“I think we’ve spent long enough on this issue,” he says smoothly. “I table a motion that we delay voting on the permit approval until we’ve had time to conduct the proper environmental studies. All those in favor?” He looks around the table of council members. There’s a unanimous sound of “ayes.”

“Motion passed.” The mayor bangs his gavel. “Permits will be delayed.”

Relief floods through me. I won!

But at the same time, my joy is bittersweet. Ash’s shoulder’s sag, and I can see the disappointment on his face. He worked hard on this development—he works hard at everything he does—and now it might all be for nothing.

I wish it didn’t have to be like this.

There’s a rush of conversation as the meeting lets out. People mill about, gossiping over the result. I sink back in my seat, exhausted from the stress of it all, but I’m still not able to relax completely. I’ve bought some time, but I don’t know what difference it’ll make. For all I know, they’ll do a survey next week and find no reason to stop the construction. Then I’ll be right back at square one again.

Ash clearly agrees, because he steams forwards through the crowd to talk to the council.

“How long do you think these surveys will take?” Ash’s jaw clenches together in a frustrated line. “I’ve got contractors arriving next week. We’re on a schedule here.”

“You better hold your horses,” Albus tells him. “Who knows when we’ll be done? There’s always a delay with the county about one thing or another. It could be months before we get someone out to start checking.”

Ash’s face falls. “We need to start construction before the weather turns,” he says, looking shell-shocked. “Lay the foundations, get the frame up…”

“Not before winter.” Albus looks sympathetic. “Still, the land will still be there next year.”

And so will I.

A six-month grace period may not seem like much, but it could be enough time to establish Rose Cottage as a real business, and shore up support with our guests to guarantee repeat booking. I’ll have the rest of the summer season, at least: months without the noise and chaos of construction ruining everyone’s vacations.

I really did it!

I hug Dad for real this time, and then Juliet is beside me too. “Congratulations!” she says, embracing me. “I’m so happy for you.”

“But what about…?” I trail off, looking over towards Ash again.

Juliet grins. “Please, just because everyone in this town is connected somehow, it doesn’t mean I’m not on your side. You’ve worked so hard on the B&B, I know how much it means to you.”

“Thanks.” I smile, unable to keep the happiness from my face. “I feel like a huge weight’s been lifted from my shoulders! At least I have a chance now to make the business thrive.”

“We need to celebrate,” Juliet declares. “Drinks at Jimmy’s?”

“Sure,” I laugh. “Dad?”

“I have to get back to catch my flight,” he replies. “But you go have fun with your friends.”

I hug him tightly as he gets his things together. “Thanks for coming down,” I tell him again.

“Any time you need, I’ll be right here,” he promises.

“No intervention necessary?” I tease.

He chuckles. “I promise. I’m proud of you, sweetie. Your mom is too. You’re making a real home here,” he adds, looking around. “I know that’s always meant a lot to you.”

I walk him out, still overwhelmed with emotion. I’m so happy I managed to save the B&B, but when I catch sight of Ash outside on the sidewalk, that elation fades. I say my goodbyes to Dad, and wave him off in his rental car, then turn back to Ash.

I don’t know what to say to him, I just know I need to say something.

“Hey,” I approach softly. He turns, his expression blank and unreadable. “I just wanted to tell you, I’m sorry how all this turned out…” I trail off. I don’t know how to explain the regret mingling with relief in my bloodstream. “I mean, I wish it hadn’t been you.”

“But it was.” Ash arches an eyebrow at me, remote. “And like you said, it’s always personal.”

“I didn’t mean—” I start to protest, but he walks away without a backwards glance, leaving me alone on the sidewalk.

My heart falls.

I knew fighting him on the hotel would put an end to whatever was building between us, and I still can’t get my head around his decision to threaten the B&B in the first place, but still… I want to go back to how it was before all this mess started: just him and me, curled up in bed in the early morning sun.

Happy.

Free.

Except, even then, he had put this in motion, I remind myself. I shouldn’t feel guilty for protecting my dreams.

“Ready to go toast your victory?” Juliet links an arm through mine.

“Absolutely.” I force myself to look away from Ash’s figure, striding away from me. I turn back to what I do still have: a group of friends and supporters who stood by me and helped keep Rose Cottage in business. “First round’s on me!”

I stay out late at Jimmy’s, celebrating the temporary victory. So many people come over, telling me how they knew my grandmother, and how proud she would be to see me continuing on her legacy. It makes me feel at home, knowing that I’m still a part of the community she loved. She built something here with pure force of will, and it’s an honor to keep that family tradition alive.