Cort easily regained the room. “Pixie and Andy are officially part of the town; so, naturally, Brogan would like to be part of Bramble, too. However, he respects our rules and knows we’re not allowing new construction on houses, so he’s been looking in Lankton.”
Everyone fell quiet. Brogan wasn’t quite sure what that meant.
“He asked me about buying the lake house, which he’s renting right now, so that he, Pixie, and the kids could still visit Bramble often.”
More silence. Brogan felt uneasy now, but Pixie was still smiling.
“Marlow and I discussed it, and since Brogan’s offer was fair, we’d like to accept—but with a little condition.”
Wow. Okay.Brogan felt better now. As long as no one in the town complained about adding a few more visitors, he could go forward with his plans.
Pixie leaned close. “It’s a wonderful idea. Thank you.”
“I know how you love being close to Marlow.”
Butler cleared his throat. “Cort discussed his plans with the board, and we agreed it’s a fine idea. We put it to the town, and the town has also agreed.” He unrolled a large sheet of paper and came over to place it on the table where Brogan and Pixie sat.
It was a floor plan. Brogan didn’t understand.
“This is the lake house,” Cort explained, pointing to an outline in red. “This will be an addition.”
Wow!Overwhelmed, Brogan briefly studied the plans. One entire side of the house would be opened up to add two more bedrooms, with a bathroom between them. Office space was also added, and the way it was drawn, the room had two desks—meaning he and Pixie would share. Interior walls were shifted to expand the kitchen and sitting room.
They’d still be on the lake, Pixie would be even closer to her family, and there was room enough to raise two kids.
Never in his life had he received a gift—except Shayna. And then Pixie and Andy. And now this? He ran a hand over the back of his neck. “I don’t know what to say.”
“There’s a caveat,” Butler said, his tone lofty enough to tell one and all that he was in mayor-mode. “We have a lot of tradesmen in the area. Cort will be the contractor, and you’ll need to hire local guys and buy the supplies in Bramble.”
He’d been planning on buying a whole different house—so, of course, Brogan agreed.
“Everyone offered to pitch in their time,” Cort informed him.
“I’ll pay them,” Brogan immediately insisted. Accepting an act of friendship or a helping hand was one thing, but for a job that size, people deserved wages.
With a slight smile, Cort said, “I told them you would.”
Even after a deep breath, Brogan couldn’t take it in.
Pixie took his hand. “Breathe. And try to smile.”
He’d gone from being a loner, a man without family, to having the best family and friends, with roots in an incredible town. “I need a minute.”
Cort clapped him on the shoulder. “Butler has one more thing to say.”
Brogan pushed back his chair and stood.
Clearing his throat, Butler said, “This town could use a safety instructor. One day volunteered each month. A few hours in the afternoon with the school kids, then an evening here at the tavern for the adults.”
“I’d be honored.”
Cheers erupted.
Raising his hands, Butler said, “Bramble officially has two heroes. Let’s get this photo on the wall.”
Herman, owner of the tavern, surged forward with a hammer and nail. Once that was done, everyone looked at Brogan.
He wasn’t big on speeches, so he kept it super short. “I’m honored. Each and every one of you has given me something I’ve never had before.” He tugged Pixie up beside him, holding her close. “Roots. A real home.” That suffocating weight was back on his chest, but this time in a good way. He felt full … of happiness. “You’ve given me a community.”
