Page 18 of Rafe: Sins of the Father

When our pie and coffee arrive, we dig in.

Alex moans around his bite and leans back in his chair. “That’s heavenly. I wonder if they’d sell them at my winery.”

I giggle and take a bite of my own.

“I’m serious. When I come across a good thing, I like to promote it.”

Cocking my head, I study him. “And what deal are you working on with my father?”

“He has some land I’m interested in, and I have some he’s interested in. You’d think it would make it an easy deal to make. I have to say your father can be quite stubborn, though.”

“What land of his are you wanting to buy?”

“The land we just left.”

I drop my fork to my plate with a clatter. “You mean the mill… and the house?”

“Yes,” he replies, glancing at me and taking another bite. His movements slow. “You’re not happy. Why?”

“He can’t sell the mill.”

“He has ten of them. Surely, he can part with one, especially when he’d be getting the prime land I’m offering.”

“But that mill is the original. The one my great grandfather started at the turn of the century. He couldn’t possibly sell the house. It’s been in our family for generations.” I huff a laugh. “You’re wasting your time. It’ll never happen.”

“I don’t know, Tori. I wouldn’t bet the farm on that. He seems quite tempted. I was actually hoping you might be able to help me convince him.”

“Sell our family home? Absolutely not.”

“I had no idea you felt such an attachment to the place. Your father told me you’d been away from it for a decade. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m really enjoying your company, so we’ll talk no more about it. As you say, he’ll probably never agree.”

My eyes narrow on him. “But you’re not giving up.”

He chuckles. “I rarely give up. I guess it’s one of my faults. But I’ve learned you don’t get what you want in life if you don’t try. Right?”

“I suppose.”

“What do you want in life, Tori?”

I shrug. “I’m not sure I’ve figured that out yet. My mother wants me to consider law, and my father wants me to focus on business. I think he plans to leave Sawyer Lumber to me.”

“Of course. You’re his only child. I’m sure that’s exactly what he’ll do. Is that what you want? To be running ten lumber mills?”

“Not really.” I muse, and for the first time it really sinks in that all of it will be left to me.Isthat what I want? To run the business?

“What are your interests? What do you love to do?” Alex asks, sipping his coffee.

“I love to travel. I get that from my mother.”

“Ah, a love we share. Where have you been?”

“China. Egypt. Amsterdam. London and Paris, of course.”

“Of course.” He grins. “I’ve always wanted to go to Egypt. Did you enjoy it?”

“I found the pyramids fascinating.”

“Have you been to Morocco?”

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