Chapter 11

Fern begins her gray morning with a ritual kayak, reflecting on how Smoke Lake now soothes her amid pressure at Brookbanks and her complicated feelings about Will. At the lodge, she finds Will studying family photos; his private phone call and stressed demeanor underline how guarded he’s become.

Real estate agent Mira Khan tours the property. Fern pitches ideas to monetize underused spaces, but Mira stays cool and later estimates a seven-figure price, noting chains, a few independents, and developers as likely buyers. Fern rejects any plan to raze Brookbanks, and Mira departs wary of pricing competitiveness.

Seeking privacy, Will takes Fern canoeing. On a secluded beach, he explains the market reality: to sell competitively, most owners slim operations, likely triggering staff cuts, and any buyer—especially a chain—will standardize and replace roles. The prospect nauseates Fern, who’s been reading her late mother’s diary and knows how much the resort meant to Margaret.

Will reassures Fern about her leadership, citing a staff meeting he quietly observed, and urges openness to changing plans. Their talk turns personal: Fern admits a cheating ex and a two-year relationship hiatus; Will reveals his closeness to his grandmother Dottie and the origin of his ring. Rain drives them back, soaked and charged with emotion.

In the storage shed, attraction peaks; Will moves to kiss Fern. She stops him, voicing the hurt of his failure to meet her nine years earlier. He says he feared disappointing her; she insists she can’t trust him and leaves.

After a sleepless night, Fern finds a late-night gift at her door from Will: a card with his sketch of her and a note—“You do know me. And I know you, too.”—plus an album, signaling his continued care.