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“That’s just it, though.” She frowned at him. “They’ve been dealing with those living conditions all on their own. Where’s the sense of community we share here in Copper Creek? I can’t believe they’ve been dealing with that under our noses all this time.”
“I offered Liam a job. That should help with some of it.”
She stilled, then swung her head around to stare at him. “You did?”
“Yeah—but to be fair, I offered it as a way to pay for our services tonight.
Her scowl returned. “Why do guys have to be so stubborn about things like this? Can’t Wade see that he’s not doing anyone any favors by—”
“Hey, now. That’s not fair. Just because you grew up on Slate Rock Ranch with everything you could ever ask for, doesn’t mean you had it good either. I’d wager that people comment on your upbringing just as much as you’re fixating about the Keagans.”
She gasped. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He ran a hand through his hair and shut his eyes briefly. “Nothing. I didn’t mean anything.”
“No. You definitely meant something. What was so wrong about my upbringing that had people worried for my wellbeing?”
“Do you really want to get into this?”
“I think we should.”
He sighed. “Well, your father’s rules, for one. He doesn’t seem to understand that in modern times women are not property.” He grimaced. “That didn’t come out the way I wanted it to.”
“Really James!? Then just howdidyou want to say what you just said?” She folded her arms and glared at him.
James sighed. “All I meant by it was that no one is perfect. No one has the same needs. That family needed each other, and Wade was able to make that happen. It doesn’t matter that the house needs repairs. He’s doing his best.” James gave Constance a sideways glance. “And when your mother passed away, you and your sisters needed your own form of stability. Isn’t that what you were trying to convince me of before? That your dad has his reasons, and even if I don’t agree with them, I should still respect them.”
The fury in her eyes melted and she slumped into her seat. “That’s a good point.”
“So just because the Keagans weren’t as blessed as you financially, they were able to thrive with what they had.”
“I still think we should do something to fix up their place and get them started on the right path. Twelve kids? And no parents? That had to be so hard.”
“I’m sure it was,” he murmured. Constance’s heart of gold and the soap box she stood on was enough to push James forward. He didn’t have the finances to be able to help that family, but he knew someone who might.
James pulled up to the country club and Constance groaned. “Oh yeah. I agreed to this, didn’t I? Can’t we just go over to Sal’s and get some pie to go? I really don’t want anyone seeing me like this.”
“Seeing you? Or seeing me?”
She shot him a warning look.
Right.
Constance didn’t want any of that being pointed out.
He turned to face her. “Okay. We don’t have to go in. I’ll even take you to get some pie. But I’m going to run inside and have a quick word with Shane for a minute. You wait here?”
Her face split into a wide smile and she nodded. He leaned over the armrest and kissed her quickly, then climbed out of the car and hurried inside.
Loud music flowed from the dance room down the hallway toward Shane’s office. Laughter, conversation, clinking glasses—all the sounds he’d expect to hear on a Friday night. The noises grew quiet as he made it to the door and knocked.
“Come in.”
James pushed the door open and poked his head inside.
Shane glanced up at him, then did a double take. “Aren’t you supposed to be on a date tonight?”
“Long story.” He moved into the office and shut the door quietly behind him. “I have a question for you.”
