I pause. When I made Beth and Mike the offer for the two cabins, I didn’t think much past getting the land. “No,” I say. “The land is just on the outskirts of town.”

She draws back. “Really? Well, what are we building?”

“A home,” I say. “For me.” As soon as I say it, I realize that’s exactly why I bought the land. I didn’t want to be up here on the mountain, onsite at the Colorado Club and always the boss. I want to be home. In Star Falls. I glance at the door, wondering if anyone is ever going to arrive.

She sighs. “So you’re never going to live in this chalet I just killed myself getting ready on time?”

“I’ll need a place while you build my new place,” I say. “And I’ll keep it to host my friends and their families.” There’s no way I’m letting the New York crew pay for membership.

Kathleen sighs. “If that’s what you want.”

The chatter of voices wafts in from the corridor and my insides clench. God, I hope more than two people show up.

Jim is the first to step inside, Sue at his side—followed by about thirty other people. Waitresses offer trays of beer and champagne. There’s also a full bar.

Where did all these people come from? They couldn’t have all fit into one shuttle bus.

“Hey, Byron,” Jim says, approaching me. He hands me a beer, and I take it.

“You came on the shuttle?” I ask.

“Most of us. I left a line of people behind me too,” he says. “And a few people drove.”

My shoulders drop from where they had risen to my ears. “That’s good. People are here.”

“Of course they’re here.” Jim pats me on the back. “Everyone wants to see what you’ve been doing up here and drink free booze.”

I don’t care why they’re here. I’m just happy they came. The people of this town have given me a lot. I’m glad I can give them something in return. Even if it’s a night of free booze.

“You’re a son of this town,” Jim says. “We want to support you. Show you we’ll be there for you.” He pauses. “You just gotta let us.”

I look at the small crowd laughing and chatting, the twinkling lights of Star Falls sparkling in the windows behind them. These are the people I belong with. This is why I bought Beth and Mike’s land. I belong in the valley, not up here on a mountain.

Sue envelops me in a hug. “I’m so proud of you,” she says. “So very proud.”

Her words touch something deep inside me. I shouldn’t need someone to feel proud of me. I’m a man. I’ve made a fortune from nothing. But it feels good.