Page 104 of Seeing Harper

“I did, and I meant it. And I know Harper will be in agreement. She adores you both.”

“We love her like she’s our family, son. And by loving her, you’ve become the same. We only need enough to be secure in our home and pay for food and medicines and such. You’re giving us the opportunity to do just that and not have to uproot our lives. And we won’t be lonely.”

Clay was emotionally touched by the generosity of Mr. Bigsby. His jaw was firm and his lips pressed into a flat line as he nodded and tried to find his voice. “Thank you, Mr. Bigsby. I’m grateful.”

“No, son. We are.” Mr. Bigsby looked at Ms. Griffith one more time. “And any balance left in our account once we’re both gone?”

“It reverts to Mr. Vega and Ms. Vitrano.”

Clay shook his head.

“Just sign the papers, Clay. And say thank you,” Mr. Bigsby said.

Clay picked up a pen and reached for the papers.

“Hang on, read ‘em first. Make sure there’s nothing you wanted added that didn’t make it into the contract.”

“I read it, multiple times and again this morning.”

“Yeah, but then I made this change. Read it.”

“Yes, sir,” Clay said, sitting back to read the contract one last time before he signed making the Bigsby Equine Center, all the land that was a part of it, and every building, fixture, machine, and vehicle on it his. Or rather, his and Harper’s. A few minutes later he finished reading, laid the contract on the table and signed it, then repeated the read, sign, repeat with the other three copies, just as Mr. Bigsby did. “Done.”

“Congratulations, son. I can’t wait to see what you do with the place.”

Clay shook Mr. Bigsby’s hand, then they laughed and pounded each other’s backs as men are wont to do.

Ms. Griffith notarized each copy, certified them all originals, then placed her copy along with the copy to be filed at the courthouse in her attache case. “It has been a true pleasure doing business with the both of you.”

“And you,” they both said.

“Why don’t I take us all out to get some lunch? My treat,” Clay said.

“I appreciate that, but we’re going to have Shepherd’s Pie, same as usual.” He looked over at Ms. Griffith. “My wife loves Shepherd’s Pie. And since she doesn’t do very well out among too many people anymore, we prefer to stay home.”

“It’s a good meal. And I relish the time I get to stay home. I don’t blame her,” Ms. Griffith said.

“Ms. Griffith, today is roast beef in brown gravy, a huge serving of mashed potatoes and English peas, with peach cobbler for dessert at the restaurant. Can I tempt you?” Clay asked.

“Oh! Yes, you definitely can. If you call me Erica.”

Mr. Bigsby leaned over and spoke quietly to Clay. “I wouldn’t say no to a helping of that peach cobbler.”

“I’ll bring several so there will be leftovers.”

Mr. Bigsby winked at Clay, then got up with his copy of the contract in hand. “I’ll be putting this away for safe keeping. Ms. Griffith, it’s been a pleasure. Clay, I’ll see you later.”

“You will. I’ll be back this afternoon. I’m expecting a delivery.”

“Oh?”

“An old friend is returning.”

Mr. Bigsby grinned. “You found him.”

“I did.”

“And Harper?”