“Not what I was asking,” Dad retorted. “That mine is a mess and in no shape for visitors. We all want it to open, that’s no secret, but have you thought this through? Engaged an engineer?”

Funny how the tone changed when something he wanted was on the table.

“Well, I’m a civil engineer, so it’s not like I don’t have the expertise myself. I’ve worked on far bigger projects from Afghanistan to Somalia. College degree and everything, since résumés seem to be the order of the day. Figure if the United States government trusts me to design and construct dams, bridges, and buildings, you should, too.”

“But the money…?” John Royal questioned.

“The State Historical Fund has offered us a two-hundred-thousand-dollar grant to use as we see fit,” Dorothy added. “I confirmed today that we’d be getting it, though I’m jumping about three places ahead on the agenda.”

“But that’s for the entire district!” Tim Hall blustered. “What about restoring the tannery?”

At least Tim was consistent. He didn’t care what Cam had. He just wanted him gone.

“Running tours through the Rose Rowan will easily add another thirty thousand visitors a year, you stubborn fool,” Dorothy snapped. “Are you telling me you don’t want that? We don’t need it? You’re willing to punish the townspeople of Alba simply because you don’t like Camden Daniels?”

This time, the crowd murmured its assent.

“I’ll help with the mine, too,” I offered, hoping to turn the tide.

“Well, now, I could certainly—” Genevieve interjected.

“I accept Willow’s offer,” Cam cut her off.

Cam turned as he looked at every single member of the council until finally reaching his brother.

“But you don’t have the authority to open the mine,” Xander said, his forehead crinkling. “Not that it’s not what the town needs, but you and I both know it’s incredibly dangerous down there, which was why it was closed in the first place. Just imagine the liability. One tourist goes wandering, and we’re not just a ghost town in name. I’m sorry, Cam, but you just can’t make it safe enough. Speaking for Dad’s half of the Rose Rowan Mining Company, I can’t in good conscience let you do this. Cal may have left you the building on Main Street, but we both own the mining company.”

Every seat on the council turned to look at Xander like he’d licked the candy bar they’d been eyeing.