“The day we met… that was a hard day. But you crashing into our lives was the best thing that ever happened to us. I ain’t a father, but I’d be damn proud to call you my daughter.”

“Ah, Wade,” she mumbles beside me, tears flooding her eyes.

“Nope, don’t get mushy on me yet,” he says, wiping his tears. “I ain’t done.”

The room quiets.

“Next week’s Memorial Day Extravaganza is meant to determine whether or not the store can afford you going forward. But the truth is, Marnie, you’re better than us now. You got the store where it needs to be. You don’t belong behind the counter serving hot dogs or cleaning bathrooms, whether I can afford you or not.”

She gapes beside me. “You’re firing me?”

“Hell, no. Don’t be a numpty,” he returns with his angry glare. “There will always be a place for you at the G&G, even if I have to fire Roy and Christie and hand over my salary to make it happen. You never have to worry about having a job. But you deserve more than a job, Marnie. As your boss, I want to keep you forever. But as your… friend, I want you to pursue something better.”

“What’s better than the G&G?” she asks.

“How ‘bout helping other hurtin’ businesses?” His hand goes up submissively like he expects she might be upset over his idea. “I got a friend in Burgaw who owns a gas station laundromat combo that’s been in tough times for a while. I bragged about everything you’ve been doing for me, and he threatened to steal you away. But, of course, I told him he couldn’t steal family. Anyway, it got me thinking. So, I called him and asked how much he’d be willing to pay to get you to come in and give him an overhaul.”

Wade smirks, shoving his hands in his pockets. “He gave me a number—a dang good number—and I told him to raise it twenty percent. I think you’ll be pleased. Expect his call Monday morning.”

“Ah, Marnie Strange, Business Consultant,” Leonie says. “I can see the business cards now.”

“She’ll save your business and brighten your day,” cheers Mom, adding the tagline.

“I like Marnie Strange, Business Hero, personally,” Ivy claps. “This is fun.”

“I ain’t done,” Wade spits, bringing all eyes back to him. “One last thing.”

He clears his throat and takes a breath, fighting back rarely seen emotion.

“Just so we’re clear—you aren’t leaving the G&G. You’re moving up to part-owner.”

She gasps, hand going to her mouth.