Page 106 of Shattered Hearts

“All right. You’re on then,” Knox argues, nodding his head towards the house. “Let’s go right now.”

Cole’s brows flick when I hold my hand on his chest, halting him. “No need to get feisty.” Cole’s eyes roll. “Go in and set it up. I need to talk with Knox for a few minutes.”

“All right, bet.”

Cole rushes towards the main house as I snicker, amused. Unlocking the shed, I push the door open and wheel our bikes in as Knox hangs up our helmets and gloves.

“All right, what did you want to talk about?” Knox asks, cutting straight to the chase.

“I just had a thought,” I say, flicking down the stands and throwing a sheet over the bikes to keep them from getting dusty between rides.

“Spill the beans, Lawson.”

A laugh escapes my throat. This kid has too much confidence for his age and height. Leaning against the wall, my arms fold in front of my chest as Knox waits for me to explain. “Reid and I discussed your mum’s predicament with the bookstore.”

His face falters slightly, a shadow passing over his eyes as he lets out a sigh. “I hope she can get it in the next few years. She deserves it after everything she’s been through. Did you know Dad took all their money when he left? Moved it into a new account and cut Mum off.”

I rub my forehead. I did not know that. “I’m sorry, man. That’s a crappy move.”

He shrugs again. “Is what it is.”

“Well…” I cross my ankles casually. “What if the ranch helped her out? Paid for the renovations and helped remodel after she purchases the building?”

His eyes light up, pushing himself off the shelf where he’s perched. “You would do that for my mum?”

“Absolutely. We want to help local businesses, and if we can help your mum…”

“Does Cole know?”

I laugh. “No.”

Knox grimaces. “Maybe don’t tell him.”

My eyes roll. “He’d help out if we told him too.”

“Yeah, but he might go at Paisley in the process. Can you picture the two of them trying to paint a wall together?” his eyebrows rising to his hairline.

I shake my head, trying not to laugh at the image of them yelling at each other like toddlers. “You’re right. We’ll separate them for their sake, and ours.”

Knox considers it for a second before pumping his fist in the air. “I can’t wait to tell Mum. Wait, should I leave that for you and Reid to do? Or should I tell her when she picks me up later?”

“I don’t mind. You can tell her if you want.”

“Awesome. I can’t wait to see the look on her face. I’m sure she will be surprised. It’s about time something has gone in her favour.”

Smiling, I clasp his shoulder firmly.

I hear someone yelling, and quickly realise it’s Cole calling for Knox. Snickering, I nod to Knox who is still in a bit of a daze over the news. “You should go show him how it feels to be a loser now.”

Grinning, Knox nods, stepping away before adding, “I won’t let you down.”

The door to my bedroom creaks open as I toss my clothes on the floor, adding to the already established pile. Spinning, Dad faces me, watching the pieces fall before meeting my gaze. “I won’t tell your mother you just did that.”

Grinning, he moves closer, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. I do the same, elbows resting on my knees when Dad starts. “You know, raising five boys is not an easy task.”

“You did all right, though.”

His eyes move sideways to mine. I snort a laugh. “Just all right?” His eyebrow arch with intrigue.