Page 47 of Off-Limits Love
“It was delicious,” Finn said.
“Son, I asked you to dinner because I need to talk to you. I hate that I’ve waited this long.”
“Something wrong?” His mind went to Mak and her ex. Had something happened?
Sam nodded. “You could say that. But I figured feeding you first was the least we could do.”
Finn frowned at the choice of words. “What’s going on, Sam?”
“Mak didn’t tell you,” Sam said softly. “I told her she could, but— I guess that birthday party for Hud wasn’t the time or place. I’m dying, Finn. Got six months at most. Maybe a few more if I’m really lucky.”
Shock rolled through Finn. He’d been aware of the fact the older man had lost weight and looked worn down and haggard, but he hadn’t realized… “I’m sorry. I d-d-didn’t know.”
Normally he didn’t stutter around Sam anymore, but the surprise… Sam was more than his neighbor. They’d been friends for years now. Ever since Finn had worked at the farm as a teenager. The old man was a mentor and father figure both.
Was that what Mak had referred to about bad things happening to good people?
It had to be. He’d thought she referenced his speech and his parents but— “That’s why they’re here with you? Staying with you? Because you’re sick?”
ChapterThirteen
Sam nodded at the question, his gaze locked on the yard in front of his house.
“I knew Mak was struggling to make ends meet after the separation, what with the cost of apartments around here and Brad not doing what the court tells him to. I asked her to come stay for my last days so she could save up. I qualified for a program for home care, so Mak took the classes one weekend and is able to earn a wage as my in-home caregiver. Emi only qualified for two days of school a week until she starts kindergarten, but by then…Mak should be able to get a job.”
When he was gone. Dead. That’s what Sam meant.
Finn inhaled and tried to rally. “If there’s a-anything I c-can do to help. You know I’ll d-do it.”
The older man nodded, a smile hovering on his thin lips. “I appreciate that. Mak thinks I’m doing her a favor by letting her stay and get on her feet, but that girl… She’s worth her weight in gold.”
Finn nodded. “She is.” Her kindness in caring for Sam was more proof of her soft heart, not that he needed proof.
“Well, we’ve talked about you buying my place in the past, if I ever decided to sell. I think the time’s come.”
They had discussed it, but now wasn’t the time for such conversations in his opinion. “What about t-t-treatments?”
Sam waved a hand as though shooing away the idea. “I don’t want to be a lab rat. I’ve made my peace with dying. I only bring this up because I want to help Mak as much as I can before I go. Make sure they’re able to keep a roof over their heads.”
Finn nodded his understanding.
“I told you I’d give you first chance to purchase since you need the land for your animals, and there’s not much land left down here. I’m hoping we can work out a compromise.”
Finn nodded readily. “I’m l-listening.”
“I’ll sell you the land for a fair price, but only the land. I’ll leave Mak this house on a small lot she can manage, so I know there’s a roof over their heads and a good neighbor to watch over them.”
Finn felt his heart pinch, and he immediately nodded. “That s-sounds m-more than f-fair.”
“I know you wanted the entire property, but I need to know Mak and Emi are safe.”
“Yeah, I g-get it. I can m-make that w-work. I’ll check with m-my brothers and g-get started on the paperwork w-with an offer. M-make s-sure it’s quick.”
“Make sure what’s quick?” Mak asked as she emerged from the house.
“That was fast. Emi’s asleep already?” Sam asked.
Mak shot her uncle a suspicious glance and nodded. “Out like a light after playing all day and her bath. What’s going on out here?”
