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The tension between my shoulders increased. “People can say whatever they want. Proving it is another thing.”
“Besides, Tracey left and hasn’t been back. She never wanted anything to do with that inn. Not that Lila would ever have entrusted it to her. There’s a reason she gave it to Marley. She thought she’d come back and run it someday. I think this was her way of ensuring Marley gave it serious consideration.”
“I don’t know that it’s what Marley wants.”
Mom patted my shoulder. “Isn’t that why she’s here? To see if it’s what she wants?”
“I don’t know if she sees it that way.” It’s what I was hoping she’d consider. I didn’t want her to regret her decision, and I couldn’t imagine the inn being taken down and replaced with homes.
“You just keep treating her right and showing her around the farm. No one can resist its magic.”
“It’s the inn I want her to fall in love with. I don’t want her to regret selling it later.” I worried that if the inn was sold, there’d be no reason for Marley to return.
“I think it starts with us and the farm. No one can resist its charms. You finish that renovation and the gardens she wants. Let her see how it could be.”
“She’s not sure she wants the gardens.” Knox had come up with some amazing options. It was probably too much just to sell it.
Mom gave me a pointed look. “You give that girl the gardens she wants.”
“You’re saying we build it even if she says no?”
Mom gave me a look. The one that said I was being dense.
“But why?”
Mom lowered her voice. “Because you love her.”
“I don’t know if I do,” I said quietly so no one would overhear.
“I think if you’re honest with yourself, you already know the answer.”
Maybe I’d always loved her. It was teenage love that morphed into something more mature. I just knew I didn’t want her to leave. I wanted her to stay so we could figure this out. And if Mom thought the farm and renovating the inn was the answer, then I’d do whatever it took. “You think if she sees these gardens and the renovated inn, she’ll fall in love with it?”
“It’s not just the property. It’s you. Keep being yourself. She won’t be able to resist.”
I let out a breath. “I don’t know about that.”
“Lila told me you two had a special bond.”
That had me pausing. “I didn’t know—”
“Lila was smart. She always kept an eye on Marley. I had five boys to look after. I didn’t always know what you were up to, but Lila did.”
My heart rate slowed as I considered her words. “I can’t believe you didn’t say anything.”
Mom tipped her head to the side. “Nothing came of it, right?”
“Aiden wanted me to protect her, not date her.” I clenched my teeth.
“Is that still the case?”
I shook my head. “He’s never reneged on it.”
Mom let out an exasperated sigh. “How do you know if you’ve never asked him?”
That was a good question. I owed it to Aiden to talk to him. To let him know what was going on. It was only fair. “I don’t think he’s going to be happy about it.”
“Maybe. Or maybe not,” Mom said cryptically as she handed me the last dish.
