Mostly it was just . . . her. Only there was no just about it. And maybe for the first time since he’d first heard Maggie reminisce about her Robert, he could understand how a man might be willing to put his whole heart on the line in only a matter of days.

“So the treehouse is just the beginning?”

Lilian’s question pulled him away from the thoughts that both thrilled and terrified him. Thrilled for obvious reasons. Terrified because for once in his life, he wanted something more in his future. He loved this farm and his people and his simple life by the sea.

But in eleven short days, Sydney Rose had opened his eyes to other possibilities, too. Only he didn’t have a clue what to do about it. Maybe they could try dating long-distance for a time. But could he really make that work while keeping up with the farm and beginning a new side business?

“Neil, what is with you this morning? You’re almost as spacey as Syd.”

Lilian smirked at Indi’s remark. Shouldn’t surprise him. She might’ve pretended last night not to have realized what exactly she was interrupting when she showed up in the clearing, but his sister was plenty perceptive.

“Uh, right. The treehouse. Just the beginning, yes—at least, that’s my hope. It’s all going to depend on what Maggie says.”

Because as he’d been reminded in stark detail this week, this land was hers. Going behind her back to build the treehouse was plenty questionable as it was. At least he’d used his own savings, but if he really wanted to invest in this idea and build two or three more rentals around the property, he’d more than likely need to take out a small business loan. And he’d probably need to do it in Muir Farm’s name rather than his own.

Which meant everyone needed to be in on this, Maggie most of all.

“Well, I think it’s genius.” Indi rose from her perch. “I love the idea. Even if you did show Lil the treehouse first—before me.”

“Wasn’t the first.” Lil gave him that knowing look again. One of these days he was probably in for a full interrogation. But she spared him now. “I love the idea, too. What’s more, you love the idea. I think that might matter even more than however much money this venture can bring in.”

A surprise tenderness had entered Lilian’s voice and she went on. “Don’t think I don’t know you skipped college so Maggie could save more toward my and Indi’s education.”

“I skipped college because I knew I’d be taking over the farm.” Because he’d known he could learn whatever he needed from Maggie and her uncles and a few online classes. And, well, yes, he’d known even back then that Lilian—president of her freshman debate team and star mock-trial competitor—would need and want years with her nose in textbooks more than he ever would.

“I wouldn’t have my stores without you, Neil.” Indi rounded the desk. “You didn’t just support me financially. You helped fix up the place. You helped haul inventory. Most of all, you encouraged me and made me believe it could be a success. So this is me—us—telling you we believe this can be a success, too.”