And that’s because of what Summit House taught me.
Then the truth of it—the sheer beauty of it—hits me, and before I know it, tears flood my eyes.
They come so fast, my throat knots up and I choke on a sob.
Mom and Dad glance at each other, and I swear, I see a hint of hopeful triumph in their eyes. And it’s enough to blend laughter into my rapidly spilling tears.
“Ohmygodyouguys!” I wail when I can finally speak. My breath hitches a few more times before I can draw in enough air to continue. “You are the b-best parents I could a-ask for.”
Mom and Dad clock each other again, this time clearly confused.
I shake my head and swipe a knuckle under my streaming nose, trying to get things under control so I can explain.
“I-It’s because of you.” I sniffle and legit try to stop crying, but it’s no use. “What you gave me. You gave me that townhouse, and I might not use it the way you intended, but I’m so, so grateful. A-and you sent me to Summit House. I fought you. I didn’t want to go. But I’m so glad you sent me. I learned so much there and figured out what I want next. It’s?—”
I futilely wipe at my eyes, but the image of my confounded parents just blurs behind fresh tears.
“It’s all because y-you gave m-me the means and the tools to b-be independent that I can do any of this. Th-thank you so much!”
Mom’s face pales. Dad looks like he’s trying to chew chalk.
They don’t look happy. And that changes nothing for me.
“You did your jobs.” I give up and use my sleeve to mop my face. Mom winces. “Where it counts, at least.”
A long moment passes as my sniffles and hiccups subside. My parents look at each other again, this time with something like anemic resignation.
Dad wraps an arm around Mom’s waist before facing me again. He’s quiet for a long time.
“There’s no way we can talk you out of this, Hats?”
I shake my head and give a watery, “Nope. I’m buying a share of Olivier Family Farms one way or the other.”
My parents look at each other again, that married telepathy humming at high speed. Mom’s eyebrows lift just a little. Dad nods and gives her a squeeze before facing me.
“You’ll keep the townhouse if we give you access to your trust for this investment?” he asks. I swear, he looks… kinda defeated… but not entirely mad about it.
Fresh tears wet my lashes. “I will,” I promise. I’ll keep the townhouse. At least for now. “And I’ll start moving in next week.”
Dad sighs, and I swear it’s equal parts resignation and relief. “Then we have an agreement.” Dad glances at Mom again and shrugs. Then he gives her a flirty little wink that must be code for We’re about to have the house all to ourselves, and
EEEEWWWWW!
I leap out of the Hadley rocker like it’s radioactive. “I-I—Thank you. Both of you,” I stammer. “I love you guys, and you won’t regret this.”
Maybe it’s rude that I beat a path to the door immediately after securing this victory, but I need to get back to the farm and talk to my guy. He needs to know we’re partners in all the ways that count.
And I’m not even sure my parents notice. They’re too busy gazing at each other. Like I said.
Eew.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
BECK
The porch steps have always been a good place to watch the sunset. And since I can’t stand to be inside right now, it’s not a bad spot to wait for Hattie.
I really fucking need to see her.
