In the backyard, a small fenced-in area already existed, the wood slightly faded but sturdy enough to hold a few dogs without a problem. There were several outbuildings scattered around the property—one that looked like a former tool shed and another that could serve as a small storage facility or even a mini training area.
“See how this could work?” Heather motioned toward the fencing. “I could start with the basics here. Training and socialization before moving them to the training yards for advanced sessions. And the barn could be utilized as a storage space for supplies while I'm setting up.”
“But the real question is,” Lyle began, eyeing the rows of trees lining the perimeter, “can you carry all of this on your own? It sounds like a big undertaking.”
“I don’t expect it to be easy, but I'm not afraid of a little hard work. And the place needs some work, that's for sure. I've set aside extra funds for renovations. But if I have to come up with another seventy-five thousand just to secure this place, my reno budget goes out the window."
"Is that how much they topped your offer?"
"Yes."
"You know, even if you raise your offer, there's nothing stopping the other party from going higher. You might be in for a fight. I don't know how you're set financially, but I've got an obscenely huge trust fund, and I'd be happy to invest."
"Bragging now cowboy?" She shook her head. "I can’t ask you for that.”
“You aren’t asking. I’m offering,” he clarified, refusing to back down. “It’s a good plan, Heather. You don't know who or what you're dealing with. You need someone to back you. And I can do that."
“I don't know, Lyle. It's really important to me that I do this on my own."
“And you will. But something's not right here. This whole thing with Darren and his veiled threats, and now an unknown company swooping in and putting an offer on the property you've got your heart set on. You need backing. And some breathing room so we can get to the bottom of it. I can give you both--the backing and the breathing room."
Her expression softened, but doubts clouded her eyes. “But if things go south—” she tried to argue.
“Then we’ll figure it out, okay? I know how to handle troublesome businesses and property. And if I can't find the answers, Joe definitely can."
“Lyle…”
“It’s not charity, Heather. I’d be investing because I believe in you.” He held her gaze, the tension between them simmering just below the surface. An invisible thread pulled taut, connecting them in a way that was growing harder to ignore. He wanted to hold her and shield her from any harm. He wanted to be part of her team. And he wanted her to be part of his.
“I’ll think about it,” she finally said.
"You really shouldn't argue with my Uncle Lyle," Charlotte said, adjusting the leash on Pudge's harness as they made their way back toward the front of the house. "My daddy always said, 'those Watkins boys are richer than the Almighty.'"
Lyle nearly choked on a laugh. "He did not!"
"Yep," Charlotte said, clearly unaware that she was spilling her family's tea. "Mom told him he shouldn't oughta say stuff like that. But it's true, isn't it?"
"Well, I don't think I can outdo the Man Upstairs. But I'm pretty comfortable." He took it as a good sign that she was speaking so easily about her parents. Progress.
"See?" Charlotte said, looking at Heather. "You should take his money."
Heather laughed and Lyle shook his head, feeling lighter than he had in months. And for the first time since losing his parents and his friends, he felt a flicker of hope blossom in his chest. Maybe taking on guardianship of Charlotte was more than just a promise to his buddy Jeff. It seemed as though it was fast becoming a path to a future he hadn't known he was dreaming of. A future with Heather and Charlotte. A family.
He wouldn't lie to himself. These emotions were starting to scare him a little. But he knew one thing for sure. He wanted to make sure Heather got her dream.
And he was ready to fight whomever and whatever was necessary to make that happen.
10
They went to Cooters for dinner. The place was lively even for a Tuesday. This time, though, her brother and sister-in-law weren't there to harass her about the company she was keeping these days, and neither were Lyle's brothers. It was an evening where they could just relax and not worry about appearances.
Charlotte was extra quiet, sitting in the corner of the booth like a perfect grown up, not saying a word. Lyle knew what she was up to. He'd seen the bulge in her shirt when they'd gotten out of the truck. Both he and Heather knew she was hiding that darned cat behind her back. So, they'd eaten extra quick lest they get kicked out for smuggling animals in an eating establishment.
"I've still got the business card that Darren gave you," Lyle said as he handed money to the waitress for the bill.
"You mean the one you snatched before he could give it to me?"
He shrugged. "Whatever. I'm going to have Joe dig a little deeper, if you don't mind."
