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“I still plan to, yes. I’ll go back in 5 weeks.” She replied. “Ben can step in as owner without any hiccup in the farm business. He already manages everything, so the transition should be simple.”
Mr. Estes nodded his head and smiled at Ever. “I think your father would have approved of your decision. Hardin had a lot of respect for Ben too and often told me he thought of him as a son.”
“I think so too,” she mused. “Also, no money is exchanging hands. This is a gift, plain and simple. A gift I am freely giving.” She explained.
“Wow, okay! As the sole beneficiary of your father’s estate, we have just recently completed a transfer of ownership to your name, so you and Ben will have to sign a Gift of Ownership.”
“Perfect.” She replied as she stood. “Let me know when we can come in to sign the paperwork.”
“I will.”, he replied.
“One more thing.”, she turned to face him again.
Mr. Estes nodded.
“Can this be done by the beginning of September, preferably before the Labour Day Weekend?” She asked.
“Absolutely.”
* * *
The bell of the front door chimed, and Ben looked around the Hastings Hardware Store, spotting Hayden at the back of the store helping a customer. Waiting at the front, Hayden spotted him and gave him a wave.
“Hey Bro, be right with you!”
Hayden finished up with the customer and helped ring up the customer’s order. As the customer exited the store, Hayden settled his gaze on his brother as he leaned on the front counter. “What’s up Ben? You look like you have a lot going through your head.”
“I do.” Ben replied simply.
Hayden rolled his eyes at his brother’s lack of details and rounded the counter to stand beside him. “Does this have to do with Ever leaving in what, four weeks?” he asked, an eyebrow raised in question.
Ben met his brother’s gaze and nodded, looking down at his boots. “I really don’t want her to go.”
“So, tell her.” Hayden whispered as he nodded, acknowledging two customers entering the store.
“I can’t do that Hayden.” Ben said, a look of defeat on his face. “Her life is in Toronto; her dream is wrapped into that city. I simply cannot ask that of her.”
Putting his hand on his brother’s shoulder in consolation, he gave it a squeeze. “Have you ever thought that maybe, you are now part of her dream?” he asked. “You love her, right?”
Ben looked at his brother and nodded.
“Then fight for her, Ben. Show her why she should stay.”
* * *
Putting down her paintbrush, Ever grabbed her phone that was buzzing beside her and smiled, recognizing the number. “Hello Whitney!”
Whitney Faris was her art agent whom she met shortly after completing her art education. A native Torontonian, Whitney was beautiful, sharp witted and fun. She loved art as much as Ever and had been with her through every step of her art career, always championing for her and helping her make important connections. She had also become one of her best friends and Ever thought of her more as an older sister than her agent.
“Ever, I have missed you!
“I have missed you too!” Ever replied.
“I got your text and the pictures of your latest work. They are simply gorgeous! Your best work yet.” Whitney appraised. “I showed your new paintings to the Art Director at the gallery you last showed at, and she is very interested in doing an exhibit of your new work.”
“Wow, that is amazing!”
“It is! This is exactly what you need right now to get your work out there again! Out of curiosity, what has caused this breakthrough?” she inquired with genuine interest.
