“I, um, you won’t believe this, but I had wondered about something like this. Back when we first talked about it.”
“You did?”
She winced. “There was a lot else going on, which is why I didn’t say anything. But yes, I had wondered whether a site could incorporate a camping side of things as well as what was needed for a special needs’ residence. I agree with Jackie. It just seems so wrong for these poor innocent people to have been ripped off like that.”
Dan nodded, turned to Jackie. “You said you’ve seen the site?”
Jackie looked abashed. “We might’ve ventured there without telling anyone. It’s not like it’s public knowledge that it’s up for sale yet. But from what Anna was saying it sounds like it will go on the market soon, and then it will likely be a free for all among developers who’ll just want to develop the land and sell off hundreds of housing sites. Can you imagine how that would change the local communities, including Muskoka Shores?”
His nose wrinkled. “Everybody might like to own a piece of heaven, but it doesn’t mean they should.”
“Which is why someone who’s known to have invested years into loving Muskoka would make a great ambassador.”
“I need to give this a lot of thought.”
“And a lot of prayer, too,” Linc said. “But we wanted to talk to you first. There are others who might be willing to come on board.”
“Like Toni,” Jackie said. “She loves Muskoka too.”
Sarah nodded. “Her paintings are awesome.”
“And a great advertisement for keeping things natural and protected from over-development,” Jackie said. “And her husband Matt is involved in property investment, and knows a few things about how to take on projects of this size.”
Sarah’s head tilted. “What was that fundraising group Anna said her mother was involved in? The Musko-cheers or something?”
Jackie smiled. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“If it’s that we might need to see if they would like some younger members, then yes I am.”
How quickly theworld could pivot. One minute, feeling like he was facing a fog and at a loss as to what his future held. The next, pieces of the puzzle falling into place like they’d been dropped from heaven. Which was true. And should be expected. For if people prayed for God to open the doors, then they should expect some of those doors to open eventually.
Between this proposal from Linc and Jackie, and contacting his old university and learning he could do some courses part time, he felt like they were taking positive steps forward. Even if Sarah still seemed to be battling exhaustion, that had him second-guessing whether he should go to Peterborough for a hockey skills camp with lots of young teens.
“Sar? Are you sure you’re okay? Do I need to stay?”
“I’m fine. Just tired.”
“Then can you please visit the doctor to get your iron levels checked?”
“My iron levels?”
“Look, I remember Bree Vaughan had problems with her iron, so you need to be careful.”
“I’m fine,” she insisted. “I’ve just been doing lots of prep for the tour.” She held up a hand. “Please don’t say anything. I’ll be fine. I can’t wait to see my family in eight weeks.”
Eight weeks. They had a lot to deal with in eight weeks. His preseason training had ramped up, as had her conversations with Jackie and Serena about forming a committee of potential Young Musko-cheers, as they called themselves, that they hoped would include Toni, Anna, and Staci. Then Sarah was prepping for her tour, and he had to organize something special for her birthday. Her birthday? What would she like?
He knew it was a super lame husband question to ask, but he didn’t like to get it wrong. “Hey Sar Bear, what do you want for your birthday?”
She eyed him, her lips pulling to one side.
He exhaled. That was a given. “Apart from that.”
Her lips lifted. “I don’t know. How about a new fishing rod?”
“Done.”
“Don’t you dare!”
