Happy Reading Everyone!

Comment below, let us know your thoughts about the chapter.

Chapter 23

So what now?

Tris' POV

I sit stunned by the current events that have happened in the last few hours. I feel so many mixed emotions from the unexpected turn of events. First we were selling with no hope in making my parents rethink their decision. Then it was Tobias and I trying to change his father's mind on what to do with the resort when he finally bought it and now what… We're staying? Keeping the resort?

It's what I always wanted. What I always dreamt of… But to what extent? My parents are right, they are tired and need their rest. My father can't keep up with things as it is. Caleb just about already has one foot out the door. So that leaves me. Although I am more than willing to take on the resort, I also know that my parents would never leave if it was all just on my shoulders.

"Why don't I get us some coffee?" My mother says, glancing around the small table. My father's face shows conflicted emotions as the events of this morning sinks in.

"Here, um… Let me help you," I begin to collect myself onto my feet.

"Oh, it's okay, sweetheart. I've got it." She insisted. She begins to drag out the mugs.

"Should we call Caleb down?" My father asked.

"I don't think so. At least not until we decide what to do." My mother says, she glances down at an empty mug lost in thought before she continues, "He was just so excited to get back to his and Susan's life. Perhaps we can make that happen, somehow?"

"Perhaps… Somehow." My father answers, nodding. He suddenly looks more tired, as if he hasn't slept in months.

"Dad…" I begin, feeling the sudden guilt overwhelm me.

"It's alright Beatrice… it will sort itself out." My father says, his voice matching his tone. "But one thing is for sure… We won't be selling to that awful man." My father says, glancing at Tobias with sympathy.

"Andrew, I apologize for what it's worth." Tobias sighs.

"None of this is your fault, Tobias." My father assures him.

"Yes, you have nothing to apologize for." My mother tells him, placing four mugs of steaming hot coffee in front of us and settling back into her chair beside me. "If anything, it has placed us all on the right path…" She says, glancing between Tobias and I.

I see the worry on her face as she glances at my father, "We earned our time to rest." She said, her voice showing a slight disappointment.

"Yes, we did." My father agrees, placing his hand over hers. "But it seems that our time may not be here yet."

"What if it didn't have to be that way?" I ask, I pause to wait to make sure all eyes are on me before I continue, "What if I ran it? Took it over like you did?" I ask. Wasn't that always the plan? To pass it on to both Caleb or I.

"Beatrice, that's a very kind offer… But it's a heavy burden to take on, on your own." My father begins.

"Your father's parents wouldn't even think about passing it to us until we were married and committed to this place." My mother takes over explaining. My stomach drops, disappointed that they don't have the faith in me to run this place.

"What if Tris wasn't in it alone?" Tobias asks, breaking the silence. We all turn towards him, shocked by what he is saying. Does he mean?

"Well Caleb sure never had an interest in being here. And it isn't fair to ask him otherwise." My mother says, jumping to the wrong conclusion. But I already know what Tobias meant by not alone, he means him.

"I meant… What if I stayed and committed to it?" He asks. The room goes silent as we all take in what he is offering. What is he offering? Partnership? Or marriage?

"Actually… I have some money put away; I can invest it in this place. Buy at least half of the place out. Enough for you both to buy a small place to live, like you both wanted. Tris and I can run things. She knows the place in and out, and I have the business mind to run the rest." He insists. He reaches out for me to take his hand, his eyes boring into mine as I eagerly take it. "This is where I am meant to be. Where I want to be." He says, making my heart melt. I glance at my parents who are both smiling pleasantly at each other. Tobias and I wait patiently as they both think things over. My mother is the first one to nod her head at my father, smiling at the thought of Tobias' offer.

"I'll speak with the Attorney first thing tomorrow; I'll have the paperwork drawn up." My father agrees. He lets go of my mother's hand, reaching over the table to shake Tobias' hand. My mother and I share a smile letting the other know how excited and happy we are for the other. Both pleased with our new paths ahead.

I sigh, resting my back against Tobias' chest. His warm, strong arms wrapped around me. After our long conversations earlier. My mother and father both gave Tobias and I their blessing in taking over the resort. My father even gave us his blessing on the renovations that will take place in the next year or so. It was a surprise blessing that I wanted so long ago and never got.

It was a pleasant afternoon alright, Tobias, my mother and father and I worked together in the kitchen all day. Making the perfect turkey for Christmas Eve dinner. Mother and I focused more on the baking, while Tobias and my father were in charge of the turkey and a few side dishes. It was interesting watching them discuss the importance of each side dish and why it was more important for some than the others to be placed on the tables.

Once everything was well under control. Each couple broke off to change and freshen up for dinner. Tobias and I agreed my parents should go first, seeing they were obviously worn out from the long day.

"So was that okay?" Tobias asked when we were finally alone.

"Was what okay?" I asked, confused. I paid a little closer attention to the knife in my hand as I was cutting yet another onion for the salad.

"Offering to buy half of the resort. I mean, you don't mind me hanging around do you?" He asks. I felt the sudden heat on my cheeks, hating the obvious giveaway.

"That depends," I say, pausing for his attention.

"Depends on what?" He asks.

"Depends on if you are hanging around as a business partner or as my partner." I finally got out. I know this is all insane… After all, it's been less than a week since he arrived. This has all moved so fast, yet it doesn't feel that way. It feels right. Tobias stood behind me, his hands gently on top of mine. I release the knife to him easily before he turns me around in his arms.

"I thought I made myself clear." He says, gazing into my eyes. "I'm all in, Tris. This place… You… all of it. I am where I belong. Got it?" He says, making sure I hear him loud and clear. No more doubting me.

"So… does that mean we are moving into the top apartment?" I joked.

"Together? Yeah… I don't think I can ever sleep another night without you." He reached out, cradling my face between his hands.

"Me either," I whispered before our lips met.

"What are you thinking about that is making you blush so much?" Tobias asks, whispering into my ear, sending shivers up and down my spine.

"About sleeping," I confessed.

"Mmm, your bed or mine?" He asks.

"Doesn't matter," I say, right in time for my father to begin his last reading of T'was the night before Christmas Story. Next year, it will be Tobias giving the reading. A sad and pleasant night indeed.

"T'was the night before Christmas. When all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."