“You should use your money on a better investment than this.”

“There is no better investment than this,” Kate said, turning to stare at her daughter on the dock. Three girls Devin’s age had now joined her. They were laughing, their hands animated as they talked. The girls ran back up to the lawn and beckoned Devin to follow them. Devin looked behind her at the lake once, before running after them.

“You need to move on,” Eby said. “We all do. Even Wes.”

That got Kate’s attention. “What does Wes have to do with this?”

“He’s going into business with his uncle, Lazlo.”

“Wait. Uncle?” Kate’s entire demeanor changed. “Lazlo is Wes’s uncle?”

“He didn’t tell you?”

“No. What do you mean, he’s going into business with him?”

“Once my deal with Lazlo goes through, Wes is going to give his land to his uncle as an investment in the development. That’s one of the reasons I can’t go back. Everything is already in motion.”

It took Kate a moment to respond. “So he has a vested interest in your selling this place.”

“I don’t know if I would call it that,” Eby said, picking up her plastic fork and knife, getting ready to tackle the overcooked steak in front of her. Her last meal as owner of this place. At least dessert was going to be good. “Wesley’s relationship to this place is complicated.”

They both turned when Lazlo called out over the crowd, “Can I have your attention everyone!”

Kate stood, then hesitated. “Don’t sign anything. Not just yet. Promise me you’ll wait just a little while today.”

“All right,” Eby said curiously, and watched her disappear into the crowd.

*   *   *

“Thank you all for coming!” Lazlo said, as if this had all been his idea. Bulahdeen, back from disposing of the sign, looked furious that he was calling attention to what she’d been trying so hard to hide. “As you know, Eby has decided to sell Lost Lake.”

The crowd made noises of disappointment, and Lazlo nodded, like he understood their feelings, even shared them. Kate found Wes easily. He was taller than most, and his russet hair glinted in the sun. He was watching Lazlo dispassionately. He didn’t look like someone pleased to be going into business with this man. Not that she blamed him. But still, he was.

“I know, I know,” Lazlo continued. He was sweating profusely, and he dabbed at his face with a paper napkin. “But let’s look at this as a step forward!”

Kate came to a stop beside Wes. He seemed aware of her presence before he even turned, like her closeness caused a change in the atmosphere surrounding him. He turned his head and smiled at her.

She stared straight ahead. “Is he really your uncle?”

His smile faded. He didn’t ask how she’d found out. He turned back to watch Lazlo. “Yes.”