“Actually, they all left two days ago for a mission trip to Ethiopia. They’ll be gone for three months.” Janie flashed a satisfied grin. “With this being such a small town, I’m surprised you don’t run into Nick often.”
Since the accident two years ago, Drew kept to himself. “My house is off Hawkeye Trail. That’s where I work, too, so I don’t come into town much.” If he avoided all types of relationships, he wouldn’t suffer any more heartache. At least that’s what he kept telling himself.
Janie’s beautiful eyes connected with his. “So you work in law enforcement?”
A job that required being alone most of the time, which was exactly what he wanted. “I’m a park ranger. I got my park administration degree online a couple of years ago.” After the accident, he’d given up his job as a paramedic. How could he expect to help strangers when he couldn’t even save his own family?
Riley moved in closer to Drew and crinkled her nose. “So you’re like the Smokey Bear guy?”
Drew laughed. “Yeah, something like that.”
The little girl continued to stare. “You seem nice. Maybe you can be my friend. I only have one so far. Her name is Leslie.” She exhaled as she looked up at Drew.
Larry stepped inside the room carrying a tray with three coffee cups. He placed it in the middle of the table. “Hopefully it isn’t too strong. There’s plenty of cream and sugar if it is.” He turned his attention to Riley. “I put out a couple of coloring books and crayons on Mrs. Wingo’s desk, Riley. Is that okay, Janie?”
“Of course.” Janie rested her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Riley, go color while the grown-ups meet.”
“Okay, Mommy.” The child skipped through the doorway and down the hall.
The attorney looked to Janie. “I locked the front door, so don’t worry.”
“Thank you.” Janie reached for her beverage, poured a splash of cream and took a sip before settling back in the leather chair. “Mmm...it’s perfect.”
“It looks like we can begin going over Mary Applegate’s estate.” Carrying a thick file, Larry took a seat at the head of the table and placed the documents in front of him.
Janie glanced sideways at Drew. “I still can’t believe she’s gone. She was such a loving and caring woman.”
Larry reached over and patted Janie’s hand. “I’m afraid we all lost a special friend last month. Fortunately, Mary passed peacefully in her sleep.”
Drew watched while Janie brushed her palm down her cheek. “You okay?”
Janie shook her head. “I should have made more of an effort to keep in touch. For years, I called her once a week to check in with her. But then—”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. We all have busy lives...plus you were living hundreds of miles away. She knew how much you cared about her.” Larry shuffled the stack of papers in front of him. “That will become clear to you once we go over her estate.”
Why hadn’t they stayed in touch? Before Janie moved away, she and Mrs. Applegate had been like mother and daughter. Then again, he’d been close to Janie too, but never stayed in contact.
Larry took a sip of his coffee. “I’ve made copies for each of you since you’re both named as beneficiaries.” He passed a document to Janie and then another to Drew. “As you both know, Mrs. Applegate had no living relatives. Over the years, she and I had a lot of conversations. I know for a fact she thought of you both as her family.”
Janie whimpered. “After my mother became lost in addiction, Mrs. Applegate stepped in and filled her shoes. She did so much for me. And then we had to move.”
“She loved you like a daughter, Janie. And that’s the reason she’s left most of her estate to you. She wanted to be assured that you and Riley are well taken care of,” Larry explained as he looked over the rim of his thick-framed glasses.
Drew pushed away from the table, walked over to the credenza and picked up a box of tissues. Heading back to his seat, he offered the box to Janie.
She plucked a tissue from the flowered container and dabbed each eye. “Thank you. This is really hard for me.” She softly blew her nose. “If it wasn’t for Mrs. Applegate, I don’t think I would have survived the past ten years.”
Drew’s attention focused on her words. What kind of life had she lived in Maryland?
The attorney cleared his throat and resumed reading the document. “You can see on page three how she’s divided her specific gifts to each of you. Her savings and all other monetary accounts are listed.”
Drew took note of the large sum of money that had been set aside for Riley’s college tuition. That should give Janie some peace of mind. Knowing what a financial burden college could be to a family, this made him happy.
“Drew, she’s specified some personal items she’d like for you to have along with seventy-five acres.” For a second, he thought about what he might have done with the land if his life hadn’t changed so drastically. Would he have finally opened that outdoor adventure facility? Once upon a time, it had been a goal for him.
Larry eyed Drew. “Are you okay, son? You look a little pale.”
“I’m fine.” Images flooded his mind. He and Janie, along with the other children, roasting marshmallows over the open fire as Mr. Applegate played his guitar. Those summers spent at Rocky River Camp had been some of the happiest in his life.
The antique cherry grandfather clock sitting in the corner of the room struck half past the hour.
“The remaining land, over two hundred acres, along with the farmhouse, will go to you, Janie.” He turned to her and gave her a single nod.
She gasped. “The house?” Janie wiped away the tears pooling her eyes. “Riley and I will have a home?”
Drew wasn’t sure if Janie realized the monetary extent of her inheritance. Over the years, Mrs. Applegate had mentioned to him that numerous developers had approached her about selling the land nestled within the Shenandoah Valley. It was prime real estate.
Slowly, Larry removed his glasses and placed them on the table. He carefully closed the file and clasped his hands in front of him. “There are some conditions Mary has specified in order to take ownership of your respective portions of the property.”
Janie turned to Drew and raised her brow before turning away. “Why would Mrs. Applegate do that?”
“It goes along with some of her last wishes.” Larry’s voice cracked.
The papers crinkled as Drew fingered through the will feeling as though he held Mrs. Applegate’s life in his hands. She and her husband had built a beautiful life together in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. A sense of peace filled Drew’s heart knowing the two were together once again.
“I’d like to hear those wishes, Larry.” Janie spoke in a whisper.
He nodded and looked down at the table. “First of all, Janie, she wants you to reopen the Rocky River Camp you loved so much as a child. She’s made provisions to pay for the cost of labor and materials. Also, the insurance premium will be paid until you take ownership. She didn’t want to put any unnecessary financial burden on you.” The lawyer paused and glanced at both beneficiaries before turning his attention back to the will. “And Drew, in order for you to take possession of the seventy-five acres, you must sign this document promising to help Janie get the camp up and running for the Fourth of July.”
Drew tightened his jaw. “That’s only a few weeks away.”
“I know it doesn’t give you two much time, but the Fourth was a special day for Mrs. Applegate.”
No matter how distinct the day was to her, Drew had a job. He didn’t have time for this. “What made it so special?”
“That’s the day she and her husband were married. It would have been sixty years. Also, it will be the fortieth anniversary of the camp’s grand opening.” Larry rubbed his brow. “I’m sorry, but those are her terms.”
For a second, Drew wa
sn’t sure if he was still breathing. What was he being pulled into? He couldn’t give up his safety and solitude for seventy-five acres. Helping Janie would only bring him more heartache. How could he be around Riley—a child who would be the exact age of his own, had he been able to save her?
* * *
“Are you going to sign the document?” Janie’s clammy hand dropped the pen on the table. She watched as it rolled off onto the floor. Clenching her fists, she struggled to keep her emotions in check.
Larry cleared his throat and focused his attention on Drew. “What’s the problem, son? Mrs. Applegate wanted to leave her land to someone who would love it as much as she did.”
Janie’s mind raced. She and Riley would have a home of their own. One filled with love—a peaceful refuge from her past life. She’d been too embarrassed to tell her brother she had little money in savings, thanks to her ex-husband and his high-powered attorney.
But how could she handle the inheritance if Drew didn’t agree to the terms? After the divorce and up until the move, Janie worked as a writer and travel photographer with a local magazine. It was what she’d always dreamed of doing, but the money wasn’t great and it became more difficult for her to leave Riley.
Maybe her ex-husband was right about her lack of abilities. She couldn’t get the camp up and running on her own, not without Drew’s help. Even Mrs. Applegate obviously believed that. She’d loved the camp as a child, but the behind-the-scenes operation of it all? She was clueless as to what Mrs. Applegate and her husband had done to ensure every child who visited left with sweet memories.
Drew stroked his hand over the top of his head, squirming in his seat. “It’s just—I already have a job. I don’t know how I would have the time.” He squared his broad shoulders when Janie cast a pleading look in his direction.
She swiped her finger over the documents in front of her. On these pages were her dear friend’s last wishes and, with or without Drew’s help, she’d make Rocky River Camp the best on the East Coast. Okay. Just breathe. A sense of calm took hold and she turned to the attorney. “I can do this on my own. I don’t need his help.” Janie tilted her head in Drew’s direction.
“Well, I’m afraid you do. The will specifically states that if Drew doesn’t agree to the terms and they’re not met by the Fourth, then all of the land will be put up for auction and the proceeds will go to the Alzheimer’s Association.”
Janie’s chin trembled at Larry’s words.
“What about the money for Riley’s college tuition?” His voice shook. “And the house?” Drew turned from Janie to the lawyer and then back to her.
“All of it goes to charity.” Larry looked down at the papers.
With those words, Janie’s stomach lurched before Drew picked up the black ink pen and began to sign the pages.
An hour later, with all of the documents signed, the two old friends and Riley crossed the parking lot of the law firm. Drew placed his hat on his head.
“So do people think you look like the guy from Smokey Bear, Mr. Drew?” Her daughter grinned.
Drew laughed. “I guess some do. I’m heading to work at the park this morning.”
“That’s cool you get to work at a park! Maybe we can come visit you.” Riley squealed and waved her arms while jumping up and down. “Can we, Mommy?”
“We’ll see,” Janie responded, looking up. The early June sun was filtered through a thin veil of clouds. A buttermilk sky. That’s what her mother used to call it.
Heaviness gripped Janie’s limbs at the thought that Drew had agreed to the terms against his will—but why? She stopped with a jerk and reached for his arm. “Why did you change your mind?” Her chin quivered. “What about your job?”
“Mommy, if you and Mr. Drew are going to talk grown-up stuff, can you unlock the car so I can read? Fern is trying to think of a way to save Wilbur. It’s so exciting!” Riley beamed.
Drew laughed. “That was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. I begged my father to buy me a pig.”
Riley giggled, dancing a little jig. “Really? I’ve always wanted a pig, too.”
Janie fished into her purse for the car keys and popped the lock. “Go ahead, sweetie. I’ll be a few minutes.” She turned to Drew. “She loves her books.”
Drew’s eyes fixed on her. “I know what the camp meant to you. Some of my happiest childhood memories were made there too, but—it’s more than that.”
Janie swallowed hard. “What is it?”
“How could I live with myself if I hadn’t signed? The land, the house—Riley’s future. Mrs. Applegate wanted to provide you with a sense of security. She loved you, Janie.”
Tears peppered her eyes for the loss of her friend and for the generous gift she’d left for her and Riley. “Thank you, Drew. I appreciate what you’ve done. I’ll be honest—last year I went through a nasty divorce that has left me almost broke.” Janie turned her focus down to the gravel parking lot. “I really didn’t know how I would provide for Riley. I promise you, I’ll do as much as I can on my own so this doesn’t interfere with your job at the park.”
Drew nodded. “But what about your ex-husband? Doesn’t he have to pay you support or something?”
“Yes, he was ordered to pay both spousal and child support, but so far I haven’t received anything.” Janie examined her fingernails. “My lawyer has tried to garnish his wages, but my ex works as an independent contractor.” At first she hesitated, not sure how much to share with Drew, but why not? She wasn’t the one who was paid under the table. “Let’s just say, he’s good at hiding his income. It costs me money I don’t have for my attorney to try to chase down the funds.”
The couple continued across the lot. Drew’s car horn sounded as he pushed the button to unlock his truck and pocketed his keys. He opened the passenger door and tossed his portfolio on the seat before turning to Janie. “We’ll make it work. Since we’re already in the first week of June, I don’t think we can open for overnight guests by the Fourth, but a day camp would be doable.”
Janie agreed. Most parents signed their children up for camp months in advance, but she had an idea. “I was thinking about that earlier, while you and Larry were talking. We’ll meet the deadline of opening on the Fourth of July, but not for overnight guests, just a preview of what we’ll have to offer. Then perhaps by late August, we—I mean, I—can host weekend overnights until the weather turns colder, if there’s any interest.”
A beat of silence ticked by before Drew responded. “I think that sounds like a good idea. If it would help, I’d be happy to assist you with your business plan.”
Janie’s feet shuffled, too embarrassed to admit to Drew that she didn’t have the slightest idea what a business plan entailed. Tightness squeezed her chest. She didn’t have a clue what she was doing, just like her ex always told her.
“Oh-kay then,” Drew broke the uncomfortable silence. “We’ll have to file all of the required paperwork for licensing by the state.”
Janie looked up and shook her head. There was no point in trying to fool her old friend. “I hadn’t even thought about that,” she sighed.
“If you’re going to eventually have overnight guests or any sort of cafeteria, you’ll need licensing by the Department of Health,” Drew added.
Oh boy. She was in way over her head. Her palms were slick with moisture. “I had no idea there was so much involved in running a camp. How did Mrs. Applegate do it alone for all of those years after her husband passed away?”
Janie had to admit, the terms of her friend’s will stirred up a lot of emotions she’d tried desperately to keep contained. What if her ex-husband had been right about her being worthless and having no skills? Was she capable of operating a business on her own? But then she remembered Mrs. Applegate had known about the controlling man Janie had married. Her friend knew exactly what she’d been doing by leaving the camp to
Janie. She was providing an opportunity to prove her independence and take control of her life. Janie couldn’t help but wonder if this was also Mrs. Applegate’s way of bringing her and Drew back together again. With everything going to the Alzheimer’s Association if they didn’t meet the deadline, it seemed extreme. Did Mrs. Applegate plan for more than just reigniting their friendship? Her friend knew about her childhood crush. But Janie and Drew a couple? There was no way that would ever happen. After what Janie had experienced throughout her marriage, giving her heart to another man wasn’t in her future.
“How do you know so much about all of this?” she asked.
Drew hesitated before he turned an empty stare in her direction. “Let’s just say once upon a time, I had a dream of my own.”
She wanted to ask Drew to expand on his comment. She was curious about his dream, but it was best to hold her peace and not pry into his business.
When Drew looked at her, the old familiar twinkle in his eyes ignited goose bumps. For a second, she felt calm. Drew could be trusted. She couldn’t say that about many men in her life—her ex had made certain of that by constantly filling her head with demeaning comments. You’re not good enough. You’ll never amount to anything. She forced his words from her mind.
“Thank you so much, Drew. At first I thought I had everything under control...that I could do it all on my own. How could I have been so naive? I’m trying to understand why Mrs. Applegate would leave the property to me.” Janie squeezed her hand into a tight ball and released.
Drew turned to Janie and gently placed his hands on her arm, causing her stomach to flutter. “She understood how much it meant to you—that’s why. I remember watching the two of you together. Like Larry said, she loved you like her own daughter. It only makes sense that she’d pass it along to you. She trusted you to keep her dream alive.”
Janie sucked in a deep breath and exhaled. “Oh boy—that’s a lot of pressure.” What if the camp failed because of her? “I’m not sure I can do this, Drew.” Her voice quivered.
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