Page 21 of Wildest Forever

“Tasty,” she grins at me then places it back down on the table.

I try to speak but slam my mouth shut.

“What is it Pacey?” her voice is quiet as she slips her hand over to mine, placing it over the top and brushing her thumb back and forth.

I sigh before there is a knock at the door.

“One moment,” I slip my hand from under hers then push back, moving towards the door and opening it. Gerry is standing there. Battered cowboy hat on his head, off white shirt and beige slacked pants.

“Come in Gerry,” I step aside and wait for him to make his way in before I close the door behind him then lead him to the kitchen.

My ma's head lifts, her eyes volleying between me and Gerry and I can see the hundred questions that are whizzing through her head.

“Gerry, this is my Ma, Orla,” I look at him then turn to my mom.“Ma, this is Gerry,” I smile at her, her brows furrowed.

“Nice to meet you Gerry,” she goes to stand but Gerry holds his hand up, insisting she stays in her seat.

I pull his chair out and he falls into it, a heavy sigh leaving him as he does.

“You good?” I ask, giving him a curt smile as I take my own seat, and he gives me a nod before dumping a bag on the table.

“Care to explain?” My ma's eyes are on me, and I swallow.

“I do, but I think Gerry might be best to explain it, so you understand it a little bit better maybe?” my heart is banging in my chest.

Gerry shuffles before looking over his glasses at my mom then back down to the table.

“Firstly, I would like to offer my condolences on the passing of Jorge,” his voice cracks, “he was a major part of this town... and of Blossom Cove.”

My mom just nods, giving him a tight smile.

“Secondly, my reason for being here...” he pauses as his trembling hands fumble with the bag as he pulls out a large pile of paperwork then drops it on the table with a loud thud. My mom jumps slightly, her eyes on the paper but they're not on it long before her eyes find mine.

“What is this?” she whispers and I'm not sure if she is scared or disappointed.

“It's a contract, and deeds...” Gerry clears his throat.

“Contract? Deeds... Pacey... no, you haven't,” and her eyes widen, and she breaks my damn fucking heart that she would even think that.

“No, no, mom, no,” I shake my head and scoop her hand into mine, pressing the back of it against my lips.

“It's the deeds formyranch,” and my mom's hollow eyes sink to Gerry. “I need Pacey to be on them... I also need him to take my granddaughter’s hand in marriage.”

Now her attention is back on me.

“Marriage?” she whispers.

“Yes ma, marriage.”

“I'm dying Orla,” he grumbles, his eyes glassing slightly and he is destroying me. “Morgan has no one else, the suits have already squeezed in on my land and I am one signature away from letting them have it all, but now, it's going to be on her. She can't do it by herself... there is no way in hell I would leave her to do it alone. Well, I knew Pacey would be a man of his word... plus, your reputable name and I know your eldest boy is dealing with the suits as well... I need this ranch to survive, not for me, but for her and it will only survive if Pacey will take her hand. He has agreed to it, but he wanted me to tell youwhy.”

He pauses for a moment, pushing the deeds towards her along with the contract.

“Read it, tell me if there is anything you want changed.”

But Ma's eyes are settled on mine.

“And you're okay with this?” she blinks at me, “This is what you want?”

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