I found the bank letter on the table when Cole came in from the woods.
This one carried a signature. The bank would consider a loan secured against the north acreage. It was the same acreage Rook wanted, and the same land that held the river crossing.
"It would keep the lodge open," I said.
Cole removed his coat. "For a while."
"It's a way to survive the winter."
"It's a way to give the bank a claim on the land."
"If you don't pay, yes."
"And if I do pay, I still owe them interest."
I put my hands on the letter. "The guests are coming back. We can pay it."
"Maybe."
"Do you want to lose the lodge?"
"No."
"Then what are you asking me?"
"I'm asking whether you want to take this risk with me."
The question undid something in my chest. I had been waiting for him to ask me to stay.
