Page 69 of Lady and the Gamble (The Colby Brothers 2)

“You’ve been gone longer before.”

Again, he shrugs. “I couldn’t leave. What if Garrett needed my help with the library?”

Jay shot a swift glance toward their older brother. “I’m sure Garrett appreciates your thoughtfulness, but it hardly requires two men to finish a building standing at just under six hundred square feet.”

“Seems to me the job could have been done faster with more hands.” Though he knew that was an excuse, as clearly Garrett didn’t need his help.

“There’s no rush.”

“No rush? Isn’t the Villa overflowing with crates of books waiting for these doors to open?” The Villa was the nickname they had given the large house Erika had been raised in and that the couple both now resided in.

“Yes, but we have yet to hire a Librarian. We’ve had no luck with applicants. As I speak, Erika is writing up an advert for the newspaper in Toronto to expand our search.” He studied his brother. “Again, I’m pleased to see your interest in the goings-on in Placid, but why may I ask?”

“I just want to be useful.”

Jay chuckled. “I’m sure we could have found someone for you to entertain.”

“I’m serious, Jay.”

“Look, it’s not that your help isn’t appreciated but Garrett’s done a fine job overseeing the erection of several new houses in town as well as the northern pier extension. He’s quite capable of doing the work on his own. He doesn’t need any help. What’s really keeping you home?”

Ryan sighed. “Well, Erika is going to deliver any day now. I don’t want to miss the birth of my first niece or nephew.”

“I would have left word with your captain.”

Ryan made a face. “If I didn’t know any better, I swear you were trying to get rid of me.”

Jay laughed. “Just trying to learn what’s going on with you.”

“Nothing is going on. I just wasn’t ready to leave.”

“And now?”

He exhaled wearily. “The Francesca is due back in port in four days. When she leaves, I plan on being on her.”

“Ah, your wandering feet have finally gotten itchy.”

“No, actually. There is somewhere I promised to be.”

“And yet you don’t sound enthusiastic about the idea. Do you mind telling me why?”

“Yes.” He stared at Garrett a moment longer before turning to pierce Jay with a warning look. “I do mind.”

Jay raised his chin and stared down at his already shorter brother. “It won’t help to let it fester, whatever it is.”

“Perhaps not, but I’m not ready to share”

“Fair enough. When you are ready, I’ll be happy to listen.”

“I know.” He placed his hand on Jay’s shoulder. “

“You know I’ve not always been a supporter of your wandering lifestyle, however, if there is one thing I’ve learned from my near-death experience is life is too short. Follow your heart and make the most of every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to take chances. You just might be surprised at where they will take you.”

“Sage advice I’m sure but what are you getting at?”

He looked as if he was briefly contemplating telling him something, then exhaling slightly he said, “A freight ship came into port this morning. I had never seen it before in our harbor. One of the reasons we decided to expand the docks was to welcome these large clippers that wouldn’t normally stop at our ports because of the lack of room.”

“Yes, I’m well aware of that. Wise thinking on your part.” And one of the reasons why the town elected him mayor. Jay was fully invested in Placid and sincerely wanted to see it not only bloom but succeed as well.

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