Page 149 of Every Chance After

Wade’s bushy brows pinch as he struggles with words. Dad lays an encouraging hand on his back, urging him on.

“I’m not one to give speeches,” he says. “But I’m not one to back down when something needs to be said, either. Marnie, you’re a miracle. You haven’t just revitalized the G&G. You’ve turned us around—Christie, Roy, and me—and given us purpose again. You’ve brought me and Mack back together. Grady’s no longer an asshole. And hell, Roy’s taking regular showers now.”

Laughter.

“The day we met… that was a hard day. But you crashing into our lives was the best thing that ever happened to us. I ain’t a father, but I’d be damn proud to call you my daughter.”

“Ah, Wade,” she mumbles beside me, tears flooding her eyes.

“Nope, don’t get mushy on me yet,” he says, wiping his tears. “I ain’t done.”

The room quiets.

“Next week’s Memorial Day Extravaganza is meant to determine whether or not the store can afford you going forward. But the truth is, Marnie, you’re better than us now. You got the store where it needs to be. You don’t belong behind the counter serving hot dogs or cleaning bathrooms, whether I can afford you or not.”

She gapes beside me. “You’re firing me?”

“Hell, no. Don’t be a numpty,” he returns with his angry glare. “There willalwaysbe a place for you at the G&G, even if I have to fire Roy and Christie and hand over my salary to make it happen. You never have to worry about having a job. But you deservemorethan a job, Marnie. As your boss, I want to keep you forever. But as your… friend, I want you to pursue something better.”

“What’s better than the G&G?” she asks.

“How ‘bout helping other hurtin’ businesses?” His hand goes up submissively like he expects she might be upset over his idea. “I got a friend in Burgaw who owns a gas station laundromat combo that’s been in tough times for a while. I bragged about everything you’ve been doing for me, and he threatened to steal you away. But, of course, I told him he couldn’t steal family. Anyway, it got me thinking. So, I called him and asked how much he’d be willing to pay to get you to come in and give him an overhaul.”

Wade smirks, shoving his hands in his pockets. “He gave me a number—a dang good number—and I told him to raise it twenty percent. I think you’ll be pleased. Expect his call Monday morning.”

“Ah, Marnie Strange, Business Consultant,” Leonie says. “I can see the business cards now.”

“She’ll save your business and brighten your day,” cheers Mom, adding the tagline.

“I like Marnie Strange, Business Hero, personally,” Ivy claps. “This is fun.”

“I ain’t done,” Wade spits, bringing all eyes back to him. “One last thing.”

He clears his throat and takes a breath, fighting back rarely seen emotion.

“Just so we’re clear—you aren’t leaving the G&G. You’re moving up to part-owner.”

She gasps, hand going to her mouth.

“That’s right. I’m giving you shares in the G&G and The Marshes. Grady’s ten percent, which he gave me to hire you in the first place, and ten percent more from me. I own forty, you twenty, and the rest ten. You will always be my partner at the G&G, always be our family, and that’ll keep you coming back to make sure we’re following the rules.”

Our whole family busts into wild applause over his generosity.

With her eyes full of tears, Marina rushes into Wade’s arms for a warm, surprise embrace that makes him teary, too.

“Thank you, Wade. Thank you,” is all she manages to say, but it’s enough.

Wade holds his beer high and says loudly, “To Marnie!”

“To Marnie!” the group returns, toasting and cheering.

“Now, I’m done,” Wade announces. “Let the games resume.”

Activity continues in a flurry of gameplay and congratulations. Leonie wraps Marina up in a tight hug, saying, “You deserve it.” Others follow suit, a train of well-wishers and unabashed support.

But soon, when everyone’s attention diverts back to games and snacks, I look for her and can’t find her. I try the kitchen, the bathrooms, and even the bedrooms, thinking she might have needed some quiet. Nothing.

Catching sight of Leonie at theTickety-Bootable, she points toward the front door, motioning for me to go outside.

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