Page 52 of Mail Order Splash

“You’re making a mistake, doctor.” Kellan stood from the table. “Perhaps seek legal counsel to look over our contract.”

“Kellan, that’s enough.” Dalton banged the table. “I asked for your help as my brother, not Kellan the tyrant.”

“That will be enough, boys. We are a family and I won’t have this.” Victoria stood between them. “Kleine, Kellan is not wrong about what he is telling you, nor is he trying to steal your property.”

“I understand.” I clasped my hands together. “I hope you understand as well.”

“I do understand, but the legal side is not what I do so I must trust Kellan. It’s why I went to him with this.” Dalton exchanged looks with Victoria. “Aunt Victoria?”

“Dalton, we have already spoken about this. I gave you my advice. It’s all that is left if you want to see this through,” Aunt Victoria answered calmly.

What are they talking about? Is there another option they haven’t mentioned? Don’t get too hopeful.

“I don’t know. If it will solve this issue, I would do it in a heartbeat.”

“It doesn’t have to be forever. Or, you could find it would be.” She stood strong, looking only at him.

“What is going on here?” Kellan cut in. “There are no options, unless she is a Hawthorne we don’t have the power we need.”

“Kleine, this may seem strange, and you may want to answer too quickly, but I need you to think before you speak.” Dalton turned his attention to me.

“I know what you two are up to.” Kellan dropped back into his chair.

“Then you know it’s the one thing that will work.” Dalton replied to Kellan without looking at him. “Say it, Kellan. It will work, right?”

“Alright, you’re scaring me a bit. Maybe I should go while you have a family meeting.”

“No, dear. Give them a moment please.”

“Kellan, I’m waiting on an answer I probably don’t need.”

“Dalton, you know what to do. You don’t need his answer. I’ve already told you.” Victoria put her hand on his arm. “You have my support.”

“Umm, I’ll wait outside. This sounds more family and we shouldn’t be here.” I nodded to Josh then hurried to the door.

“Marry me?”

Chapter Fourteen

DALTON

“Marry me?”

“What are you doing?” Kellan tossed his pen on the table.

“I’m taking charge, like you tell me. I’m following a passion that has been opened up to me and I will see it through,” I answered, still looking at her hand on the doorknob. “Do you have an answer, Kellan? If so, tell her.”

“Fine. Yes. It would work,” he replied sternly. “Aunt Victoria, this was your idea, I take it?”

“It was, and I have more than one reason to see it happen. You’ll have to trust me.”

“Kleine, did you hear me?”

“I have heard a lot of words, a lot of arguing amongst a loving family all because of me and my plight. I won’t be a part of you fighting.” She ran out the door.

“Dalton, if you truly feel this strongly about it, then do it. Go after her.” Kellan shook his head in agreement.

“Go, Dalton, it has to be now. Here, take this with you.” Aunt Victoria reached into her purse.

---