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“In what way, Grandad?” I ask.
“I think it is time to sell, but with some conditions,” he says. “If someone comes along that needs, say, a grant or interest-free loan to acquire one of our properties, I want to establish a fund that can help them. This gives opportunities to small businesses that may not have access to traditional bank loans. And it allows us to do something good with the excess we have.”
“That would be amazing, Grandad! Are you thinking of helping Piper finance her entire building?”
“She was the inspiration, but as I’ve been visiting these properties, I’ve realized that there are so many incredible families and business owners here,” he says, getting emotional as he looks at a paper in front of him. “You and I have more money than we could ever spend in our lifetimes or even the next generation. But for some of these people,” he pauses to wipe away a tear, “they’re just trying to provide for their families and make their dreams come true. My legacy here will make a difference for them, just like each of these properties did for me.”
“I love that idea. Have you started working on it with the legal team yet?” I ask.
“Nope.” He shakes his head. “From now on, nothing happens with trusts or property without your approval. I’m entrusting everything to you.”
I lean back in my chair. “Why?”
My grandfather sighs, “I’m retiring, and I want to stay here in Rustic Ridge.”
“What makes you want to move here?”
“I can navigate so much easier here. People help me without hesitation, and this is the kind of town I’ve always wanted to be a part of. I understood my responsibilities with the family business—providing opportunities for you and setting you up for success—and it’s paid off,” he says, reaching out to place his hand on top of mine. “Caleb, you have your whole life ahead of you still, you’re going to revolutionize medicine for generations to come, and that is extraordinary. But in my next chapter, I want to spend among these people, feeling like I’m just one of the community. Playing golf, stealing Gizmo from Piper, and enjoying these last moments. I can’t do that in the city—I have to rely on drivers to take me places, and I feel like everyone treats me with kid gloves instead of having real conversations with me. I want to do this.”
“Then we’ll make it happen. Any chance there’s a house on this list that can be your new home?”
“I have the perfect one. Would you like to come with me to see it?”
“I would love to,” I reply, trying to hide the pain in my chest.
I never imagined not having my grandfather close by for dinners and visits. Rustic Ridge is going to be quite a distance for me, but I am determined to make it happen. I won’t lose contact with my family, and my grandfather is right—the slower pace and sense of community are something even I am growing to love.
“It even has a room and office for you,” he adds. “I’m hoping this will motivate you to maybe work remotely here occasionally.”
“I’m in,” I tell him. “So where do we start?” I point at the list in front of us.
“I’ll have Nolan and our legal team work together to begin the process,” he says. “But I want to be there when Piper finds out.”
“You know there will be lots of squealing and hugs, right?”
“I’m counting on it,” Grandad says with a smile. “I might even steal your girlfriend.”
“Please, you just love her dog,” I joke.
We both laugh before making a plan to visit the house and transfer properties out of the family trust. As we discuss all these changes, I realize that things are going to be different from now on. Perhaps it’s time for me to have an important conversation with Piper about our relationship. Who knows what could happen if I end up spending more time here? It’s only temporary, but what if it becomes permanent?
12
Piper
Mia’s working on some pastry orders while I’m diligently working on piping the delicate flowers for a wedding cake this weekend. The intricate details require all of my focus, so I have noise-canceling headphones in and am singing along to the music in silence. These flowers are similar to the ones I’ll need to make for Missy’s cake in a little more than a week, so I want them to be as close to perfection as possible.
Suddenly, Missy’s voice breaks through the music as I spin around, almost spilling the bowl of frosting.
“When are you closing down?” she asks, her words cutting through the music.
I squint at her, trying to understand what she just said.
“How many times have I reminded you not to approach me when I have my headphones in?” I snap, looking at the ruined row of flowers in frustration.
“I know, but today is a big day,” she says excitedly, though I can’t tell if she is happy or worried.
Her cheeks are flushed, she looks out of breath, and her normally well-groomed hair is now disheveled. As I take in her appearance, my confusion only increases.
