Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63004 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
“Where is everyone?”
Jessie had two other agents who worked for her. One was part time, while the other was full time.
“Oh, Linda and Kris are off for the holidays. The office is closed today as well, but the moment I heard you were in town, I had to talk to you.”
She motioned for me to sit down in the seat opposite hers. “I found out the other day that the old grain mill building at the corner of Main and Pine streets is available. I spoke with Mitch Larson who owns it and told him your plans. He said he’d be willing to work out a rent-to-own with you.”
I leaned forward. “Wait—are you serious?”
Smiling, she nodded. “I’m very serious. He loves the idea of a sporting goods store, and even wants to invest.”
“What?” I asked, dropping back into my chair. “An investor?”
“I wasn’t sure where you stood on that, but I told him I’d mention it. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Mitch is a strong advocate for getting out and exploring all of Colorado’s natural wonders. He loves camping, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, and so much more. He actually does whitewater rafting tours. Did you know that?”
I slowly shook my head. “No. I mean, I knew he liked doing outdoor stuff, but I had no idea he was that into it. The only thing I knew about the Larson family is that they used to own the gristmill on Main before they moved it to a larger property outside of town, after old Mr. Larson passed away.”
She nodded. “Mitch inherited the business from his father, who passed away a few years back. He was the one who decided to expand and move the business, but they were still using the original mill as offices. Now they’re officially moving the offices this spring. It would be perfect timing for you, since you’re graduating.”
I ran a hand down my face and let out a disbelieving laugh. “Jessie, is this for real? I mean, do you think Mitch would be interested in a partnership?”
“As in co-owner?” she asked.
“Yes! I mean, I’ve been putting feelers out in the Denver area for anyone who might be interested, and I’ve had a few responses, but no one I’ve felt comfortable going into business with so far. I never considered Mitch. Hell, he was the first guide I did whitewater rafting with! He’s the reason I got into outdoor adventures. He’s the reason this store even came to life in my head.”
She grinned. “Then I think you should set up a meeting with him. When are you leaving to head back to school?”
I had to stop and think. “Um, Vivianne needs to be back to work by the twenty-ninth, so we’ll be leaving the day before.”
“Should we call Mitch now to set something up before you leave?”
“Hell yes, we should!”
Picking up the phone next to her, she typed in a number and sat back in her chair. “Hold on tight, Ladd. Your dream is about to come true.”
Vivianne
I held up the necklace to study it. It had the same verse Nellie had quoted to me, and it was etched onto a horseshoe. It was obvious Nellie’s love of horses, from her giving lessons to how she acted around them.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
I looked up and smiled at the young girl who worked at the store. “It is.”
“I like the quote from the Bible on there, too.”
Nodding, I replied, “I do as well. Someone recently told me this quote, and she also happens to love horses.”
“Sounds like this gift was made just for her.”
“I think you’re right. And she likes silver, because that’s all I’ve seen her wear.”
The girl grinned. “Should I gift wrap it for you?”
“Oh, would you? That would be amazing.”
She chuckled. “I’ll work on this while you keep looking around. That is, if you have more shopping to do?”
“I do, indeed. Thank you so much.”
“My name is Grace. If you need any help, just come get me.”
“Will do,” I replied as I handed her the necklace.
I started looking for something for Lilith. I came across a beautiful silk scarf with pink and white flowers. Plus, it was on sale, which made it even better. Then I glanced around the store, wondering what in the world I could get for Gus and Ladd’s brothers.
“You look a little lost.”
Turning, I smiled at the older woman who looked as if she could be Grace’s mother. I glanced over to the young girl, then back to the woman in front of me. Yep. Grace was a mini version of her.
“Grace is my daughter. I’m the owner, Janet Miller.”
I let out a small laugh. “I figured. I’m Vivianne Pennington.”
Her brows lifted. “As in the Pennington family? Senator Pennington?”
This was one of those moments: I could admit that my father was, indeed, Senator Pennington, or I could maintain the distance from my parents.