Regret Came Too Late (Grace and Ethan) novel Chapter 62

They spent another two hours mingling with the rest of the crowd before Grace finally got into Ethan's car to head back to Druville. But the people of Northbrook were still gathered outside, not quite ready to say goodbye.

"Grace, make sure you stop by when it's all done!"

"My family just got a huge relocation payment! It's about a million dollars! I'm buying a house in Druville so I can come see you!"

"How's your back, Grace? I'm really sorry I lost my temper and hit you with that rake before."

Their voices drifted in through the open car window.

The farmers had grown incredibly attached to Grace in just a few days. After all, no one else had ever managed to save Northbrook's apples, let alone turn Northbrook into a future tourist destination.

Decades of bitterness toward Southbrook had finally worn off. They no longer had to worry about the people of Southbrook.

A better future was ahead—one where they could focus on growing apples and helping with development. Gideon Kline's dream was coming true, and they could barely contain their gratitude.

Glancing in the rear-view mirror at the people still standing there, unwilling to leave, Grace felt a wave of emotions rush over her. Honestly, she didn't think she had done all that much.

From the oldest to the youngest, everyone in Northbrook had a straightforward honesty that stood in sharp contrast to the vibe in Southbrook. She took a deep breath and managed a small smile.

"Mr. Henderson, maybe it's a good thing the tourism project ended up here. The people are genuine, and they'll take good care of visitors. If we had picked Southbrook, I'd be worried they'd start price-gouging tourists in no time."

Ethan was flipping through a folder of documents. He gave a quiet hum.

This was the first project that had gone so smoothly since Grace had regained consciousness in the hospital. The success left her feeling a quiet sense of satisfaction.

"What's with the attitude?" she snapped. "The whole family is miserable because of you! Have you ever stopped to think about why Yancey doesn't want you?"

"Oh, I have, Mrs. Lambert," Grace said flatly. "It's because I have a sister who keeps throwing herself at him. Men are weak when temptation's that obvious, so I've decided to leave him. Funny thing is, you were mad when I wanted him, and now, you're mad when I don't."

Carmen shook with rage. "Have you lost your mind? How dare you say that about Alice?"

Grace stepped into her neighborhood, her voice ice-cold. "Stop looking for me. I've already told you—I've cut ties with all of you. And as for my engagement to Yancey, I'll go to the Hendersons myself and call it off."

After years of Grace constantly giving in, Carmen couldn't handle the sudden change.

She took a deep breath and muttered, "Don't come crying to me later. You always pull these stunts just to get our attention."