Page 101 of Unstable

“YOU GOOD?” KEATON MOUTHS to me when Brooke and I return, finding that they’ve all moved to sit in the living room.

I nod assuredly and give him a full, confident smile. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life as I am on my decision. No more contemplating or dodging the moment of truth, where I speak my proposal aloud, unable to take it back.

I’m ready.

Brooke is gushing on and on to her parents about Barley, and I hate to interrupt, but it’s getting late. So, I take a seat and clear my throat.

“Brooke, sweetie, I know you’re excited, but can I talk to your parents alone for a minute?” I politely ask.

“Yes, sorry. Do you need my help or can I go play with Bourbon?”

Oh, Brooke. If you only knew how much you’ve already helped me.

“I think I’ve got it from here.” I smile, just short of a laugh. “But ask your parents about going to play.”

Her dad tells her it’s fine and when she’s out of the room, I adjust my posture, fold my hands in my lap and begin.

“Mike, Bri, I’d love for your family to live here, on this farm.” I peek over at Keaton, sitting across the room, grinning from ear-to-ear…not missing the smoldering satisfaction in his eyes.

And the reason for it. He’s not over there simmering in his own juices of primality because I picked his farm to live on, he really wouldn’t care which I chose. No, he’s currently eaten up with carnal territorialism thatI chose to live with him anywhere.

“And,” I continue, “I don’t want to overstep my boundaries, but I’ve got some thoughts on logistics that I think will suit all our needs.”

“Okay,” Mike speaks hesitantly, shooting his wife a glance riddled with worried suspicion.

“You can’t work a job and keep up with a farming life that produces a good income at the same time. There just aren’t enough hours in a day. So, I’m proposing this—in lieu of paying any rent for the first year, you tend to my horses and what cows I leave here as payment. You can use my bull, to breed and build up a stock of your own, and split the money you make off calves with me to pay for use of my bull and mamas.

After one year, we can discuss you buying some of those cows and the bull outright. You’re welcome to the hay I already have put up for feeding, but you’ll need to pay any vet bills for calves you breed. Also, I’ll pay the property tax each year, but you’re responsible for utilities from day one. As of year two, your rent will be one thousand dollars a month. I will never sell you this farm, but I’ll make it as much yours as possible. You can live here forever if you’d like, but I just can’t sell it. I hope you understand.”

“Oh, I almost forgot. Barley, one of the horses, will belong to Brooke, no charge. And she’s already got her room picked out. It’s important to me she have the one she’s chosen, please.”

Finished, I sit back, able to get a full, deep breath now that I’ve gotten it all said and off my chest, waiting for someone else to speak.

Which doesn’t happen as quickly as I’d anticipated. Rather, I have three people just staring at me, all seeming shocked with their matching slack jaws and wide eyes.

Amidst their silence, the sweetest little head pops out from around the corner. “Barley is mine?” Brooke’s voice is shaky, as though she doesn’t believe it could possibly be true.

“I don’t know,” I turn to her parents. “Is he?”

“Brooke, what’d I tell you about eavesdropping?” Bri gently reprimands her. “Now go play, like you said you were going to the first time.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Her chin drops…but not before she gives me a “‘thank you” and a thumbs-up.

Precious.

“Henley, this is a very generous offer,” Bri says, unable to meet my eyes. “We don’t want any charity or to take advantage of anyone. Are you sure about this?”

“Henny,” Keaton interjects, “look at me.” When I do, his eyes are as questioning as his next words. “She’s right, baby, very generous offer. Maybe you and I should speak privately for a minute?”

But his suggestion is nothing more than an obligatory double-check. He already knows my answer. And when I give him the look, the patented one created and reserved for Keaton alone, that says wordlessly “I mean business, Mister,” he laughs and gives me back a supportive smile and wink.

“Yep,” he tells the Kings, “she’s sure. No charity or taking advantage here, so stop worrying about that. This is what my woman wants, and I’ll warn ya both, she’s not fun to argue with, nor will she be changing her mind.”

“Yay! I have a horse and a princess room!” Brooke shouts from…still right around the corner, if I had to guess.

I toss back my head and laugh, memorizing the sound of sheer joy in her voice.

Bri shakesher head and mutters, “I wish I could tell myself it’s because she doesn’t know what eavesdropping means, but we all know that’s not it.”

---