Chapter 62
They spent another two hours mingling with the rest of the Northbrook residents before Grace finally got into Ethan’s car to head back to Druville. But the people of Northbrook were still gathered outside, not quite ready to say goodbye.
“Grace, make sure you stop by when it’s all done!”
“My family just got a huge relocation payment—about a million dollars! I’m buying a house in Denville so I can come see you!”
“How’s your back, Grace? I’m really sorry I lost my temper and hit you with that rake before.”
The wires drifted in through the open car window. The farmers had grown incredibly attached to Grace in just a few days. After all, no one else had ever managed to save Northbrook’s apples, let alone turn Northbrook into a future tourist destination. Decades of bitterness toward Southbrook had finally worn off. They no longer had to worry about the people of Southbrook. A better future lay ahead—one where they could focus on pressing apples and helping with development. Gideon Kline’s dream was coming true, and they could barely contain their excitement.
Glancing in the rear-view mirror at the people still standing there, unwilling to leave, Grace felt a wave of emotions rush over her. Honestly, she didn’t think she had done all that much. From the oldest to the youngest, everyone in Northbrook had a straightforward honesty that stood in sharp contrast to the people of Southbrook. She took a deep breath and managed a small smile.
“Mr. Henderson, maybe it’s a good thing the tourism project ended up here. The people are genuine, and they take good care of visitors. If we had picked Southbrook, I’d be worried they’d be price-gouging tourists in no time.”
Ethan was flipping through a folder of documents. He gave a quiet hum. This was the first project that had gone so smoothly since Grace had regained consciousness in the hospital. The success left her feeling a quiet sense of satisfaction.
Neither of them spoke for the rest of the drive. Worn out, Grace drifted off in her seat. By the time she woke up, they were already back in Drawville, parked outside her neighborhood.
She quickly hopped out and gave a polite nod. “Thanks for the lift home, Mr. Henderson.”
The thought that he would leave right away crossed her mind, but he glanced up from his papers and met her eyes. Just as she started wondering if something was on her face, he looked away and rolled up the window.
Grace stood still, feeling somewhat awkward. She turned to head inside, only to find Carmen standing at the entrance. Carmen’s face was tight as she marched over. “What on earth happened this time, Grace? Your dad’s losing it at home, and Alice is upset too. Come back with me and apologize.”
Her tone was calmer this time, not as sharp as before. She thought Grace would give in and come home right away, but Grace barely looked at her before turning away. Carmen had assumed that as long as she spoke up, Grace would go back to being the obedient daughter she used to be. But now that she was being ignored, her temper flared up right away. “What’s with the attitude?” she snapped. “The whole family is miserable because of you! Have you ever stopped to think about why Yancey doesn’t want you?”
“Oh, I have, Mama Lambert,” Grace said flatly. “It’s because I have a sister who keeps throwing herself at him. Men are weak when temptation’s that obvious, so I’ve decided to leave him. Funny thing is, you were mad when I wanted him, and now you’re mad when I don’t.”
Carmen shook with rage. “Have you lost your mind? How dare you say that about Alice?”
Grace stopped in her neighborhood, her voice ice-cold. “Stop looking for me. I’ve already told you I’ve cut ties with all of you. And as for my engagement to Yancey, I’ll go to the Hendersons myself and call it off.”
After years of Care constantly giving in, Carmen couldn’t handle the sudden change. She took a deep breath and muttered, “Don’t come crying to me later. You always pull these stunts just to get our attention.”