Meg flopped back into her chair in disbelief. “Really? They said that?”
“Yep. And since they can be a royal pain in my ass when they don’t get their way, I’ve decided to give you that chance. You can have your shares back in the corporation. But this time, you’ll be in charge of all the computer systems here, at the clinic, and the central reservations systems, with an appropriate salary. I don’t want any repeats of what Mrs. Duncan got away with and I’m too damned busy to have to worry about that.”
Before Meg could figure out what to say, Dad held out a white envelope. “When you came back a few weeks ago, jobless and hiding from Josh, I held little hope you’d ever change. But you’ve proved me wrong, and obviously some others in town too. This is all the rent money from your grandparents’ home. There’s a check for almost three hundred grand here. Fix up that lodge, but make it as nice as the hotel so you can book top celebrities. More rich clients will provide an extra shot of revenue for everyone in town. Don’t screw this up, dammit!”
That must’ve been what they’d all been discussing before she got there. Better, her dad finally realized she’d changed. Didn’t mean he loved her or anything, but at least he must not hate her if he was giving her the money.
She could live with that.
She glanced at her siblings to be sure they were okay with the new plan. When they all smiled and nodded, tears stung her eyes.
They hadn’t lost faith in her after all.
She accepted the check, relieved she wouldn’t have to worry about the possibility of returning the pre-booking money she’d taken the risk on. But it also gave her a little extra cash to do something she’d really wanted to do, but couldn’t afford before. “Thank you. I’ll do my best not to screw things up. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to run a few quick errands.”
It was getting late and time to call it a day when Josh, elbow deep in an engine, sensed someone watching him. He lifted his head. Meg stood a few feet away with a tight smile on her face.
Warmth rushed through him at the sight of her. “Hey there.”
“Hi. Do you have a minute?”
“Sure.” She seemed nervous. Had her doubts about them crept back in again? He’d probably have that to deal with for a while yet.
He found a rag and wiped his hands, then gave her his full attention. “What’s up?”
“First, thanks for helping my dad. We all appreciate it.”
She came to the shop to tell him that? That made no sense. He’d see her at home in ten minutes. “I never wanted to see him in jail, Meg. But I can’t be sorry I was assigned to his case. If not, we’d have never met.”
Slowly nodding, she licked her lips. “I got my town shares back today and my dad hired me to be in charge of all the IT.”
He crossed to her and pulled her into a hug. “That’s awesome, Meg. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” When he released her, she stepped back and cleared her throat. “Dad also gave me all the back rent money, so I’m kinda flush for a change, and I bought you a gift. I’ve been thinking about this whole commitment and trust thing between us. I know it’s something I need to work on.”
He held up a hand. “You didn’t have to buy me a gift to prove that. I know you love me.”
“I do. But this gift is a really big commitment so you’ll have to agree to marry me first, or I’m taking it back.”
His heart rolled over in his chest as he took her soft face in his hands and tilted it up. “If I had proposed to you like that, you would’ve kicked my ass. You don’t even have a ring.”
“True.” With mischief gleaming in her eyes, she laid a quick kiss on his lips. “But what’s outside is ten times better than a ring—if you’re . . . you. And just because I’m asking you first, it doesn’t let you off the hook. You still have to buy me a really big rock. So, what’s it going to be?”
Meg waited for his answer, beaming that big, beautiful smile of hers at him.
He’d never been surer of an answer in his entire life. Clearing the emotion from his throat, he said, “Well, since you went to all the trouble to give me a fruit cup yesterday, and now some mystery gift . . . I guess marrying you is the least I can do. So, okay.”
“The least you can do? And just okay? We may have to do this part over later so you can get it right.” She took his hand and yanked. “Come outside. I’m dying for you to see what’s out here.”
He let her pull him outside into the dusky evening.
Charlie stood in the driveway, tied to a tree.