Page 55 of Unforgettable

“It’s not…my calling,” she adds. “The one person who saw everything I put into this place didn’t think I had what it took…”

She takes another deep breath, tapping her fingers against the table. It takes everything in me not to take her hand and kiss each finger, to pull her against me, and try to take some of this pain from her.

“Anyway…I’ve realized my granddad was right. I have plenty of ideas, but I don’t have what it takes to keep it going. And…lately, I’ve been thinking that sometimes the best way you can keep something alive is to pass it on to someone who can make it better than you ever could.” She looks at me. “Maybe Jamison has told you that I haven’t exactly been on board with this transition. The truth is, I’ve made things exceptionally difficult for him and…while I’ve tried to do better…”

She smiles and mouthshopefullyto me, and I smile, happy to see some of the tension in her shoulders relax.

“Well, after today, meeting all of you and seeing what incredible people you all are, I want to let you know I’m not going to be that way anymore. I think the best thing I can do for the resort is to let it go into your capable hands.”

She lifts her glass and numbly, I lift mine up, everyone else quickly following suit.

“To the Ledger family and the new Landmark Mountain Lodge and Ski Resort…or whatever you end up calling it…” She laughs and I rub the burn in my chest. “I’m wishing you huge success, a vision that far surpasses anything we’ve ever seen.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

LACY PLANS

SCARLETT

You know you’re with exceptional people when you can go as deep and melancholy as I went and no one makes you feel dumb or anything but heard and respected.

The desserts come and save me from myself. I don’t know why I let myself go there. Damn lemon drops.

Everyone groans over the desserts, practically every bite someone saying how good it is, as they did with our dinner too, making them officially the funnest people I’ve ever eaten with.

Is funnest a word? I think so. If not, it should be.

My brothers love a good meal, but you don’t hear them analyzing the flavors. The hint that they love it is that they barely look up from their food and then give a satisfied sigh as they push back from the table.

“Scarlett, I want to thank you for sharing your heart with us tonight,” Pappy says, as our dessert plates are carried away. He starts out signing and then says, “Zac, can you take it? We all know my signing gets sloppy when I’ve got a beer in me.”

Our laughter rings out through the restaurant, Pappy the loudest.

“It’s such an honor to be here with you,” he continues. “It wouldn’t have been the same if these boys had taken this property without you being a part of it. And it’s not up to me to change your mind about staying, but…well, I sure wish I could.”

He laughs and my face heats from his praise.

“You might think you don’t have what it takes, but I assure you, the love you expressed for your family and the business you helped build is more than most will ever understand, and that’s why Landmark Mountain has always been a special place to our family. You can feel the love in its foundation.” He grins and just when I don’t think my heart can get any fuller, he says, “Your parents would be so proud of you. Your grandparents too.I’mproud of you and I just met you tonight!”

“Wait until you meet her grandma,” Jamison says. “She’s proud enough for twelve grandparents.”

He looks at me with such affection, I feel panicky, like I might cry. I don’t know how I’ve held off this long.

“Oh, I didn’t realize she was still here,” Pappy says.

Jamison reminds him of Gran meeting her, and Pappy shakes his head in shock.

“Well, I’ll be. I do remember Gran talking about her.” He looks at me. “She made such an impression on my wife. You come from good stock, child,” he says, making me laugh all over again.

“She wouldloveto meet all of you,” I say.

Oh my goodness, would she love this family.

“I think I need a do-over dinner with her,” Jamison says, lifting an eyebrow at me.

I make a face. “Yeah, she’s mentioned that a few times, trust me. Name the night.”

“How about we take her out to dinner while we’re here?” Autumn says. “We could come back here or…you can tell us all the places we need to try.” She leans in, her eyes bright. “I can’t wait to show you what I have in mind for the lobby…I think you’lldie…”

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