Regret Came Too Late

They spent another two hours mingling with the rest of the crowd before Grace finally got into Ethan's car to head back to Druville. But the people of Northbrook were still gathered outside, not quite ready to say goodbye.

"Grace, make sure you stop by when it's all done!"

"My family just got a huge relocation payment! It's about a million dollars! I'm buying a house in Druville so I can come see you!"

"How's your back, Grace? I'm really sorry I lost my temper and hit you with that rake before."

Their voices drifted in through the open car window.

The farmers had grown incredibly attached to Grace in just a few days. After all, no one else had ever managed to save Northbrook's apples, let alone turn Northbrook into a future tourist destination.

Decades of bitterness toward Southbrook had finally worn off. They no longer had to worry about the people of Southbrook.

A better future was ahead-one where they could focus on growing apples and helping with development. Gideon Kline's dream was coming true, and they could barely contain their gratitude.

in the rear-view mirror at the people still standing there, unwilling to leave, Grace felt a wave of emotions rush over her. Honestly, she didn't think

had a straightforward honesty that stood in sharp contrast to the vibe in Southbrook.

maybe it's a good thing the tourism project ended up here. The people are genuine, and they'll take good care of visitors. If we had picked Southbrook, I'd be worried they'd start price-gouging tourists

flipping through a folder of documents. He gave

so smoothly since Grace had regained consciousness in the

of them spoke for the

in her seat. By the time she woke up, they were already back in Druville, parked outside

out and gave a polite nod. "Thanks

but he glanced up from his papers and met her eyes. Just as she started wondering if something was on her face,

She turned to head inside, only to find Carmen standing

she marched over. "What on earth happened this time, Grace? Your dad's losing it at home, and