Page 13 of When Sparks Fly

Sutton straightens and takes a step back, and I walk past him into the house.

Stupid small town.

Chapter 7

Sutton

The trip to Ruthie’s was my first time there. She visited our home several times over the years thanks to a friendship with Mama that spanned my entire life. Any conversation I had with her was in passing, though. Truthfully, I’m not sure I ever discussed Ruthie’s family with her. Maci was a surprise.

She wasn’t openly grieving, but the hurt was evident, even if she tried to hide it. It’s not really my style to deal with emotional stuff. I’ve never been great at reading people to help them unless it’s my family. Wanting to comfort her shouldn’t have been a natural instinct. But it was.

Maybe my being a stranger is why she slammed up her walls. Then again, what do I know? This is exactly why I don’t fuck with emotions.

Once we’re back home, it’s time to go over my proposal with my dad.

“Hey, son, how’d it go at Ruthie’s? Mama doing ok?” He’s behind the desk again, but I get the impression he recently entered because the top is empty.

I settle on the couch with my notepad next to me. “She’s ok. Think it made her feel better to be there.” I spare him my thoughts on Ruthie’s granddaughter.

He gives a curt nod. “So, let’s hear the big plan.” His fingers tap softly on the desk and there’s a tiny glimmerin his eye.

I pick up the notepad for something to do with my hands, having already decided the best course of action is to start by sharing my conversation with Terrence and build up. For a man of few words, when my dad is working something out he is filled with questions, so I’m not entirely sure how far I’m going to get before he interrupts me. It doesn’t matter. If it takes all afternoon and into the night, we’ll hash out this plan and see where it leads us.

“Based on our last talk, I prepared a potential game plan. My plan took a bit of a detour when Terrence stopped by.”

Dad’s eyebrows raise and I grin at him, knowing good and well he’s as curious as I was when the conversation was dropped on me. “He’s selling.”

The eyebrows go higher, but he says nothing so I continue. “He hasn’t been in touch with a broker, yet.”

“Really?” His tone is skeptical as he leans back in his chair and hums. His fingers come up to steeple together in that thoughtful way he does. The office chair squeaks in a quiet rhythm as he gently rocks back and forth. The state map on the wall seems to draw his attention. His wheels are already turning. Like father, like son.

“We didn’t get too deep into it, but I get the impression he’s giving us the first opportunity to jump on the property.” He presses his lips together, nodding at me blankly. “I don’t think he plans to wait long. He asked me to set up a time to discuss if we’re interested.”

“How long have you known this?” My father’s eyes narrow while the corner of his mouth tips up. The desk chair eases down into the neutral position as he turns to face me head-on again.

“Since yesterday.” I tap the notepad with my pen and hurry on. “That’s not the point.”

“No?” His teasing tone isn’t lost on me.

“I’ve considered this extensively. The truth is, we need a rock-solid plan if we’re going to take on the additional note for ten thousand acres.”

“And you have a plan.” His cheek twitches.

“I have what I think is a pretty good start.” I pull out the two most detailed maps and stand, placing them on his desk. Together, we go through all the areas of the two properties, similarities and differences, and what we stand to gain. We discuss what’s working well for our land, what I believe could work well there, and how I hope to expand both by adding additional revenue sources. I also touch on staffing.

My dad listens to everything. His questions are minimal as he takes everything in. By the end, his head is supported by one hand, the fingers of which cover his mouth as his mind blazes. I don’t push. I sit back down on the couch and wait.

“This is all well and good, son,” he says after a long minute. “You’ve put a lot into this. What about the numbers? Your mom and I are about to make our last mortgage payment this year. I’ll be honest, I don’t love the idea of starting something like that over. And like you said, it’s a much grander scale.”

“Dad, I don’t see a way into this without some sort of note, but I thought you’d say as much. I have another option in mind. It’s a gamble and I don’t know how you and Mama are going to feel about it.” Honesty is the best policy here and he needs to understand the decisions ahead of us and the implications. “I think this has grown past making decisions without professional advice. A financial planner and a lawyer, for example.”

My dad's eyes fix on me. “What’s the gamble?” I imagine he’s replaying the last thirty plus years of his life with us on this property.

“It centers around me getting the loan and using the ranch as collateral. There may be other options, but this way you and Mama don’t have to be responsible for everything. You can take astep back if you want.”

His mouth moves as he chews his cheek.

“We don’t have to make a decision today. It’s a big one no matter what and I really think we need to get some professional input.” I stretch my legs out and cross them at the ankle. “And I’m sure you want to discuss with Mama.”

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