them out. Yes, yes, I know you’d be happy to do that for me, but I can’t let you. This is my problem. No, it’s not feasible. I can’t do this to them.”
Adam tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his eyes sharpening on hers. “But is it what you want, Molly?”
How very like Adam to get right to the heart of the matter. She could do nothing but give him—give herself—a completely honest answer. “Yes. Yes, I would love to stay here and run the inn on my own, but—”
He put his finger over her lips. “That’s the only part I need to hear. Let’s break down what you just said. The inn is already sold? You haven’t signed the papers yet; you were waiting for Levi’s return. And yes, he’s great with numbers, but you can learn to do it yourself or hire it out. The inn’s profitable enough to afford the expense. And Grace doesn’t have to give up her house because . . .” He took her chin and searched her eyes. “Your problem is my problem, and my money is your money. We’re a team, Molly Bradford, ever since I put that ring on your finger. If I needed something you’d move heaven and earth to get it for me. How could you think I’d do any less?”
Her eyes prickled with new tears because what he said was absolutely true. Adam proved his love for her every day in big and small ways. And she could tell by his tone that her statement to the contrary had stung.
She touched his face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. And yes, I would do anything for you. You know I get on a tangent sometimes and say stupid things. I love you so much, Adam.”
“I know you do, honey. I love you too.”
She pressed a kiss to his lips, savoring his familiar taste and feel.
Everything had already been set into motion with the sale of the inn. She didn’t know how to bring the machine to a screeching halt. “They might want to sell the inn regardless. They might want to close this chapter of their lives. It’s been a long, hard road.”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out.”
Chapter Forty-One
Wyatt’s first thought when he opened his eyes the next morning was that he didn’t remember a single dream. He’d slept right through the night for the first time in days.
His second thought was of Grace. He needed to talk with her. See how she was doing. The memory of her distress in the car yesterday made his chest ache. He hoped she hadn’t tossed and turned all night. He hoped she’d find a way to shed the guilt. He hoped she’d find the same peace he had.
He rushed through his shower and dressed in the only clean outfit he had left. He needed to make some calls today—particularly the one to his boss. His leave was up in four days, and he needed to confirm that he was ready to get back to work.
He needed to call Ethan and catch up. His friend had texted yesterday while he’d been out of range, and Wyatt hadn’t had a chance to reply.
It wasn’t yet nine o’clock when Wyatt made his way down the stairs. He said hello to Jada, the new girl at the front desk, and followed the delicious aroma of frying bacon to the dining room.
He caught a glimpse of couples and small families before he saw Grace. She was sitting at a table for two by the window, tapping her laptop keys, a half-eaten muffin on a plate at her side. Her hair was up in a ponytail, exposing her graceful neck and the delicate shells of her ears.
She didn’t notice him until he was lowering himself into the chair across from her.
“Good morning,” he said.
“Morning.” She stared at him tentatively, probably trying to work out how to behave after all that had happened yesterday.
He reached across the table and took her hand. “How are you feeling this morning? Yesterday was . . . a lot.”
Her face softened, shoulders relaxing at the direct question. “No kidding. I’m better, I think. How’d you sleep?”
“Like a baby.”
“I’m so glad to hear that, Wyatt. You look good—well rested.”
One of the servers came to take his order, then retreated to the kitchen. A silence fell over the table. Wyatt dreaded the coming conversation. He’d turned this situation every which way, and it never ended well.