Page 12 of Worth the Want
“Hey, Knox. Busy day at the office?” my dad asks.
“Still working on the case for the Sorels.”
He shakes his head. “It’s really a shame someone would question how well that family took care of Ms. June.”
“I don’t think anyone is questioning that exactly, but they are questioning the validity of her will. I’m doing my best to ensure it holds up without having to go to court. And if all goes well, that should be the case.”
He nods. “Good. I’m sure they’re really thankful you’re willing to do that.”
“The Sorels are good people, and I like to help where I can.”
“And that’s very admirable, son.” He claps me on the back and then goes to ask my mom a question.
“Hey, buckin’ bronco, how’s your back?” I greet my brother, who’s standing by his girlfriend as she tries to tame his wild hair.
“Better than yours, old man.” He shoots the taunt at me.
“Not too old to kick your—” I cut myself off, looking at Hazel smiling at me. “Tush,” I finish. Ivy and Alder start laughing.
“Daddy said tush!” Hazel says, covering her mouth with her little hands, eyes comically wide.
“Such a potty mouth, Knox. Please be more selective withyour words,” Ivy chides, unable to hide her grin. I look up at the sky, catching sight of the shiny silver SUV pulling up beside my truck. Florence gets out and comes to meet us on the porch.
“Hi, Hazey baby!” she greets Hazel first.
“Hi, Andy Lo.” She smiles sweetly at my sister, then slowly leans her way, letting us know she wants Andy Lo to hold her now. Florence takes her, squeezing her tightly.
“Oh, Andy Lo missed you, sweet girl,” she whispers, then to me says, “So how’s Silverthorne’s newest landlord?”
I roll my eyes. “Reluctant,” I tell her, and she laughs a little at me.
“Oh, it’ll be fine, and it’s only for a few weeks—probably.”
“What's this? Are you renting out a property?” my mom asks, my dad looking to me for an answer as well.
“I’m letting Winnie’s new manager stay in the guesthouse down the road from me until she and Rhett can get her cottage’s plumbing fixed. It’s not a big deal,” I tell them. Because to someone else, it probably wouldn’t be that big of a deal. To me? Huge deal. Huge inconvenience. I’m already annoyed just thinking about someone else being out there.
“Winnie stopped by the hotel to bring some croissants for tomorrow morning and caught me up this afternoon. Apparently, she’s great. A fast learner, funny…gorgeous,” Florence informs us.
Gorgeous, huh?“Great, just what I need. More people who think they’re funny,” I muse.
“Honestly, it wouldn’t hurt you to broaden your sense of humor, ya grouch. Isn’t Daddy a silly grouch?” she asks Hazel.
“No! Daddy is not a grouch,” she tells my sister with a very grouchy face of her own. I grin.
“See? I’m not a grouch at all, am I, babygirl?” My daughter looks at me, smiling.
“Nope.” She pops theploudly, and I grab her from Florence, spinning her in a circle, making her giggle.
“Alright, Hazel and I are gonna head out. I won’t be heading into the office until noon tomorrow since I’m meeting my new tenant in the morning. Can I drop Hazel off around eleven thirty?”
“That will be just fine. Are you gonna help Grandpa feed some cows?” my dad asks Hazel.
“Yes, yes!” she says, clapping her hands.
“Oh good, I don’t think I could do it without my best partner,” he tells her.
“We’ll see you tomorrow, sweet Hazel. I love you more,” my mom says, kissing her cheeks.
