The weight of tradition

Rosalie woke the next morning feeling lighter, though her mind was still clouded with uncertainty. Her father's words lingered in her thoughts, offering comfort but also challenging everything she had believed about her place on the farm. She had always thought that staying was her duty, her responsibility as the daughter who remained behind when Elias left. But now, for the first time, she wondered if her sense of duty had kept her from considering a future beyond the boundaries of Emerald Ridge.

The morning chores were familiar, almost mindless. She fed the chickens, checked the fences, and tended to the vegetable garden, all while her thoughts drifted back to her father's quiet acceptance. He hadn't pushed her to stay. He hadn't demanded she hold on to the farm. Instead, he had given her something she hadn't expected—his blessing to choose her own future, whatever that might be.

As Rosalie finished up in the garden, she heard the hum of an engine approaching. She straightened, shading her eyes from the bright sun, and watched as a black truck pulled into the driveway. Her heart skipped a beat when she recognized the vehicle—it belonged to Mr. Montgomery, the developer Elias had mentioned.

Mr. Montgomery stepped out of the truck, his tall frame imposing as he surveyed the farm. He was dressed in a neatly pressed suit, a sharp contrast to the dusty fields and weathered farmhouse behind her. His eyes met hers as he walked toward her with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Ms. Hawthorne," he greeted, extending a hand. "I'm sorry to drop by unannounced, but I was hoping we could talk."

Rosalie hesitated before wiping her hands on her apron and shaking his. His grip was firm, confident. She could already feel the power dynamics shifting—he was a man used to getting what he wanted.

"I suppose you're here to talk about the farm," she said, her voice steady despite the unease creeping into her chest.

"That's right," Mr. Montgomery replied, glancing over her shoulder at the expanse of land behind her. "Your brother, Elias, mentioned that you'd be making the final decision. I wanted to come by and discuss the offer directly with you."

Rosalie swallowed hard, her stomach twisting. She wasn't ready for this conversation, but it was inevitable. "I'm listening."

Mr. Montgomery smiled again, his tone measured and polite. "I understand this is a difficult decision, but I think you'll find the offer to be more than fair. The land you have here is valuable, and we're prepared to compensate you well above market value. This sale could provide you and your family with financial security for years to come."

Rosalie nodded, already knowing what he was going to say next. She'd heard it all before from Elias, and now, hearing it from the developer himself, it felt even more real.

"I know the emotional attachment to this place must be strong," he continued, his voice softening slightly. "But sometimes, we have to look beyond sentimentality and focus on practicality. Selling the farm could open up so many opportunities for you."

Opportunities. It was the word Elias had used over and over again. It sounded so logical, so rational, but to Rosalie, the farm wasn't just land—it was home. It was her mother's laughter, her father's stories, the long days spent working under the sun, and the quiet nights with Will, dreaming of possibilities that had once felt so distant.

"I appreciate your offer," Rosalie said carefully, her voice firm. "But this isn't just a business decision for me. This farm is more than land—it's my family's legacy."

Mr. Montgomery's expression didn't falter, though she could see the hint of impatience in his eyes. "I understand, Ms. Hawthorne. Truly, I do. But I urge you to think about the future. The developers I represent can turn this land into something productive, something that will benefit the community. You'd be part of that progress."

Rosalie bristled at the word progress. She had heard it before from people who didn't understand the value of the life she had here, the peace that came from living close to the earth. But she also couldn't ignore the part of her that had begun to wonder if maybe there was a different kind of progress waiting for her—one that didn't involve the farm.

Before she could respond, the front door creaked open behind her. Will stepped out, his brow furrowed as he took in the scene. His eyes landed on Mr. Montgomery, his posture tense but calm.

"Everything alright here?" he asked, his voice even.

Rosalie glanced at Will, grateful for his presence. "Mr. Montgomery is here to talk about the offer on the farm."

Will gave a curt nod, then turned to the developer. "Rosie's decision is her own. But I hope you're not trying to push her into anything."

Mr. Montgomery raised his hands in a gesture of innocence. "Not at all. I'm simply here to provide information, to help Ms. Hawthorne make the best decision for her and her family."

Will's jaw tightened, but he said nothing more. He stood beside Rosalie, his quiet strength radiating reassurance. She could feel the tension ease slightly in her chest, knowing that Will would be there no matter what happened.

"I'll take your offer into consideration," Rosalie said, her voice steady. "But I need more time."

Mr. Montgomery nodded, his smile returning. "Of course. Take all the time you need. I'll leave you with my contact information in case you have any further questions."

With that, he handed her a business card and turned back to his truck. As he drove away, Rosalie exhaled, the weight of the conversation settling heavily on her shoulders.

"Are you okay?" Will asked quietly, his eyes searching hers.

"I don't know," she admitted, her voice soft. "It's all happening so fast."

Will stepped closer, his gaze gentle but serious. "You don't have to decide right now. And you don't have to decide alone. Whatever you choose, Rosie, I'll be here."

Rosalie looked out at the fields once more, the familiar sight now blurred by the uncertainty of what was to come. The weight of tradition, of family, of the future—it all pressed down on her, and for the first time in her life, she wasn't sure if she wanted to carry it any longer.

But one thing was clear: whatever choice she made, it would be hers.

And that, at least, gave her the strength to keep moving forward.