Page 55 of Forever Ink

“Why do I need a jumper when I have my big warm daddy bear?” I smirked, looking up at Simon.

His eyes narrowed. He wasn’t buying my bullshit for one minute. “Going to make it part of our wedding vows or something. Rhys must dress appropriately for the weather,” he muttered.

“I’ll accept that. As long as there are no caveats that I must eat porridge or carrots, I think we’re good.” I hugged him tighter. While Susan’s call was an unwelcome surprise, it couldn’t take away from the joy I felt that Simon had accepted my proposal.

We would be husbands one day soon.

* * *

“So what you’re saying is you’re going to sell up Thumper Downs and buy into Magnus’s farm?” I asked, catching Simon’s eye who shrugged, looking as confused as me.

“That’s about the size of it,” Grandad answered, sitting down next to Magnus at the table. “We’re both farmers through and through, and the thought of selling up and moving to a town makes us both feel honestly ill, but neither of us are what you would call sprightly. But we’re not incapable either. An extra set of hands, and maybe hiring on a new hand or two for the heavy work, and we could keep this place going for a long time to come. We want your opinions on this as it’s your inheritance involved here.” Grandad grinned rubbing his jaw. “It would give me no small dose of pleasure knowing your dad won’t get his hands on the farm.”

Mouse leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “It’s actually not a bad idea. Joe gets to be closer to Rhys, and Dad gets company and help out here.”

I thought about Thumper Downs. The farm gave me so many mixed feelings. “You love the Downs,” was all I could think to say.

Grandad sighed and reached out to take my hand in his rough fingers. “I did, but I’ll be honest with you, I’ve a lot of feelings about the place, and about the town. Mags and I get along well, we always did even back in the day. And what I don’t invest in the farm here will leave you a nice nest egg for your future.”

“I don’t need your money, Grandad.”

“No, you don’t. But let an old man dream that he can perhaps help towards a bright future for you and Simon, eh?”

Crap. Grandad was using logic, and really, it would be nice to have him close by. “Yeah. I think it’s a good idea.”

Simon cleared his throat, sitting back in his chair. His brow had that crinkle he got when he was thinking hard on something. “I’ll be honest. Mouse and I had been worried about the farm getting too much for you.” Simon held up his large hand to stave off Magnus’s imminent comment. “I’m not saying we thought you were too old, so get that out of your head, but this place has always been a lot, even when you had Mum and the extra hands. And now you’ve got it into your head to try breeding those darn sheep. What I’m saying is I think it’s a good idea.”

Magnus relaxed visibly. “Good. It’s not a done deal. First we have to get Joe’s land ready for sale and draw up contracts and the like. This is not a spur of the moment thing; Joe and I’ve been talking about it for a while.”

“Are you finished talking grown up now?” Alice yelled from the sitting room.

“That child has no concept of inside voice, I swear,” Callum grumbled, just as Mouse yelled back to her, “Yes.”

I ducked my head, trying not to laugh out loud. Callum looked skyward.

“Good, because I’ve beaten Doc four times at Mario Kart and he sucks. I want Rhee to play.”

“Well on that note, I think we should convene this meeting and go save Cullen from another thrashing,” Magnus said.

Everyone but Simon, Mouse and I left the table, and I expected that Grandad and Magnus knew we’d want to talk amongst ourselves about this. I didn’t really have any issue with what they were planning, and I liked the idea that they would not only be helping each other out but that they would be company for each other.

“So, we’re all good with this?” Simon asked, reaching out to take my hand.

“It’s a bit of a shock, but yeah. I think it will be good for the both of them. Mind you, I can’t help but worry about the sort of trouble the two of them could get up to,” Mouse answered laughing.

“You know my grandad will have your dad planting a veggie patch right? That man has an unhealthy obsession with vegetables,” I grumbled darkly.

“I’m more worried about what other livestock those two might get it into their heads about buying. Dads been awfully keen on rescuing some draught horses,” Simon muttered.

“You’re really not great about livestock, are you?” I giggled. My big brave daddy did seem to have a weakness when it came to large animals.

“It’s because he can’t threaten to spank it if it misbehaves,” Mouse uttered, ducking quickly as Simon swiped at him. “Oi! Keep your mitts to yourself!”

“You know, I’m looking forward to being back in the flat tomorrow. No annoying mice,” Simon said. He tugged on my hand, pulling me out of my seat and into his lap.

“Okay, if you guys are going to start with the sappy shit, I’m out.” Mouse stood, giving us both a glare before he headed through to the sitting room.

I shivered as Simon’s beard brushed against my neck and his lips touched my skin, kissing me softly. “Are you really okay with this, baby?”

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