AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Jake, this is how my life works,” she said into his chest. “Just when things are starting to look okay, the rug is pulled out from under my feet.”
He looked down at her. “And I’ll be right there, ready to catch you.”
Chapter 14
Ted stood in the middle of the barn and did a three-sixty. The build was finished. The first project Jake had supervised from start to finish.
“I couldn’t be happier with the results,” Sam said.
The huge calving barn had rows of birthing pens, bonding pens for cows and their newborns, and spacious accommodations for animals during the harsh winter weather.
Jake couldn’t be prouder as he stood there, surveying the final result.
“We’re glad you’re happy with it.” Ted looked out of place in his uptight business attire among the flannel shirts and cowboy boots. His stature and loud voice seemed to fill the huge, echoing space.
“It was Jake who really brought this project together,” Ryan said.
Ted just offered a big, fake, smile and reached out a hand to Sam. They shook. “Make sure you all come to the barbecue this Saturday, and bring your families. The pool’s open.”
Ted always invited his big clients to the house after a project. Elaine would entertain while he showed off.
Ted shook hands all around, then headed outside. Jake followed, resigned to hearing all about what he should’ve done differently or needed to fix before he left that afternoon. The barn still needed a few last finishing touches that the crew would handle tomorrow.
“Your mother asked me to have you invite your girlfriend,” Ted said gruffly.
Jake hadn’t even thought about going. He liked the Gundersons, but he had never attended one of Ted’s business parties before. “Um… sure.”
Ted opened the door to his truck. “So, I suppose this is it, then?”
“Excuse me?”
“The barn’s done. You have your ranch. Josh is working the apartments downtown. We don’t really need another sub-contractor.”
“Are… you letting me go?” Jake was floored. He was relying on the extra money to keep the ranch going, and to save for a down payment.
“I was under the impression this was just a temporary situation.” Ted threw his own words back at him. “I can’t just keep you on when I don’t have any work for you.”
Jake straightened and pulled his shoulders back. It might only give him an inch on Ted, but he’d take it, just so he could look down on such a pathetic man.
“I think I’ll pass on the barbeque.”
He walked away, down the back field toward his truck. He had to get out of there before he did or said something he might regret. He pulled out of the parking lot, throwing the truck into drive and punching his foot on the gas.
His first instinct was to go to the farm, but he didn’t want to show up there angry and spewing vitriol. He needed to calm down first, settle things in his head, figure out the next step.
But as he pulled into his driveway and looked out at the white farmhouse, his anger turned into bitter disappointment. He loved this place. He loved the dream he had been building in his head. A wife, kids, a dog.
Millie! What would happen to Millie? Not many people would allow a pig on their rental property. Could he even afford a rental now, without a job?
He headed into the barn, ready to throw something or hit something. Millie chattered at him from her pen, and he felt a pang in his heart. “How could I ever get rid of you?” He’d have to figure something out.
His phone rang. He almost ignored it, then checked the caller ID.
“Hey.”
“Hey. I heard you finished the barn,” Hannah said, her voice happy and unconcerned.
He bit his lip, trying to hold back his anger and disappointment. This ranch wasn’t only his dream, but Hannah’s and Emma’s. “Yeah, it’s all done.”
