Page 88 of Fall Love

“I sure hope so.” I crack the beer and take a sip, even though I’m not particularly thirsty for the hoppy flavor so early in the morning.

“Think you’ll put a ring on Neve’s finger?” Fisk asks next.

“I don’t know,” I admit when I’ve actually been thinking about it more and more. I don’t just want Neve as my partner. I want her as my wife. A partner for life. But this topic feels too heavy for the early morning.

“Those Snowe girls are hard to lock down,” Fisk states, before taking a swig of his beer.

“What do you mean?” I ask, reminded I didn’t grow up around here. I don’t have the history or intel these guys have on the Snowe sisters.

“The Ice Queen ran off for better things,” Fisk says, snubbing up his nose.

“You mean, Icelyn, Isolde’s twin?”

Fisk takes another sip of his beer, confirming my question.

Landon chuckles. “And that Isolde is a piece of work.”

“Why?” I laugh. “Because she hasn’t fallen for your charm yet.”

Landon doesn’t answer. He simply glances down at his beer.

“Lumi has a boyfriend,” I state, although I haven’t met the guy. He sounds a bit mysterious, always coming and going, which gave me the idea that I might be able to do the same thing.

“But that Neve is a wild cat.” Fisk hums.

“How so?”

“No man has ever gotten close to her. At least not the locals. I can’t recall her ever having a boyfriend. Only flings with flatlanders.” Landon grimaces. “Sorry, man.”

“Well, I’m not a flatlander,” I defend, like I’m different, because I want to be. I want to be special to Neve, not just the father of her child. Then again, just because I don’t consider myself a flatlander doesn’t mean I’m a lander either. A Lovewell Landing local.

And yet, Neve’s date reminded me how much I want to be one. How much I enjoy the ocean view and the seasonal changes. How much I like the slower pace and quirky traditions.

We remain quiet for another few minutes, waiting for the light of a new day to tick brighter.

Finally, Landon says, “I think I’m going to close my business.”

“What?” I shift toward him, surprised by the sudden change in subject. “Why?”

He glances toward the slowly lightening sky. “I need a rebrand.”

Landon owns a guided hiking business called Off The Beaten Path, and his current office is located in his father’s hardware store.

“I’m looking to broaden my horizons a little bit, and Benny has a bunch of canoes for sale. I could add bikes for riding trails and diversify a little bit. But there’s also a summer camp for sale, and I’m considering buying it.”

“Either sounds good,” I state, impressed with his thinking.

“I just need a change.” He stands taller. “And I think Lovewell Landing will be a better fit for me.”

I stare at him, mentally agreeing.

“Are you keeping the name or changing it?” I ask.

“Total rebrand. I was thinking of calling it AdventureLandon.” He spreads his hand and waves it toward the trees like a billboard.

“Sounds like a superhero name,” Fisk mutters.

“Let AdventureLandon take you to new heights,” I state, like a radio advertisement. “Sounds promising.”