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“I think that’s a good choice, you could really do something with that barn.” Julia pulled out a tablet. “I’ll send you everything through email as well, when we’re done.”
Jake looked around the small house, then focused out the window at the barn. It was a metal structure with four stalls, and enough room for some equipment. A chicken coop and enclosed pen were built up against one wall.
He imagined little feet running around the grassy knoll out front or chasing after Millie. It wasn’t the Wilson’s place, but it was good enough, wasn’t it? The moment his offer was accepted, he’d ask for Hannah’s hand. The barn, the land, that was all icing on the cake. It was time. He was ready to have a family. He had the ring in his pocket.
After the showing, he returned home and sent Hannah a text to let her know he was back, then sat gloomily down to his paperwork. He was so engrossed that he jumped when, a few hours later, there was a heavy knock on the door. He glanced out the side window.
What wasTeddoing here?
Jake opened the door but didn’t invite him to come inside. “What can I help you with?” He wasn’t here for a friendly chat, that was for sure.
Ted’s eyes slanted off to the side, his expression annoyed and uncomfortable. He held up his hands. “I’m here to apologize.”
Jake did a doubletake. “You?”
“Look, you made it very clear you couldn’t stand working for me.”
Jake just stared at him flatly.
“It’s just that… I can’t… ugh…” Ted turned and faced the barn. “It’s hard to deal with someone who hates you. And never bothers to hide the fact.” He held up one hand. “And I know you were just a kid, but you never gave me a break, even then.”
“Yes. I was a kid.”
Ted turned around, then dropped his head. He shrugged, then said, “I didn’t really mean to fire you, I just wanted you to appreciate what I’ve done for you.”
“Whatever, man. You never gave me anything of your own free will, you did the bare minimum necessary to appease my mother.” He and Victor had discussed this on all those nights standing guard, with nothing to do besides talk. “I was nothing but a burden to you, and you made that very clear. It was no different when you fired me. Even after I’d done damned good work on that project. I’m no charity case, Iearnedmy pay on that job.”
Ted’s cheeks flushed and sweat started to bead on his forehead. “I shouldn’t have let my ego get in the way, I’m sorry.”
Jake didn’t say anything. As much as he’d dreamed of this moment, now that it was happening, it left him quite cold.
“Look, Julia told me about the house, and I’d like to help with the down payment.”
If Julia had told her father about the house, his offer probably hadn’t been accepted.
He let out a heavy sigh, looking out at the pastures, at the cows grazing off in the distance, at Trigger in his paddock near the barn, then over at Millie lying under the kitchen table, fast asleep. He wanted all of this, he wanted it so badly.
“No, thanks.” He could never put himself in a position where he’dchooseto be indebted to this man.
Ted pressed his lips together, his jaw flexing. “Well, the offer’s there.”
He left without another word. In his strange universe, this was Ted’s way of making amends. And Jake felt sorry for him. He would never understand what he’d lost by refusing to accept Jake. Jake knew, because he had come to love Emma. Opening up, letting her and Hannah into his life, had made everything right. He didn’t need Ted’s approval or acceptance, and he would never be manipulated by him again.
He’d ask Jesse and Olivia about that job. He’d keep looking for a place to live. He’d make some business cards, look around for some equipment, and let people know he was starting his own construction company.
* * *
The shabby blue house had peeling paint and rusted gutters. The interior hadn’t been updated since the early eighties. The carpet was a flattened shag that hadn’t been manufactured in years. The formica counter tops were avocado green. And none of it was in good shape.
There were three bedrooms, a decent-sized kitchen, separate living and family rooms, and an empty dining room. It was decorated with random castoffs that didn’t seem to have any connection to her father. As she picked up the figurine of a horse, she had a quick flashback to her childhood. It was the very one she’d been forced to leave behind when she fled with her mother. She put it back down on the table next to Joel Destin’s worn spot on the couch.
Why would he have that sitting next to him?
Emma finished roaming and came back into the living room.
“What’s that?” She pointed to the figurine.
“Just a toy from when I was little.”
