Page 112 of Mr. B

“Dammit. After all you’ve done for that school.”

“It’s fine, Dad. It’s temporary.”

“Whose idea was this?”

“The trustees.”

“Maybe I need to have a few words with Alex at the Rotary Club meeting next week.”

“Dad, no. Just let things play out. Please.”

John sighed. “Okay, but the offer stands.”

“I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Where are your crutches?”

Wes held up his cane. “It’s getting better.”

“Don’t rush it.”

“Can we take the ATV out after lunch?”

“Of course.”

“I want to show Cassandra the orchard.”

“It’s beautiful this time of year. The leaves will all be gone in a couple of weeks, though.”

“We’ll let you get back to work.”

“Enjoy your visit to the Buchanan Orchards, Cassandra.”

“Thank you.”

They left the garage to return to the house. “I shouldn’t have told him about the trustees.”

“He knows one of them?”

“He knows all four of them. Went to school with them. Sees them at church.”

“Maybe that’s a good thing.”

“I don’t need my dad fighting my battles for me.”

“Okay.”

He glanced at her. “Sorry. I just remembered how mad I was about all of this.”

“More paintball?”

“No. Lunch followed by a trip to the orchard will help.”

The orange, yellow, and red leaves fluttered above them against the backdrop of the bright blue sky. “Wow, this is awesome.”

Wes took Cassandra’s hand as he lay next to her on the blanket he’d brought. “When I was in high school, I used to come out here to study.” He lifted his head. “I’d sit under that tree right there, and if I got stuck on something or couldn’t find an answer, I’d lie down here and watch the leaves.”

“And the answer would come to you?”