The bank's decision arrived on a Monday.
They would not approve a full buyout. They would approve a smaller loan if we sold the lower field and reduced the company's operating debt. The Bellwether Garden Trust had already made a formal offer. If we accepted, the grant could continue, but the ceremony plans for that section would be canceled.
The offer was enough to cover the balloon payment and fund the repairs. It would not be enough for me to buy Daniel's share outright.
I read the letter twice, then printed it and put it in the mediation folder.
Daniel came to my office an hour later. He had the same letter open on his tablet.
"So this is it," he said.
"This is one option."
"The only option that keeps the company open."
"The other is selling the whole property."
"Which I don't
