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"I mean, are YOU ready to settle down? If he's buying farms and planning a life in one spot, do you want to get involved with someone who won't understand that you have to go off to work? That you might not be home for weeks? Or, are you ready to change your career?"
"I don't know. I'm just feeling...blue I guess."
13
Henry closed the door to his parents’ room at the HOG. While they settled in, he'd go outside and get a fire ready in the firepit.
Striding through the kitchen, Tate called out, "Henry?"
Turning on his heel, he faced Tate as he crossed toward him.
"How did it go today with the sheriff and the mayor?"
"I think it went well. They were both very pointed in their comments to Everleigh's questions. She asked probing questions to make sure they weren't playing games with her or the BRR. No ulterior motives or ill intent. They stated their case."
Tate nodded. "And tomorrow she meets with the town council president, Carson Simek?"
He grinned. "Yes. And the following day is when she finally meets Craig."
"How do you think that will go?"
Henry shrugged. "For her part, I think she's preparing. I've tried explaining that Craig is unpredictable. She accepts that he is, but honestly, I don't think she has a clue as to what she's dealing with. She's used to people coming to the table to negotiate. Craig doesn't want to negotiate, he wants things as they were."
Tate nodded. "That's a fact."
Henry’s parents entered the kitchen. "Hi, Tate!" His mom greeted.
Tate turned and leaned over to hug Henry’s mom. His dad shook Tate's hand and slapped him on the back. "How is it running your own team?"
Tate chuckled. "It's been good. This team is like working with my siblings, so it's same as always I guess. I just take more phone calls now."
His dad laughed. "Yep, that's the bad part of running a team. I'd much rather just be out there getting dirty." His dad grinned. "Also, we understand congratulations are in order."
Tate laughed. "Thank you. We're very excited."
His mom smiled. "Do you know what you're having yet?"
Shaking his head, "Not yet. I guess we have another month or two to wait for that news."
His mom's smile was genuine. "That's right. Maybe by the time Henry moves, you'll know and we'll all celebrate together."
Henry's eyes widened. He hadn't told his parents that his teammates didn’t know anything yet. His eyes slowly slid to Tate's and his heartbeat raced. "I guess I have something to tell you all."
His mom gasped. "I'm so sorry. I thought you'd told them."
He shook his head and put his arm around his mom's shoulders. Easy to do, she was much shorter than him. "It's alright. To be honest, I've been struggling to figure out how to bring it up. So, this is as good a way as any."
He turned to Tate. "I bought a farm. Or I should say, I'm buying a farm. The DeWitt Farm, not far from here. I've actually clocked it and it's less than two miles from here. It's a project and in need of repair. It'll be awhile before I actually move into it, but..." He swallowed as he saw Tate swallow emotion. His breathing stuttered and he let out a breath. "I'm fucking stoked, Tate." He motioned to his parents. "It's how I grew up. Farming and special ops. Working with Dad out on the farm with the animals. It was inevitable that I'd buy one. I saw this farm the other day and spoke to the realtor and he pulled a fast one and told Mr. DeWitt what I was thinking about offering for it and Mr. DeWitt accepted. Mom wrote the offer up today. We just came from looking at it."
Tate stepped toward him and wrapped him in a hug. "Congratulations, buddy. I'm happy for you." Tate stepped back. "I'm surprised, but happy. I didn't know you liked it here enough to plant roots."
Henry shook his head. "You know, this town has just grown on me."
Tate laughed. "Me too. So what's the plan moving forward?"
Henry laughed, "Well for tonight, I thought we could have a fire outside and sit around and chat. I guess it'll be a good time to tell everyone what's happening. Then, tomorrow I'll call the realtor and set up a time you can all come out and see it. Besides, I think Mom found some furniture she wants there."
His mom laughed. "Dad told me to curb my enthusiasm. And, I'm trying, but it's a treasure trove of goodies."
