. All you have to do is decide to take it.”

“You’re right.” A lightness settles over me unlike anything I’ve felt in years. Could it really be that simple? It sure as hell doesn’t feel like it. “Why does it feel so complicated, though?”

“It’s only complicated if you make it that way.”

“But Matt and his daughter are living in my house. If I choose the vineyard, then I choose to stay in Watercress Falls. I can’t kick them out. It’s not fair to Emmie.”

“Oh. So Matt is what’s holding you back?” Nick smiles.

“Of course, he is. My decision impacts him greatly.”

“You do realize how much land you own, right? I know you love that house, but if you don’t want to make them move, you can build a new one. Hell, you could convert the back rooms behind us into a living space. Your options are limitless if you only open your eyes to see them.”

My eyes widen as I let his words sink in. I’ve been looking at this through a filtered lens and not seeing all the possibilities before me. If I stay, I don’t have to live in my house. I just have to decide what’s more important to me—hanging onto the house for the memories it holds or Emmie’s happiness. “You’re right. I wasn’t thinking about it that way. Thanks.”

“Anytime kiddo.” He kisses the top of my head and picks up one of the folders on the table. “Now, what do you say we get down to business?”

I nod. For the first time in two weeks I feel like I might have some answers to all my questions. Nick’s right, I don’t have to be the one running the day-to-day operations of my company. I have no doubt David would be more than happy to step up and take over in my place. He’d do a fantastic job at it, too.

Hopefully, David will be fully on board with a drastic change in leadership.

My jaw dropswhen I pull up outside Adam’s office. I knew he was a talented architect, but I’ve never actually seen any of his work. His office blends perfectly in with the mountain landscape. The way it flows with the natural curves and slopes makes it look like it belongs here. Even the stone used matches the rocky slope behind it. It’s remarkable and just might be one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever seen.

As I’m getting out of my car, Adam steps outside. “Hey, Jessie Cat. I’m glad you called.”

He pulls me in for a tight hug which I gladly return. “Thanks for seeing me on such short notice. I know you’re busy.”

“I am, but I’m never too busy for family.” My smile fades and I drop my eyes to the ground. I know he didn’t mean anything by it, but his remark about family makes me sad. Because he should be family—my brother-in-law—but he’s not. He must sense my thoughts because he lifts my chin and smiles. “Hey, none of that. You’ve always been more like family, even before you and Matt started dating. Don’t ever think otherwise.”

“Thanks, that means a lot to me. Especially now that …” My voice cracks, and I can’t get myself to finish that statement. My last remaining blood relative may be my brother, Ryan, but Adam is right. Family comes in all forms and the Langdons have always been more like family than friends.

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” Adam opens the door to his office and waves me in. I’m grateful for his quick change of subject and steering it back to the reason I came in the first place.

“I wanted to talk to you about converting some of the spacebehind The Wine Room into living space, and maybe even designing a house on my property.”

He stops and turns to face me. “Does this mean you’re staying?”

I smile and twist my fingers together. I haven’t told anyone except Nick yet of my plans. I’m a little nervous about how Matthew is going to take it. “I am. I want to keep the vineyard. It’s always been my dream to run it. It’s time I start living for myself.”

He smiles and pulls me into a hug. “That’s great to hear. It’ll be good to have you back permanently.”

“Thanks. But I haven’t told Matt yet. Do you mind keeping this between us until I talk to him? This news should come from me.”

“Of course.” He releases me, and the joy in his eyes vanishes. “But why build a new house? You already have one.”

I drop my head and sigh. “I can’t kick Matt and Emmie out. Not after getting to know Emmie. That’s her home now. I can’t break her heart by making them leave. Not when I have other options.”

Adam nods and pinches his lips together. He’s got that big brother look of disappointment in his eyes that says he doesn’t agree with my decision. “Adam, I can’t stay in that house with him. If I’m going to stay in Watercress Falls, I need my own space.”

“I get it, but the selfish side of me was hoping for a different outcome. Despite everything that’s happened, you and Matt belong together. But if your own space is what you need, I’m happy to help you out.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that. A lot has happened, and I’m not saying there’s no chance for Matt and me. But I’m too emotional to jump back into this thing with Matt too fast. My own space will help me think and work it all out.”

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