Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
I laughed. “Nothing as dramatic as all that. I walked away from the family farm knowing that my parents were relying on me to run it for the next generation. They haven’t forgiven me for it, and I don’t think they will.”
Ian’s blond brows rose in dramatic fashion. “The same farm you’ve rehabbed and brought back to life?”
“One and the same,” I smiled. “You did your homework.”
“Always,” he said arrogantly. “Why did you leave? And remember you pay if I have to pull the truth out of you.”
Right. Time is money. I let out a rushed sigh and recounted the bullying that sent me fleeing from Carson Creek. “I needed a break from it all, and I had a scholarship that gave me the escape I needed.” And that escape had given me the knowledge and experience I needed to make this farm better than any York ever imagined.
“Perfect. That’s everything for now Bella. Do you have any questions?”
“Yes. How will payment work? Do I give you a lump sum each month or will you send a bill?”
Surprise flashed in his eyes before he leaned forward with steepled hands and an amused grin. “Our mutual friend has paid your initial retainer, and when that runs out, I will require more, or the case will be over and I won’t.”
I shook my head, trying to keep a leash on the anger that welled up within me. It wasn’t Ian’s fault. “Derek shouldn’t’ have done that, I only asked him for a name and number. I can pay my own bills.”
Ian nodded as if he understood, but he sat back with a shrug and his next words proved me wrong. “It’s already paid, so you’ll have to take that up with Derek. You only get a refund if you go with another lawyer.” He stood as if he already knew my decision had been made.
“You’ll do just fine, Ian.”
He laughed. “Of course I will. The money is in a trust, and since you’ve already paid the consultation fee, the clock doesn’t start running until I hear from their attorney. Got it?”
I nodded and stood with him. “If I hear anything from them or their lawyer, send them to you.”
“Exactly,” he said around a wide grin. “I do love it when my clients listen to me.” Ian extended a hand and I gave him a firm shake. “I like to win Bella, and that benefits you, so you can trust that anything I tell you will be to make sure that boy remains with you.”
“Thank you, Ian. I needed to hear that.” He was exactly the attorney I needed in this situation, and I owed Derek a debt of gratitude, which I would give him. After I gave him a piece—or three—of my mind. Ian walked me to the fancy glass elevator and I stepped inside.
“One more thing.”
I froze and slowly turned to face him. “What’s that?”
“It wouldn’t hurt if you were in a relationship. Solid and stable, just to help get us over the finish line.”
“You’re kidding!”
He shook his head. “Wish I was, but the only thing they have going for them is that you’re a single woman.”
“Dammit.”
“Sorry,” he said, not looking sorry at all as the glass doors closed.
By the time I made it back to Carson Creek I had myself mostly together. I was still furious at Nicola’s parents for this ridiculous stunt, but with Ian on my side I was confident this would be nothing more than a very expensive headache.
“Heeey,” Everest said, drawing the word out as he joined me in the living room. “What’s up?”
I sighed and looked at my favorite little boy who wasn’t all that little anymore. “We need to talk,” I told him, because I’d decided on the drive home that I couldn’t keep this from him. He needed to know about the fight ahead.
“That doesn’t sound good. What did I do?”
I laughed. “I don’t know Everest, what did you do?”
He grinned and shook his head. “I’m not falling for that. What do we need to talk about?”
I opened my mouth to just blurt it out, but a loud crack of thunder sounded and then the sky opened up, dumping buckets of rain on everything below. On the farm, everything took a backseat until the crops and animals were dealt with. “We need to round up the animals,” I told him, already kicking off the heels I’d worn for an air of respectability.
Everest smiled and held up his phone. “Weather app said it was supposed to rain this afternoon so they’re already put away. Should let up in an hour or two.”
The tension in my shoulders disappeared for a moment, until I realized it meant no more putting off this conversation. “Then how about we have lunch at Dark Horse and talk over some good, hot food?”