“Ember.” My lawyer and good friend, Patricia Stewart, waves me into her corner office. “I’ve reviewed the documentation from Marcus’s latest activities.”
I sink into the leather chair and tap my finger on the iPad, which I’m still clutching. “I’ve finished reviewing the proposal for the company division you gave me. I want to retain rights to my original client list, all creative properties, and any events planned under my name. As far as accounts for the next year, I will receive thirty percent of the profit. He wants me out, then he will give me my share.”
Patricia adjusts her glasses, scanning my documents. “This is thorough, I love it!” She takes her Apple pen and marks through the thirty percent. “Absolutely not; you deserve a minimum of fifty percent, but we’re going in at sixty-five. We can negotiate from there. Are you good with that?” She smirks, and I nod my head.
“Do you think Marcus will agree to these points? I don’t think it’s ridiculous. He’s keeping the staff, everyone I mentored, and all my vendor contracts and price negotiations.”
Patricia shakes her head. “You are, my friend, a million-dollar business—not ridiculous, stop lowering your worth. Marcus is an asshole and savvy. He won’t give up easily, but luckily, I’m just as tenacious, and I never lose. Also, you know that man is a bit terrified of me and my connections.”
“I know.” My voice stays steady even as my hands tremble slightly. “But I’m done letting him dictate my future in his greed. I’m considering plans for a fresh start.”
“Atlanta, of course, right? I mean, with a business savvy like yours, you could do anything in this city.”
I love how supportive Patricia is, and I needed to hear it. “You’re not going to believe this, but I’m considering the small town where my friend Nic Blevins lives. Have you heard of Peachwood Grove?”
“Only from you—but wait, isn’t that romance author there… Brittany?—”
“Yes, Brittany Quinn. She’s great. But there’s also… Ryan, you know, the firefighter I mentioned.”
Patricia’s manicured brow arches. “Ryan McCallister, right? Tell me more about this firefighter who’s caught your attention. Tell me he’s hunky and right out of a calendar good-looking.”
Heat creeps up my neck. “He was there when I crashed my car, and something... clicked. Like fate. And yes, model good looking.”
“Nice, so you’re not there temporarily? You’re considering staying in Peachwood Grove.” Patricia stands, circles her desk, and perches on the edge near me. “Listen, Ember. I’ve watched you pour your heart and time into that business for years. Marcus might have the connections, but you have the talent. And if this small town—and this firefighter—make you light up like this, then do it.”
She hugs me tight, her designer perfume wrapping around me like a crisp expensive blanket. “You focus on your fresh start. I’ll handle Marcus and his army of lawyers. Trust me, they won’t know what hit them.”
“Thank you, Patricia. For everything.”
She steps back, straightening her blazer. “Don’t thank me yet. I’m coming to visit soon. I need to scope out this firefighter and ensure he’s worthy of my favorite client and friend.”
“Patricia!”
“What? Can’t a lawyer do a little... background check? I need to make sure he’s worthy of my favorite client. And maybe scope out this small town everyone’s raving about.” She winks. “Now go. Build a new dream. I’ve got this covered.”
I leave Patricia’s office feeling lighter than I have in months, and by the time I’m back in Peachwood Grove, I know where I want to be.
The late afternoonsun streams through the windows of the restored Magnolia Hall as I measure the space between pillars. I sketch into my iPad when heavy boots echo across the hardwood floors.
“Fancy running into you here.” Ryan’s warm voice fills the room.
I spin around, my heart skipping. “I could say the same, but you knew I was here; I texted you earlier.”
“Looking at backup locations for the fundraiser. In case of rain. Yes, I got that text.” He steps closer, gesturing to the high ceilings. “Seeing the weather forecast, I was thinking we needed an option, but of course, you beat me to it.”
“Great minds think alike.” I slide my finger across the tablet. “See this layout? We could transform the space with strategic lighting, create intimate zones while maintaining flow.”
Ryan leans in, his shoulder brushing mine. “I love how you view things differently. The way you piece it all together...”
“Sometimes I worry I get too caught up in the details. This is a backup plan.” I trace the outline of my drawing. “Back in Atlanta, I was told to focus on profit margins, not...” I pause, searching for words.
“Not what?”
“The heart of it. Creating moments that bring people together, that celebrate what makes a community special.” I look up at him. “Like your house and crew.”
His eyes soften. “You know, when Uncle Jimmy first mentioned bringing in an event planner, I was skeptical. Thought it’d be all glitz, no substance.”
“And now?”
