Page 53 of The Lilac River

"Are you gonna do something cool? Like horse tricks?"

"You ever seen me or your uncles do tricks?"

"No. But you asked about the date, so I figured you had a plan for something inedible."

“I think you mean incredible, Munchkin.”

“That’s what I said. So, can I tell her yes?”

I ruffled her hair, laughing. "I just need to make sure Shane knows."

And make sure I wasn’t there.

"Okay! Tree house time?"

"Careful, Munchkin."

"Love you!"

"Love you more."

She ran off singingBless Your Beautiful Hidelike she was auditioning for Broadway.

The evening sun bled into the windows of the big house. The shadows stretched long across the polished floors as we sat around the oversized dining table.

"What do you want, Dad?" Gunner asked, no warmth in his voice.

The Mayor, our father, our burden, sat at the head like a king ready to dispense punishment.

"We need more money," he said without preamble.

I lounged back, feigning ease. "And how do you propose we do that, considering we’re already working ourselves raw?"

"Funny," he said, eyes narrowing, "you had time to play at the elementary school."

"Supporting my daughter," I shot back. "You should try it sometime."

Wilder snorted. Dad’s glare found him.

"Wilder. Act your age."

"Thought this was a family meeting, not a campaign rally."

I sent Wilder a subtle shake of the head. Not now.

"So, what's the big plan, Dad?" I asked. "Apart from gutting the lavender farm."

He slid a manila folder across the table.

"We turn Last Creek into a dude ranch."

The room went dead.

"No fucking way," I said, voice like gravel.

"You serious?" Gunner leaned forward. "You want Wall Street tourists breaking my horses?"

"Do you know how humiliating that would be?" Wilder looked ready to vomit. "Turning our home into a selfie spot for influencers?"

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