Page 72 of Falling Inn Love
We’re still short on cash for Hamilton, but we’re getting closer. We’re definitely in a completely different place than where we were.
Before Beth came into our lives.
The thought of Beth missing the festival squeezes my heart. I’m going to do my best to make sure she never misses another one.
When my phone goes off, I’m surprised to see it’s Preston calling.
“I’m sorry to call you so late, but I wanted to update you on a few things,” he tells me.
“Sure, no problem.”
“First, we were planning to have your loan transferred to another bank. But before I could present that option to you, an anonymous donor actually paid off the loan in full.”
The loan was paid off? By who?
“This means you no longer have any business ties with Hamilton McGraw. My sources also tell me that the bank board isn’t happy with the way he’s handled this situation, and that he’s likely going to be fired.”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing, but I need to know. I press for more details, but all he says is, “I can’t tell you who. It’s strictly confidential.”
I take a deep breath and exhale a sigh of relief. But in that relief that our problems are finally over, I also know we can’t take this money. It doesn’t seem right. “We can’t accept this Preston, that’s too much.”
“It’s a done deal, Evan.”
“So the bank can’t take the inn.”
“Nope. You’re all safe. The inn is paid in full and you’re debt free.”
“Thank you.” I’m in shock. I sit, running my hand nervously through my beard. Am I dreaming?
“I’m happy it all worked out. Also, I wanted to let you know that I’m opening up a small practice in Freedom Valley. So if you need anything, just let me know.” I like Preston. I’m glad he’ll be sticking around. I wonder if Mellie would like him…
“I will. I won’t forget this. Thank you.”
It’s over. It’s finally over. Our inn is safe. Caleb is going to be okay. Everything is okay. Now, there’s just one thing left to save.
I find Sasha and my mom at the kitchen table, drinking tea in their robes. My mom smiles at me warmly and Sasha gives me a side eye.
“You do know I can see you when you look at me like that?”
“You know what you need to do.”
“Stop it, you two,” my mom shoots back. “He’s going to get her tomorrow. And he’s not coming back without her, right?” She stares at me.
“That’s the plan,” I say. “I can’t kidnap her.”
“She belongs here with us, and you know it,” Sasha says. “You shouldn’t have let her leave in the first place.”
I explain to Sasha and my mom about Beth and what happened with John and Emmie. After I finish, both are crying.
My mom can hardly speak. “I knew she was a widow, but I didn’t know she was a mother,” she manages. “I can’t imagine. I just want to hug her. I miss her so much.” She shuffles toward me and gives me a hug before saying goodnight and heading home.
Sasha’s tone softens and she says, “You and her are it. Don’t mess this up, Evan.”
“Thanks, Sash. I’m going to bring her home.”
TWENTY-NINE
EVAN
