Page 60 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

She seemed to be intently reading something. After finally lowering the phone she giggled and said, “I think we did it! Big Cedar is saved!”

It was Quinn who asked, “What are you talking about?”

“I did some digging and overturned some stuff. I… well… you can all read about it in the next edition of the paper!”

The group laughed.

“Come on, honey,” Slater said, taking her hand again. “Let’s go home.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

Two nights later, the whole town was once again gathered for a cookout.

Lots of folks were paying Mina attention, and she was a little uncomfortable with all the praise.

Daisy held up a copy of the day’s newspaper, the headline blaringOBSCURE LAW FROM 1992 SAVES TOWN!

“This should read ‘Mina saves the town!’” she declared.

Everyone around her cheered.

Alejandra Aguilar was there, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt instead of her usual professional attire. She finished a bite of her hamburger and said, “You’d make a good lawyer, Mina. How did you uncover that?”

Mina, holding onto both of her Daddies, beamed with pride. “Well, I started digging into Hugo Sparks. He isn’t shady. Just an ass.”

Everyone laughed.

“But he was also incorrect. The town doesn’t owe back taxes. You see, the state designated this an economic improvement zone, trying to spur growth in the tourism industry, back in 1992. Part of the incentive was to wave all taxes.” She grinned. “They never bothered repealing it.”

“So,” the attorney took over, “technically it’s still on the books.”

“Which means Big Cedar owns this property fair and square,” Quinn said.

“And Slater doesn’t have to ride any more bulls,” Jackson said.

Everyone laughed.

“We’re sure proud of you, little girl,” Slater said, kissing Mina. “You saved the town.”

She shook her head. “We saved the town. All of us.” She kissed Slater and then Jackson.

“Oh boy,” Quinn interrupted. “I’m not so sure the town is safe.”

Mina looked to see him staring at his phone, as if reading a message.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

He smiled and looked up at everyone. “My cousin, Dax, in Mountainville just texted. He and some of the gang are coming for a visit this summer!”

“Mountainville?” Clyde asked in shock. “But I’ve heard they have some real troublemakers there!”

“They sure do.” Quinn groaned. “I’ve heard the stories. And they’re coming here.” He slapped a palm to his forehead. “Oh, Lord have mercy.”

Everyone laughed.

Mina didn’t know what all the visit would entail, but she guessed things would get pretty crazy—and fun—when the Mountainville gang showed up.

Until then, though, she was ready for some peace and quiet with her Daddies.

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