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“Sports memorabilia.” His grin stretched wide. He was in a perfect position to start. But where?
“That’s a great idea. Except where would you open it? You are thinking brick-and-mortar versus online, right?”
“I was just wondering which direction to go.” Jay couldn’t imagine staying in Peachwood Bay, even if he somehow managed to get on good terms with his father. The town was just too small for a sports memorabilia store to actually rake in income.
But if he had an online store, he could potentially store items in an office space in his home or rent out a storage unit.
Ryan rubbed his beard, his gaze direct. “So what’s happening with you and Bebe?”
“We’re going out on Friday.” He couldn’t stop the grin on his face. “She wants it to be a working date. Only I kind of made some other arrangements that make it adatedate.” She was going to love it ... he hoped. The Bebe he knew in the past would love his plans. He hoped it was also the right move for the Bebe of now.
“Does that mean Peachwood Bay is a prospect?” Ryan raised a brow.
“I don’t know if there’s a market for something like that here. Atlanta, yes. But people down here like seafood, boats, and football. Probably in that order too.”
“Yeah, but football and the South go hand in hand. I’m sure people own plenty of sports memorabilia down here. Don’t overlook the potential.”
Was he? He’d never thought much of his hometown. Sure, he loved the water and the views the Atlantic had to offer. Even enjoyed the Spanish moss that hung from the oak trees. Then again, he always pictured Bebe leaning against one, her hair cascading over her shoulders, green eyes bright with laughter. No, when he thought of Peachwood Bay, Bebe remained front and center. Not the locale or things to do.
But could he go back to Texas without her? Maybe if he could leave with a promise, it wouldn’t be so bad. After all, long-distance relationships could work. All he needed was a promise they could work toward something more. Something involving a ring and green-eyed children.
“Walker!”
His head jerked toward Ryan. “Sorry, what?”
“I was asking what you had planned,” Ryan laughed. “But apparently you were living it out.”
“Yeah, I kind of zoned out.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “We’re going to a reindeer farm, so I made a date close by.”
“A reindeer farm in Georgia?” Ryan’s brow furrowed.
“Yep. We want them for the ball. Bebe thought it would be great to have sleigh rides from the church to the town hall.”
“That is pretty ingenious.”
“That’s my girl.” At least in his mind. Now to make his dreams reality.
Ryan stood, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll be praying God guides you.”
“Thanks, man.” He slowly rose to his feet, thankful for the aid of a crutch. “What about you and May?”
“That’s easier. The difference between Tennessee and Georgia isn’t so vast. Plus, we’re still taking it one day at a time.”
But the grin on his face told Jahleel they were moving in the right direction.
“True.” Should he consider moving back to Georgia? Enjoy a slower pace of life with Bebe and Hope?
“Remember, brace off at home. Let your knee remember its job. Brace on outside the house. And donotforget to do your exercises.”
“Got it, O’Neal. Get on out of here.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice.” Ryan grinned and headed for the front door. “I’ll see myself out.”
As he reached the front door, it opened, and in walked Jahleel’s father.
Great.
He’d lost count what round they were in. Jahleel had stopped holding his tongue. If he wasn’t careful, a repeat of his college graduation was bound to happen. And he wasn’t quite ready to head back to Texas. He planned to stay at least through Christmas Day.
