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“What do you have there?”
“A book. Will you read it to me?”
“Of course.” He took the book from Finn. “Are you all ready for bed?” Finn nodded and snuggled into J.T.’s side. J.T. glanced at Joey as she came in and sat in a chair. “Do you need a bedtime story, too?”
She smiled. “I’m always up for a bedtime story.”
J.T. started reading the book, and by the time he got to the end, Finn was yawning. J.T. set the book aside and got to his feet, then picked up Finn. “Let’s get you to bed.”
Finn rubbed his eyes. “I’m not tired.”
“I think you’re a little tired.”
“Maybe.” Finn laid his head on J.T.’s shoulder as he carried him to the bedroom and tucked the blankets in around him. “Good night, Dad.”
“Good night. You have lots of good dreams, okay?”
Finn nodded. “I love you, Dad.”
J.T. was momentarily caught off guard, but he quickly recovered and gave Finn a kiss on the forehead. “I love you, too, son.”
Joey was at the door, and she went to kiss Finn goodnight before they both left the room and went back to the living room.
She looked at J.T. “That was pretty sweet.”
“Yeah. And I thought him calling me dad destroyed me.” He blew out a breath. “This parenthood thing is wild.”
She smiled. “It’s a never-ending roller coaster ride. Do you want some coffee?”
“No.” He sat down on the couch.
Joey sat next to him. “Okay. Let’s talk it out, I guess. But I want to go first.”
“Alright.”
“No matter what my dad does with this place.” She looked around the room. “I’ll find a way to stay in Castle Springs. I don’t want you to think I’m leaving and taking Finn from you. I’ll never do that. We’re here to stay. I’ll find a job. Brady at the grocery store likes me. He might give me a job.”
J.T. took her hand. “I know we’re still trying to figure out our relationship, but I do know you didn’t introduce me to Finn just to snatch him away from me again. You’re not going to need to find a job. I don’t want you to lose this place. So, I talked to my dad and granddad tonight about buying it from Freddy.”
Her eyes filled with tears as she shook her head. “J.T.”
“Let me finish.” He squeezed her hand. “Assuming your damn father will sell to us, we want to deed the house and fifty acres over to you.”
“What does that mean?” She swiped at a tear.
“It means we want to give you the house and acreage. You won’t have a mortgage. It’ll be free and clear. You’ll be free to finish the remodel and get your business going.”
Joey got to her feet. “Oh, my gosh. You can’t. I couldn’t. It’s way too generous. Especially after what I’ve done.”
J.T. held out his hand. “Come sit.”
She hesitated for a moment, then sat back down. “Really J.T., I’d have to pay you in some way. I don’t deserve so much generosity. I can make payments. You can be my partner.”
“I’m not just doing it for you. I’m doing it for Finn. And I’m doing it for me. Allowing you to get this place up and running without worrying about paying a mortgage, or having your father breathing down your neck and questioning every expense, would be a great relief. Knowing you’re set up here and comfortable. Not struggling. It’d be a massive weight off of me.”
She let go of his hand and hugged him. “I don’t know what to say?”
“Just answer one question. Are you sure this is what you want to do? And are you sure you can make a viable business out of it?” He smiled. “I guess that’s two questions.”
