Page 60 of The Christmas Keepsake
Savannah folded her arms in front of her. “It would also be a service dog for me. Not that I really require a service dog at this point, but I might one day. I’ve read that dogs can be helpful with different health issues, such as mine. And my husband tells me you’re the best dog trainer in town. In fact, anytime that anyone mentions a dog in this town, the very next words out of their mouths are Hollis Franklin. Maybe I can be one of your first clients at the new business.”
Hollis hesitated, which told him just as much as it told Savannah. Was this going to be another year where he put his dream on the back burner? He knew exactly where he was going to set up his business. He had a list of potential clients already on his waiting list, and he had enough money in his bank saved up to cushion him as he let his new business take root.
Some part of him still doubted his ability to make it happen though. It was the part that listened to the voices from the past. The voices of former teachers, former coaches, and foster parents. Even former parole officers who’d followed him after being put in juvie for trespassing and getting into a few fights that he never started but always ended.
“Yeah,” he finally said, realizing that Savannah was still waiting for an answer. “I think so.” His lips curved upward as he let himself speak his dream into existence. For most of his childhood, he had ignored dreams. Wants. Even needs. “I’d love to help with training a service dog for you.” And that was still the dream, even if it was suddenly on shaky ground. He didn’t want to hurt Matt or insult him by turning down his offer to take over the construction company.
That was a worry for another night though. Hollis wanted to stay in this warm feeling he was coated in after helping Mallory with her predicament. He wasn’t a knight in shining armor, and he didn’t think Mal needed one. She needed a friend though, and maybe more one day.
The next day, Hollis sensed a different vibe in the air as he visited Pop at Memory Oaks.
“Hol, I know Matt doesn’t want to take over the tree business. Now that I’m in here,” he said, “the tree business is going to go to some other guy. To the competition.” The skin between Pop’s browspinched softly, and there was a nervous twitch to the muscles in his hollowed-out cheeks.
Hollis wasn’t sure how to respond. Since Hollis wasn’t a blood relative, he was only a foster son and grandson, he had never felt like it was his place to take over anything that belonged to Pop or Matt. He would be glad to care of the tree farm every Christmas for the rest of his life, but the farm didn’t belong to him. It was Pop’s, and after Pop passed away, it would legally belong to Matt.
Hollis knew good and well that Matt didn’t want the Popadine Tree Farm. He’d made that clear so many times. In fact, Hollis had heard Matt ramble on about how they should cut down all the trees, at some point, and expand the construction company. Hollis didn’t have the heart to tell that to Pop, even though he suspected Pop knew.
“The sales good?” Pop looked at Hollis, hanging on every detail that Hollis could give him about the farm.
“I’d say it’s been one of our best seasons in recent years,” Hollis said.
Pop’s eyes were bright and clear. “That’s great, son.”
“Yes, it is. Do you remember how I asked you if Nan’s play could take place in the barn at the farm?” Hollis asked.
Pop’s forehead wrinkled as he seemed to search his thoughts. Then he chuckled softly. “I can’t believe Nan would allow one of her plays to be performed in a barn.”
“Actually, her granddaughter, Mallory, is the one directing the play this year. And, considering that the theater didn’t pass inspection, the family is grateful to have a place for the production.”
“Right. Right. The show must go on,” Pop said dramatically, sounding like Nan herself. “I know Nan is a little… forgetful these days, but I think she’d be happy about the way things are turning out this year.”
Hollis eased back into the chair, sprawling his long legs out infront of him and getting comfortable. He was in no hurry to leave. Instead, he stayed for a good thirty minutes, chatting with Pop before straightening back into an upright position and preparing to leave.
“How’s the grand ideas and plans for the farm going?” In contrast to Matt, when Pop asked Hollis about his aspirations, he looked excited. Not that Matt hadn’t supported Hollis throughout his adult life. Hollis certainly owed a lot to the man he thought of as a foster dad. “I’m, uh, not sure.” Hollis ran a hand through his hair. “Matt’s not thrilled, of course.”
“You’ve always taken great care of my farm, Hollis.” Pop leaned toward him. “I don’t want my farm to go to the competition. I don’t want my farm turned into something it’s not. I wasn’t humoring you when I listened to your suggestions for Popadine Farms. I like your vision. I want you to take over for me,” Pop said. “I know you have a heart for the land and for the trees. You’ll do a good job.”
It was possible that this was Pop’s dementia speaking, but Hollis didn’t think so.
“I appreciate the offer but I don’t think Matt would be too thrilled if I accepted the farm.” Hollis exhaled a long breath. “In fact, Matt told me that he wants to retire and leave the construction company to me.”
Pop’s thin lips dropped into a deep frown. He pointed a finger in Hollis’s direction. “You hate construction. I could always tell. You were just happy to have a job and food to eat. It was about survival, but you’re not hand-to-mouth anymore. It’s time for you to thrive.”
Hollis wanted to grab hold of this idea. This offer. It felt like a gift, whereas Matt’s offer had felt like a death sentence. Turning down Matt’s offer would be spitting in the face of the only person who had ever helped him though. And taking Pop’s farm would only add insult to injury. Matt was the one who should inherit Pop’s property.
Pop seemed to understand the ethical dilemma and sighed miserably. “My brain isn’t so far gone that I can’t see every thought playing through your mind.”
“Then you know I can’t accept.”
Pop exhaled quietly. “I think of you the way I would a grandson. Heck, I think of you the way I think of Matt.” Pop seemed to think quietly. “What if I talk to Matt? I can explain my reasons.”
Hollis shook his head. Matt was a reasonable guy, but Hollis could predict exactly how that conversation would go.
“It’s okay, Pop. I’m honored just to work this Christmas season at the farm for you. Although I sure do wish you were there with me. It’s a lot more fun with you.”
Pop laughed, the sound rolling on the way it always did, like a truck with brakes that didn’t quite work. Pop had a laugh that seemed to stretch out longer than most. It was something unique about him and something Hollis was already missing, even though Pop was still very much alive and kicking.
“I just want to see you happy… I saw you talking to Nan’s granddaughter the other day.” Pop raised his brows. “She’s a pretty young woman. If I was your age, I’d have my eye on her for myself. I might even try to marry her before some other chump swept her off her feet.”
