He had deliberately left the final decision to me.
The proposed agreement would permanently restrict major development on those sections of land.
In exchange, the organization had arranged funding from public and private conservation sources that could provide substantial compensation for the development rights being relinquished.
There would be appraisals, environmental reviews, and formal approvals before anything became final.
But the framework was ready.
I looked up.
“Thomas wanted to protect the land.”
“Yes.”
“Then why didn’t he complete it?”
Eleanor hesitated.
“Because he didn’t want to replace one person’s control over your future with his own.”
I looked at her.
“He wanted me to choose.”
“Exactly.”
Tears spilled down my face.
For months, people had argued about what I should do with Hawthorne Ridge.
Sell it.
Develop it.
Monetize it.
Use it to save Jared.
Help Richard.
Protect investors.
Give up the road.
Accept the money.
