Page 186 of Huckleberry Hill
Tempest jumped up into my father’s lap and draped herself across him. Declan returned to the den with my water just as the front door opened.
“We’re in the den!” Dad called out.
Muddy appeared, her long braid slung over one shoulder. “You didn’t say anything yet, did you?”
“I waited for you,” Dad said.
“Can I get you a drink?” Declan asked. “We’re having beer.”
“Beer. This is not a beer conversation. Whiskey.” She sat down on the couch next to me. She set her big, brown leather bag on her lap and riffled through it, pulling out a manilla envelope.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Patience,” she admonished.
Declan handed her a drink and then sat on the brick bench of the hearth and waited.
“Go ahead,” Muddy said to Dad.
“You sure?” he asked.
“I’m sure.”
“Okay.” Dad smiled. “Well, normally, I’d wait to give you this gift until after you were married.” He shot Declan a look.
“Patience,” Declan quipped.
“But since these are extenuating circumstances,” Dad went on. “We thought it was fitting.”
Muddy handed me the envelope. I unsealed it and pulled out a deed. “Is this what I think it is?”
“Yes,” Muddy said with a smile.
“What is it?” Declan asked.
I held it out to him, and he took it. He glanced between Dad and Muddy. “You’re gifting us land on the ranch?”
“A hundred acres to build your own house and start a life,” Dad explained. “You’re going to need the space. That cabin isn’t big enough for you or your family . . . or your goat.”
I let out a surprised laugh. “Oh my God!”
Declan rose from his seat and walked to Dad. Dad moved Tempest to his chair and stood.
“Thank you,” Declan said, his tone somber. He looked at Muddy. “Both of you.”
“Welcome to the family, son,” Dad said.
I watched my boyfriend embrace his future father-in-law and brushed away the tears in my eyes.
Muddy patted my thigh and I all but launched myself at her. “Thank you,” I whispered.
“Anything for you, sugar.”
I pulled away. “You know what this means, right?”
“What?” Declan asked.
I grinned. “I get more goats!”
