“It will be,” she says with a smile. “I can’t wait for you to see them. I also have my eye on a piece of property in the park that just went on the market.”

“As in, inside Glacier Park?”

“Yeah,” she says with a nod. “There are about a dozen private residences inside the park. This one is on Lake McDonald, and it’s gorgeous. I know I could rent it out most of the year.”

“Absolutely. You should do it!”

“I’m sinking a shit ton of money into the tree houses right now,” she says and wrinkles her nose. “But I may never have the chance to own property in the park again.”

“Exactly. Do it. I’m serious. I’ll go in on it with you.”

“You’re a good friend.” A slow smile slides over her perfect lips. Jenna looks annoyingly like Grace Kelly. If she wasn’t so wonderful, we might all hate her. “I’ll just get another loan for it. I know it would pay for itself in less than three years.”

“Sounds like a no brainer.”

She claps her hands excitedly. “Now to get those tree houses finished and rented out so they can start paying for themselves, too.”

“Do you mind if I fold out the awning?”

“Not at all,” she says as I stand and roll out the awning, casting us in blessed shade.

“That’s better. I was starting to sweat, and no one wants that.”

“No,” Jenna says with a laugh. “My mom likes you.”

“I feel bad because I was nervous and I’ve hardly said three words to her.”

“She likes you,” she says again. “And I know my brother likes you.”

“I should hope so. He’s naked with me a lot.”

“Ew,” Jenna says and then laughs. “But good for you guys.”

“Am I missing good stuff up here?” Grace asks and joins us. “Also, side note, be very proud of me for climbing that ladder and not dying.”

“Very proud.” I smile as Grace sits opposite of us, so she can see us and takes her sunglasses off.

“I don’t know how I’ll get down. Me going down a ladder doesn’t sound like a good idea.”

“You can slide down the slide,” Jenna suggests, and just like that my anxiety is in high gear again.

“I’ll help you down the ladder,” I offer immediately.

Grace just laughs, oblivious to my inner turmoil and changes the subject.

“Did you hear that Louise Summers sold her clothing boutique in town?”

“I did,” Jenna says with a nod. “Didn’t she retire?”

“Yes, and Willa Monroe bought it. She’s doing some remodeling, and I saw her in the grocery store last week, and she said she’s going to update it, make it super pretty and trendy. Bring in some higher end clothing lines. I’m excited to see what she does.”

“I always liked Willa,” Jenna says with a smile.

“Who is Willa?” I ask.

“Willa and Max used to date in high school,” Jenna replies and shakes her head. “My stupid brother let her get away. She’s widowed now, with a little boy, Jack.”

“He’s adorable,” Grace says. “Has Max seen her since he’s been home?”

“I doubt it,” Jenna replies and looks around to make sure her brother isn’t in ear shot. “I told him to call her, but he’s a stubborn ass.”

“Well, she’s having a fun grand opening party next Friday evening, and I think we should go.”

“That sounds fun,” I reply. “I’m in.”

“Me too,” Jenna adds. “Cunningham Falls can use a trendy new clothes store. Let’s plan a night of it.”

“Are you guys up there?” Jacob calls out from the lower deck.

“We are,” Grace calls back.

“We have food down here. I’ll come get you, love.”

Before Grace can reply, he’s scaled up the ladder and scoops her up in his arms, kissing her sweetly.

“How are you?” he asks.

“I’m just fine. I wasn’t going to try to go down the ladder without you.”

“Good girl.” He nuzzles her neck, then walks to the ladder and sets her down, wedging her between him and ladder, helping her down.

“He’s sweet,” Jenna says. “And hello, British accent.”

“I know, it ups the hot factor,” I reply with a laugh. “Let’s go eat. I’m hungry.”

We shimmy down the ladder to find everyone back on the pontoon.

“There you are,” Brad says and pulls me to him for a kiss that makes my toes curl. “You look beautiful in this suit.”

“Thank you. What is there to eat?”

“Sandwiches, salads, and cookies for dessert. Oh, and some fruit.”

Max and Brad give each other a hard time about their water skiing adventure, Jenna, Jacob, and Grace are chatting in a corner, and Mary and Bruce are eating, watching us all with content faces.

“Are you happy to be home?” I ask them.

“Always,” Bruce says with a wink. “We hardly left for thirty years because I always worked so damn much. It’s been good to see some of the world with my bride.”

I smile, watching how sweet Brad’s parents are with each other. What must it have been like to grow up in a house that was functional?

Tags: Kristen Proby Big Sky Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net