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I took in a deep breath for the first time since I woke up this morning. Jake had kissed me good-bye, telling me Gia would love it, but I wasn’t so sure. Her standards were high, and the farm wasn’t ready for events. Not yet.
Gia pulled the tarp up slightly to reveal gold paint. “What can we do with this?”
“I asked Jake to take a look at it, and apparently, it’s a limited-edition muscle car from the sixties.”
“What does that mean for us? Can we move it outside, or does it need to be in a covered building?”
“I’m hoping Jake can tow it to the garage and get it ready for sale,” I said, even as the thought of selling my grandfather’s prized possession tore at my heart.
“Is that what you want to do?” Gia asked with concern on her face. “I know how much you love your grandmother’s van.”
“This doesn’t have the same sentimental value for me. Although it did for my grandparents. This was the car my grandfather was driving when they met.”
“I love that.” Gia pulled the tarp the rest of the way off, and dust pillowed in the air around us. She was quiet for a few seconds, deep in thought. Finally, she asked, “Is there a way we can put it in another structure on the property? How do you feel about offering it as an option for the bride and groom to leave the property to go to their honeymoon suite? The gold color is unusual, but it would be perfect for photographs.”
The idea swirled in my chest, making my entire body feel lighter. “I like that idea. Just not sure I can add another structure at this point.”
Was it feasible? Or should I sell it? My grandparents would probably love the idea of the vehicle being used to create happy memories.
“It’s just a suggestion. The farm is perfect without it.” Gia moved on, talking about how we could decorate the large space, hanging floral arrangements and twinkling lights from the rafters. She even mentioned adding chandeliers for the brides who wanted extra bling. We ironed out the details, writing lists of things we could do ourselves and what we’d need to order in from Harrison’s rental company.
I listened to her plans, but I was distracted by the idea of using the GTO as part of my business. I thought my grandparents would have approved. I just wasn’t sure I could restore two vehicles. One was free, but the second wouldn’t be. I wouldn’t allow Jake to help any more than he already was. I didn’t want to take advantage of him.
I walked the property with her, telling her my plans for landscaping and the timing of the blooms. She took notes so she could inform the potential brides.
She stopped on the flat area, turning in a circle and taking it all in. “This is something that Silas Sharpe doesn’t offer.”
I tipped my head to the side. “The owner of Chesapeake Resort?”
She nodded absentmindedly. “He can only offer one option—the bay.”
“That’s a good draw.” Most brides came to Annapolis for a waterfront wedding. A pond on a farm couldn’t possibly compare to what Silas had to offer at Chesapeake Resort.
The wrinkle in her forehead smoothed out as she came over to hug me. “I love to give couples options, and this is the perfect one. Farm weddings are very trendy right now.”
I was a little surprised because she wasn’t overly demonstrative. “Are you serious?” I asked as she pulled away, a bright smile on her face.
“This is amazing. I’m so glad you’re open to the idea of holding weddings and events here. It’s perfect.” She turned and faced the house. “Have you thought about renting out the house for guests to stay?”
My mouth was suddenly very dry. “Like a bed-and-breakfast?”
Gia nodded eagerly. “Kind of. Or just for guests for the wedding, maybe a honeymoon suite for the bride and groom.”
I hesitated, chewing on my bottom lip before responding. “I haven’t. I thought I’d still live here.”
“It might be too much when things really get up and running. You’ll want your own space. We could use the house for the bridal party to get ready.” Gia continued talking as if she hadn’t upended my existence.
Not wanting to think about moving out of the home I loved, I said, “I have a summerhouse for that. If you’d like to look.”
Gia nodded eagerly. “I’d love to. This property is full of hidden treasures.”
“It is,” I said, thinking of the muscle car in the garage I hadn’t thought much of until Jake said it was a find.
My heart constricted because the buildings and the property were my family’s history. I didn’t want to move out or let other people live in the main house. I hoped the summer home was a good alternative.
I showed her the smaller building, which we’d always referred to as the summerhouse, even though I couldn’t remember why. Without electricity, it was cold in the winter and stifling in the summer. It had a long front porch like the main house, and the inside had a first floor and stairs to an attic. Today, it was hot and musty. Inside, it was cluttered with boxes and equipment. I was ashamed to admit I didn’t know what my grandparents used it for. I’d never asked.
I was hit again with the realization I’d never know. My grandparents weren’t alive for me to ask, and my mom hated when I brought up the farm. She didn’t like people to know she grew up here.
