Page 72 of Buried Roots

Applause erupts and people yell, “Here, here,” as they hold up their Violet Moon beers. I can’t help but meet Owen’s gaze in the crowd, and he’s looking on with pride.

Mary Louise’s husband and town commissioner, Bill Smith, hands the mayor an oversized pair of scissors. Then, she cuts the ribbon to the sound of hoots and hollers. After the formalities are done, the Mayor, Owen, and I start tours of the place, highlighting all the special design work that my team did, like the new patio, the new kitchen, and the refurbished fireplace. I talk about how some of the light and door fixtures are the originals which have been restored.

The questions hit immediately. Will the place be a wedding venue, and when can people start booking it? Will it serve as an inn for wedding and reunion parties, and how much will it cost? Will the horseback riding, goat petting, and boat riding on the lake be included? The Mayor handles these questions with grace, telling everyone that all these decisions will be made once the property is purchased.

Owen jumps in to point out all the touches I added, never failing to inform people about just how talented I am. And when he gives Gertie’s granddaughter a tour on his shoulders, I can’t help but watch on, my heart tripping over its next beat.

He always has a way of doing that.

As soon as her tour is over, Gertie pats her granddaughter on the back. “All right, Amelia, let’s get you off to meet that baby goat. Now, remember, goats bite, so watch yourself.” Gertie bustles Amelia out the back door.

It’s such a joyous affair, but a sadness washes over me. I love being here, andIlove doing all these things. I feel a knee-jerk reaction of possession—that these aremygoats,myhorses, andmylake, but I know I have to let all that go. None of these things are mine, not really, and they never were. They belong to the town of Violet Moon, and I’m honored to be the facilitator to make things how they should be.

When the appraiser finishes, we all gather around the front of the house again, anxiously awaiting his final decision. Andrew Perez takes his place at the top of the steps, holding the microphone and keeping his face even as anticipation grows. When everything is quiet but birdsong, Andrew says, “After our extensive review, I declare The Violet Moon Château an official historic site for the state of Georgia!”

Cheers roar out, and I jump up and down before pulling Owen into a hug. He spins me around, and it’sreallyhard not to plant a big fat kiss on his face.

But soon, we are greeted by the many townspeople, wishing us congratulations and thanking us.

What a day!

When the celebration is over and the crowd has left, Kayla and Bailey bundle up the leftover food to take to some families in need. Dakota’s helping me clean up in the kitchen when she says, “You do know I see the way he looks at you, Willow.” She throws cups into the oversized garbage can that we set out.

I freeze. Then, even though I know exactly what she’s referring to, I shoot her a puzzled look. “What?”

“Don’t play the fool. I see it. Owen’s got it bad for you, and I think you’re pretty in love with him, too.”

I tilt my head. “What about you and Owen?”

She bats a hand. “Put a fork in us. We’re done—were years ago, just couldn’t see it until we were back in the same space. That boy is all yours.”

I approach her, wringing my hands. “I tried to tell you. The night at the brewery. But things went sideways, and I didn’t want to ruin the chance of you two getting back together if that’s what was meant to be.”

“You should’ve told me, Willow. But I get it—our friendship is brand new.”

“You’re right, and I’m sorry. I just knew Owen and I were temporary since I’m heading back New York.” I haphazardly clear the countertop.

She quirks an eyebrow as she brings the trash can over to me. “You don’t have to be.”

I release my armful into it. “I do. I got too many people counting on me.” A wistful smile spreads across my face and I bring her in for a hug. “You’re awesome, you know that, right?”

She pulls away, shooting me a look. “Of course I know that, duh. That’s why I’m holding out for the man that does itallfor me. For the person I am now.”

“As you should.”

Trinity stomps into the kitchen, her arms folded over her chest. “Ma says I have to help clean up to get dessert.”

“Well, thank you for your kind offer, Ms. Trinity,” I say, feigning a smile.

“Git over here, Trin.” Dakota nods toward the sink. “We’ll wash dishes together.”

“Aw, man.” Trinity hangs her head as she shuffles toward Dakota. Give it up for Frankie, who’s making sure we have another set of hands.

“Ms. Dawson?” It’s Andrew’s voice, and I spin around to see him standing there with his clipboard.

“Yes.” My heart skitters to a stop. I hope Mary Louise didn’t somehow get some of the land.

“Everything looks good—the survey shows the property lines stay put. But I do need to have my electrician come out and do a check of all the wiring first thing tomorrow morning. As long as that passes inspection, you’ll be all good to sign over the deed and be on your way.”

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