“I’ve decided not to become a junior executive at the company.” In response to his statement, Connor’s mouth went slack.
“You’re joking, right?” Connor stammered.
Braden met his brother’s steady gaze from across the table. “I respect you too much to ever do that. I’m serious, Connor.”
Connor ran a hand through his hair. “It’s all we’ve ever talked abo
ut since we were kids. What happened to change your mind?” Connor’s expression gutted Braden. He appeared crestfallen by the news. It packed an extra punch since his older brother rarely showed his emotional side. Ever since they were little, Connor had been the stoic one. He prayed his brother would understand and not feel betrayed by his decision. He was one of the most important people in his life, and he treasured their brotherly bond.
“Where do I start?” Braden let out a ragged sigh. “It’s not where my heart lies at the moment. I love North Star Chocolates and the legacy our family has created. It gives me an immeasurable sense of pride to even be affiliated with it, but I can’t imagine I’d be happy stuck behind a desk all day. I’m just not that guy. I can’t imagine I ever will be.”
“Maybe we can work something out. It’s not all drudgery. There’s travel to Switzerland and Belgium to attend meetings and chocolatier conferences.” Connor’s expression brightened. His voice sounded hopeful. “You love to travel.”
Braden crossed his hands in front of him. “I don’t think so. I’ve spent the last three years running from things I haven’t been able to face up to. I can’t do that anymore. Now that our family is whole with Sage back in the fold, I have to commit myself to living my best life.”
Connor sat back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. Braden knew his brother was floored by the information he’d just dumped on him.
After a few moments, Connor said, “I get it, Braden. I’m sad we won’t be working together, but I’m happy you’re back here in our hometown. That means a lot to me. Having you back is the most important thing.”
His shoulders sagged with relief. “Thanks, Connor. You’ve always been one of my biggest supporters.”
“That won’t ever change. I promise. So what do you see yourself doing?” He dipped his spoon back in his oatmeal and pushed a large amount into his mouth. “At least you have your trust fund to help you get something started.”
Connor was right. Their grandparents had set up sizable trust funds for him, Connor and Sage. Although he’d used some of his money to travel all over the world for the past few years, he still had a considerable amount left, some of which he wanted to use to help support Pie in the Sky. Although Piper had frowned on accepting money to help her turn things around at the Snowy Owl, he was determined to become one of her investors. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer. For now, it would be his secret.
He cupped his hands around his mug and took a swig of the sweet smelling hot chocolate. “I love the great outdoors and all of the adventures I’ve experienced over the last few years. But I also hate being away from the people I love here in Owl Creek, so I’ve got to figure out a way of merging all of those things into a career I can really be proud of. I want to go to work every day knowing I’m doing what my heart is calling me to do.”
“If anyone can do it, you can. You’ve always had a knack for finding your way through the difficult times. You’ve got this.”
Connor stood up and came around to Braden’s side of the table. Braden stood up and the brothers hugged it out. When they pulled apart, Connor heartily clapped Braden on the back. “I need to head over to the factory. Now that I can’t dump half the work on you, I’d better get to it,” he teased. As Connor headed out of the kitchen, Braden let out a sigh of relief. He’d been so worried about his big brother’s reaction to his decision, but like always, Connor had a way of surprising him by his compassion and understanding. It was part of what made him such an exceptional person.
Footsteps sounded behind him. When he turned around, Beulah was standing a few feet away from him, a quizzical expression etched on her face. Dressed in her signature pearls, she was wearing a hunter green skirt and a black silk shirt. Her hair was perfectly coiffed as if she had just left a salon.
“So, when were you going to share the news with me?” Beulah asked, hands on her hips.
“Grandma. I didn’t know you were still here. How much of our conversation did you hear?”
She frowned. “Enough to know what you’ve decided about your future at North Star Chocolates.”
Braden’s heart sank. He hated hurting his grandmother. Her dream had always been to bring the North family together to work for their chocolate empire. Even though Sage was a teacher, she still worked in a part-time capacity for North Star Chocolates. He would be the first one to veer away from the North family business. He hated being the one to break the chain.
“I’m sorry. I feel like I’ve come back home after all this time only to disappoint you.”
Beulah crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her booted foot on the hardwood floor. “Who said you disappointed me? If there’s one thing I hate, it’s when people put words in my mouth. You’re my grandson, Braden North. It’s practically impossible for you to let me down.”
Braden regarded her with a skeptical eye. “Even if I won’t be working for North Star Chocolates?”
Beulah gifted him with a beatific smile. “Even if you were to move to Tahiti and open up a surf shop, I’d still be your biggest fan.”
Braden chuckled. “You know I don’t know how to surf. Not sure I can even picture it.” He winked at her. “I’m an Alaskan, through and through.”
Beulah reached out and swept her palm across his cheek. “My point is...you’re special to me, Braden. Always have been. Always will be. Family is everything. I’ll always want you to be close by, but I care about your happiness, wherever it may lead you.”
Braden leaned down and pressed a kiss on Beulah’s temple. “It led me straight back to Owl Creek. It’s exactly where I want to be.”
“This town wasn’t the same without you,” she said, tears glistening in her eyes. “Just ask Piper. She walked around town like a shell of her former self after you left.”
“Don’t forget she was in mourning for her father,” he explained. Once again guilt threatened to swallow him up whole. “I suppose my departure didn’t help matters any.”
