Page 9 of Undone

“Because deep down we’re the same, brother. You might not want to admit it, but it’s true. You coming up with the idea of an adult amusement park proved that.”

“It’s not an…” He grimaced. “I’m not sure I want to sit across from you at the diner. You’ll probably give me indigestion.”

Dayne threw an arm around Dylan’s shoulders and steered him in the direction of Patsy’s. “I’m buying. And you’re in luck, I have a roll of antacids in my pocket in case you need them.”

Chapter Three

Erin wasn’t surprisedto see the paved parking lots packed since the Lyons children coming home to turn their parents’ farm into an adult-only ranch resort was the talk of the town.

And had been for the last eight months.

Erin tried to stay away from all the gossip and rumors. She managed to avoid Dylan and Dayne Lyons whenever they came into town.

But here she was anyway.

At the Double D Ranch’s open house.

Some folks were happy since this new endeavor created a whole lot of jobs for area residents. The Lyons family was also helping local businesses by using their services.

Some folks weren’t happy at all.

Not because the resort’s guests would pump more money into the community—something badly needed—but because there were rumors floating around onwhythe ranch resort was adults-only.

And to find out that reason was why almost everyone from town and the surrounding area were here being nosy.

Including her.

She came to see if some of the whispers she heard in passing were true.

Not because she wanted to see Dylan again.

Not because after running into him a few months ago, she hadn’t stopped thinking about him.

Not because the bitterness in his tone had made her heart ache.

To this day, she regretted hurting him even though that hadn’t been her intention. At the time, she thought they had both moved on.

He’d been in a rush to leave Fisher Falls, to go off to college, to make a life elsewhere. While she wanted to remain in the town where she grew up, surrounded by family and people she knew. This community was where she wanted to raise her children.

The children she never had. Kyle’s unexpected death changed her future’s trajectory.

She glanced around the property, at least what she could see of the three-hundred-acre resort. She didn’t even recognize it. The only thing remaining somewhat the same was the lake. But even that now had a small dock, as well as a few kayaks, canoes and paddleboats pulled up on shore. On the opposite side, she could see a half dozen brand-spanking new cabins.

Also facing the lake was a huge lodge made of logs, mountain stone and massive two-story high windows to give the guests a beautiful view of not only the lake but the surrounding mountains.

A small pop-up tent being used as an information booth caught her eye. As she approached, Erin was greeted with a huge smile. “Hi, Erin! Welcome to Double D Ranch! We have a pamphlet that includes a property map, the schedule of today’s events and demos, as well as a coupon for a free adult beverage.”

She accepted the pamphlet without a glance. “Hi, Cherise. I didn’t know you got a job here.”

“Today I’m the greeter but they hired me full-time as part of the cleaning staff. I’ll be cleaning the guest areas.”

“Like the cabins?”

“I think our team will be rotating between the lodge rooms, the cabins and cleaning the common areas.”

Erin gave the twenty-something single mother a smile. “I’m glad you finally found employment, Cher.”

“With benefits!” she chirped. “It’ll be a lifesaver for me and the kids.”

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