* * *
The pop of the cork on the sparkling cider sounded with accompanying heartened cheers, and Silas watched as Victor and Isaiah excitedly topped off three glasses. The kids were already in bed for the night, but the three of them stood in the kitchen celebrating Silas’s win.
“Your patience paid off,” Victor said, handing Silas a flute before returning to the other side of the kitchen, where he and Isaiah held each in a casual embrace.
“How does it feel?” his brother asked.
After a drink from his glass, Silas said, “It’s exciting. Can’t wait for what the future holds.”
The husbands exchanged a look.
“What?” he asked them, shifting uncomfortably.
“You don’t seem like someone who’s just gotten a lucky break,” Isaiah said.
“I’m still in shock, I guess,” Silas replied. And who could blame him? Days ago, he’d been contemplating his next steps if Mountaintop didn’t work out for him, and now his name was solely on the deed. It was enough to give a man whiplash.
“How is Raven taking all of this?” Victor asked.
“I think okay,” Silas said with a shrug. “She’s leaving tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Isaiah asked, his eyes widening. “So fast? The lawyer just showed up yesterday.”
“Well, why would she stay if she doesn’t have the business?” Victor asked his husband, and Silas tensed, recalling his inability to commit to co-ownership with Raven. Logically, he knew it was too much of a risk, but there was something inside him that wanted to throw caution to the wind and ask Raven to stay. The only thing holding him back was the fact that the last time he’d ignored reason, he’d gotten on an ATV and ruined his life.
Silas took another swig of his cider, wishing it had the ability to dull some of the feelings coursing through him.
He left his brother’s house for his own after answering several more questions and reassuring comments about his bright future.
In his kitchen, he kept his hands and mind occupied by preparing dinner and sorting through the growing pile of neglected mail. Bills, ads, bills, archery magazine subscriptions, and more ads.
But a manila envelope stood out from the rest, and Silas paused when he saw Chuck’s lawyer’s name and information on the front. With no idea what it could be, Silas sliced open the envelope and removed the letter he found. He immediately recognized his former boss’s slanted, loopy handwriting, and with a hammering heart, Silas took a seat at his kitchen table to read.
Silas,
If you’re reading this, I’m either dead or my son of a bitch lawyer accidentally sent it to you. I really should fire that guy. You know he once billed me for taking a pen from his office? Anyway, this letter is not about my lawyer. It’s about you and Mountaintop.
Mountaintop is my greatest accomplishment. I gave up a lot for it. Love, time, sleep. And sometimes I wonder if it was worth it, but then I drive up that mountain and see the cabin, and I know it was. I can’t imagine a better man to take it over. Build on its legacy. I hope it makes you as happy as it makes me.
- Chuck
P.S. And if I am dead, you better not be sniffling about it. That’s the circle of life, motherfucker.
Silas laughed out loud, wiping the tears that had fallen. It felt good to experience Chuck’s attitude again, even if it was only in writing. His words were also reassuring.
Owning Mountaintop had been Silas’s goal for a while, and he’d pour his focus into running it to the best of his ability and make Chuck proud in the process.
* * *
Raven had packed her bags, made sure she hadn’t left anything in the drawers in her room, and was now officially checked out of the motel she’d called home for weeks.
“Visit, all right?” Linda said as the women hugged in the parking lot.
“I will, and thank you for everything,” Raven said.
“Expect at least a text a week asking for crossword puzzle help.”
“Of course. I’ll be looking forward to them.”
