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Who was he kidding?
He slid into the chair between his grandparents.
Grandma placed her hand over his. “Give it up to prayer, Grayson. We like to pretend we have a lot of control in this life, but the fact is, we have very little. But we have faith.”
That was the problem. Grayson wasn’t sure he could buy all that. Even if he wanted to.
“This was always the plan, and no, I’m not proud of leaving after this camp disaster, but I’ve ruined it for Beth. I think it’s best I just get out of town and take care of my own business in Oregon. I spoke with Walter Kreder. He’s going to fill in at the camp.”
Grandpa nodded.
“And I’m going to give the lot to the camp.”
Tears pooled in Grandma’s blue eyes.
Grayson swallowed. “It’s the only way I can make any of this right.”
She squeezed her hand over his. “It’s okay. I think that’s a beautiful gift.” The warmth of her hand spread across his. “But what about your place in Oregon?”
“I’ve got some ideas there. I’ll work something out.” Blood flooded his ears, a tidal wave of nature’s fury. The right thing wasn’t always easy. “I need to stop by the bakery and say goodbye to Robin.” He stood and Grandma wrapped him in a hug.
An hour later, he was loading up the last of his gear, still hearing his own voice from his goodbye with Robin.
I do love her. That’s exactly why I have to go.
Noah’s truck pulled up. “You’re sure you want to do this?” Noah asked. “You don’t have to leave today.”
Great. Him too. “I have to—I’ve got horses to pick up for the new place. And staying—it’s just going to prolong the inevitable. I’m sorry.”
“Think about what Anne said. God’s grace is sufficient. You can trust Him, even in the darkest hours.”
No, he couldn’t. And that was the problem.
He shook his head. “I don’t see it.”
Noah studied him. “You know I came from a rough past in Minneapolis. I’d done a lot of things wrong in my youth.”
Grayson stared at the ground. He remembered Noah’s testimony from his early days in camp. A past with gangs and violence. The very past that led him to starting Wilderness Challenge.
“God still used me—put me in a place to intervene and save Anne’s life. Neither one of us would have ever planned the trials and tragedies we faced—and it hasn’t been all roses ever since.” Noah let out a breath. “For all that you think has gone wrong, there’s been a lot of things that have fallen into place.”
Grayson swallowed, a little convicted by Noah’s words, but unwilling to yield.
“I just want you to consider if everything that’s happened hasn’t been to fulfill some bigger purpose.”
Grayson let the words ping through his brain and shook Noah’s hand. “Thank you.” What else could he say? He couldn’t be the man Noah thought he was.
He reached into his truck and pulled out the new quit claim deed. Time he let go of this last piece of the past, though hopefully not his chance to work a deal out with Vincent.
He held it out to Noah. “Here. This is for Trinity. If the camp sells that lot, it’ll be more than enough to make up for the shortfall this year.” For all the funds they’d refunded the riders. “Nathan’s expecting to hear from you. He has several offers on the table.”
Noah took the papers and read for a moment. “You don’t have to do this.”
Grayson held out his hands. “I want to. The camp needs it.”
“This is a prime location in Deep Haven.” Noah shook his head. “You’re sure you want to let it go? This was your parents’…”
Grayson nodded. “I knew I had to sell it at some point. It’s time for me to quit holding on. Walter will be here later today.” Grayson rubbed his fingertips across the stiff edge of his Stetson. “He can stay until Jesse gets back, and that should give Beth time…” Oh man, he sure hoped Beth still had a job.
