"In that tiny town? Aiden, there aren't any jobs there. For me, or for you."
I search my brain trying to find a way to make this work. An idea pops in my head but I want to make sure it's possible before I say anything to Sophie.
"I need to talk to someone," I say.
"About what?"
"I'll tell you later. Just promise me you'll at least consider staying."
"In Vermont?" she says, sounding confused.
"Yes. In the town that we love so much." I kiss her, then rest my forehead on hers. "The town where we fell in love."
"Love?" she asks, her lips turning up.
"I love you, Sophie."
Her smile drops. "Aiden."
"I know it's soon, but I do. I love you."
"I love you too," she whispers, a tear slipping down her cheek. "But I thought I lost you."
"You didn't lose me. And I don't want to lose you. So please, tell me you'll consider staying."
She nods, sniffling.
I kiss her again, then take a step back. "I have to go. I have a lot to do." I look around at the boxes. "You need help with this?"
"No, I got a couple college guys to help. I'm paying them with pizza and beer."
I pull out my wallet and hand her four twenties. "Is that enough? If not, I can run down to the ATM and get more."
"Aiden, I'm not taking your money."
She tries to give it back but I'm already at the door. "I have to go."
"Wait!" She races to the door.
"I'm not taking the money back."
"That's not what I was doing." She smiles, then reaches up to kiss me. "You didn't kiss me goodbye. When will I see you?"
"I'll call and let you know. You're leaving right now?"
"Yeah, I rented that van I had before. It should fit everything."
"Have a safe trip. Call me when you get there."
"I will."
I turn to leave, then turn back and take Sophie in my arms. "That wasn't good enough for a goodbye kiss." I kiss her, a long passionate kiss that would lead to a lot more if some college guys weren't about to show up. "I love you. I'll see you soon."
A huge smile fills her face. "Love you too."
I race down the hall to the elevator, and when I get to the street I walk so fast I'm practically running. I need to hurry back to my apartment and call Tom and see if this is even possible. It's a long shot, but Tom's a dreamer like me. And he's got a romantic side. That might be all I need to convince him of the deal I'm about to propose.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Aiden
"I know you won't be getting all the money up front, but I'd give you a portion of the profits until it's paid off," I say to Tom after explaining my offer.
The deal I'm proposing to Tom is that he sell the inn to me on a payment plan that would give him a percentage of the profits until the inn is paid off. Since he needs money now to help with medical expenses, I'd give him a large down payment. I've made a lot of money the past few years, both at my job and with my investments, and I'm willing to put all of it towards the down payment. From a financial standpoint it's a risky move, but I believe in my heart it's the right thing to do. I feel like everything I've done up until now has been leading me to this moment. To this place. To this decision that'll change the course of my life.
"It'll take years to pay off with the kind of money we're talking about," Tom says, sounding hesitant.
The offer I gave him for the inn was the amount listed in the original contract, the one Tom never saw. It's a lot of money but it's what the place is worth.
"I understand that," I say to Tom, "but I'm willing to do it. This is what I want. I've never been so sure of anything in my life."
"Aiden, I think you need to give this more thought. Sure it's nice to come here for a weekend or two, but living here all the time is a different story. You're used to living in New York. Boston. Big cities with lots to do. This would be a huge change."
"I know, and I'm ready for it."
"What if Sophie doesn't agree to it? What if she moves away? Are you still willing to do this?"
I think on that a moment, realizing he's right. I really want to do this, but is it worth doing if Sophie's not part of it? This whole time I've been imagining her beside me, helping me run the inn, but there's a good chance she'll say no. She already has a job back in Kansas. Would she give it up to stay here in Vermont?
"I think you need to talk to her," Tom says. "If she says no, and you decide you don't want to do this, I understand."
"Wait—so are you saying you're open to the idea?"
"Well, I can't very well take the offer I have now. It's not even half what the place is worth."
"It's just a starting point. They know you'll negotiate higher."
"Are you saying I should negotiate with them?"
"No. I mean, it's up to you. I can't make this decision for you, but I can tell you that the inn's not going to be the same if they buy it."
"What are their plans?" he asks, concern in his voice.
I can't tell him that. It's confidential, and if anyone at the firm found out I told Tom this information, I could be sued. It's in the agreement I signed when I took the job. Even if I no longer work there, I'm still not allowed to share confidential information with a client.
"I'm sorry, Tom, but I can't tell you that."
He's quiet a moment, then says, "They're tearing it down. That's why they're offering such a
