Page 11 of Sugar-Shacked with the Mountain Man
"Financial. Equipment failures, late spring weather affecting sap runs, increased competition." I run a hand through my hair. "I've got maybe six months before the bank starts foreclosure proceedings."
"Kane..." There's something in her voice I can't quite read.
"So when you present Morrison's offer, understand that part of me wants to take it. Not because I don't love this place, but because I'm not sure I can save it anyway."
She's quiet for a moment. "What if there was another way?"
"What do you mean?"
"What if instead of selling to developers, you found investors? People who understand the value of preserving heritage operations?"
Hope flickers in my chest. "Sophie, you work for the people who want to buy this place. Helping me save it would be working against your own interests."
"Would it?" She sits up. "What if Morrison's clients considered a different kind of investment? Agritourism, artisanal products, heritage preservation—there's a market for that."
"You really think that could work?"
"Maybe. If we positioned it right..." She trails off, shaking her head. "Listen to me. 'We.' Like I'm going to be here to help make it happen."
"What if you were?"
The question hangs between us, loaded with possibility.
"Kane, I have a life in Toronto. A career, responsibilities. My mother depends on me."
"I know."
"The promotion I'm up for would mean financial security I've never had."
"I know that too."
She searches my face. "Then what are you asking?"
"I'm asking if you've ever wanted something badly enough to change everything for it."
Before she can answer, her phone buzzes on the nightstand.
"I thought you said there was no signal," Sophie says, reaching for it.
"There shouldn't be." I watch her face as she checks the screen. "What is it?"
"Text from my boss. Somehow got through." Her expression shifts. "The Morrison board is getting impatient. If I don't have a signed agreement by end of week, they're pulling the offer."
Reality crashes back in. "How long is that?"
"Three days. Maybe four, depending on when this storm clears."
I feel something crack in my chest. "So much for taking our time."
"Kane, there's something else you need to know about the Morrison offer."
"What?"
"It's substantial. More than substantial."
"How much?"
She tells me the number, and I feel like I've been punched. It's enough to pay off every debt and set me up for life somewhere else.
