Page 118 of Grace on the Rocks

A ripple of dismay at that, but it was the truth.

“I’m an island lad, and thoughIhaven’t finished learning,I’vecome home.Mywish—my only wish—is to take whatIlearned and use it here, as my gift to all of you.It’llmean hard work, but you taught me how to work hard, that the work is its own reward.It’llmean change, but the world out there taught me change doesn’t have to be a terrible thing.Goodthings come too, when you let them.”

He took a deep shaky breath.

“As for me,I’llwork hard every day to make good change happen, if you’ll let me.”

Then he breathed out slowly and closed his eyes, gripping his grandfather’s stone for dear life.Heworried his words weren’t polished enough, that he sounded too immature or too earnest to be taken seriously.Buthe’d gotten through it.Andhe’d meant every single bit.

No one said anything for a minute, andBryantried to think what he would do if they turned him away.Juleswould certainly leave to find some other young eco-minded distiller to invest in.

“I think…”

“Go on,Tom,” hisUncleDàibhidhurged.

“WhatIthink is, a new distillery’s a fine idea.Youcan buy my north pasture to build it on, if you like.”

“I agree,”Teàrlachjumped in. “Wemight have to add another flight to keep up with the increased tourism it would bring.”

Bryan nodded in thanks to his cousin, who’d spent most of the party catching up withDiego.Itwarmed his heart to see them reunited again, too.

“ReckonIwouldn’t mind sprucing up my cottage a little, the way you’ve done around here,”OldNellieCoombeconceded. “Iwouldn’t have believed it if blondie hadn’t given me a tour, but you did a real nice job.Yourgrandad would be proud of you.”

Tears sprang toBryan’seyes.

“All in favor ofBryan’seco-distillery?”Caitcalled, and everyone shouted, “Aye” except for his next-door neighbor.

“Ellis?” his father prodded.

“Oh, fine, aye—only, can you show me how to install those horrible solar panels so my electric bill won’t be so high when the grandkids come to stay?”

Everyone laughed, andBryanfinally released a long-held breath.

Jules approached, carrying one plate piled high with vegetarian tamales and another with cake. “BryanMacNeil,” they said, extending a plate for him to take, freeing up their other hand to shake his. “Ilooked over the paperwork you sent me.Allin all,I’mimpressed.”

“Are you?”

“These people were protesting with signs outside your house whenIarrived this afternoon.”

He winced.

“Seems like you’ve pulled off a minor miracle.MissRiostells me you’ve found a biochar replacement for peat smoke?”

“Tested.”

“I’d like to break ground as soon as possible,” they said.

“Th-thank you,” he murmured, a bit bewildered by the day’s turn of events.

“It’s been my dream for a long time.You’veproven you’re more than capable.Whatare you going to call it?”

“Finnbar,” he said.

They grinned and nodded. “Perfect.I’mlooking forward to doing business with you.”

“Ditto,” he said, a little stunned as he watched them walk away.

ChapterThirty-One

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