Page 18 of Loving Decker

“I agree. I think we should have a festival. I think we should bring as much money into Willow Creek as we can. And national news coverage. That’s something. And we would have fun doing it. And it would bring our town together.” She wanted to sayone last time. Why did selling her land feel like the end of Willow Creek? “I just want you to know that I love this town. I love every person in it. My grandpa loves this town. And if I sell, it won’t be because I’ve stopped loving you or because it is the right thing for grandpa. It will be because I had no other choice.” She choked on her last words, and Mama Dawson was up in an instant to pull her into her arms.

Others joined them. She felt arms and bodies behind and beside and around her until she was at the center of a lot of love. Then the crowd dispersed, and she wiped her eyes.

Maverick lingered. “I think that’s important to remember. No matter what happens. This town has a whole lot of love. Now, who wants to plan a rodeo?”

They moved topics, and even though no one else shared what they were going to do, Faith felt better that she had.

By the end of the evening, she was signed up for barrel racing again and baking up her favorite muffins. Bailey was going to put on a concert and invite other big names. They would start reaching out to rodeo stars. She expected to see the Lost Creek Boys come riding in. The town was coming together. And she couldn’t be happier.

Except for Decker’s stubborn position on the opposite side of the room. He didn’t move any closer. And she suspected he hadn’t changed any of his thoughts about selling. Or about Faith selling, either.

Chapter Eight

Decker was talking with his friend at Botts and Lindel, a huge accounting firm in New York, when Henry said, “They’re still talking about bringing you on. I know you sort of turned them down, but the door’s still wide open if that’s a direction you want to go.”

Where he typically might have laughed and hedged, he now took a moment to seriously consider the offer. If Willow Creek was up for sale, he was free. Wasn’t he?

“I’ll give that some thought. It might be time for me to make things more permanent with Botts and Lindel.”

“That’s excellent news. Let me know when you want to open up talks. We’ll get the contract committee ready with two sets of pens.”

Decker laughed. “Thanks, man.”

“Hey, no, thank you.”

Decker had consulted for them on and off. He’d done some piecemeal temp stuff, and he’d helped his share of clients over the years, but he’d always hesitated when it came to moving to New York City.

Mama was a large part of the reason, as was Mav and his stress of having to take care of everything all the time. But now? Maybe now might be a good time to talk to everyone about his long-held dream of working at a huge business in New York City.

An uncomfortable heaviness sat in his gut every time he thought about it, but he pushed it aside. This might be the silver lining to their situation. This might be his chance to do something he’d always wanted to do. He couldn’t argue with the fact that it all seemed to be falling in place at exactly the right time.

He made his way to the kitchen for a triple-decker club sandwich, his favorite Dawson special, and was surprised to see Dylan in there. “Hey, bro.” They hugged. “It’s not often you can surprise me.”

“No, I’m surprised you weren’t out here earlier, but I think I heard you were working.”

“Yeah.” He leaned back on the counter but hesitated to tell his brother about Botts and Lindel. He didn’t know why, but he didn’t feel comfortable sharing the news, not yet. “So how’s Kate?”

“She’s good. We’re all good. Our little guy sure acts like you, though.”

“Ha! And that’s a problem?”

“Maybe we’ll leave him with you for an afternoon, and you tell us. I’m getting a real workout keeping up with him. Who knew someone so tiny could have so much energy.”

Decker laughed. His brother had become even better once he’d gotten married, and fatherhood really suited him.

“I thought for sure you and Faith were going to progress.”

“But now?” Decker tensed. He didn’t want to talk about Faith. He knew he’d messed up, and he wasn’t sure how to make it better. Because, truthfully, he still felt the same way. If the Haws sold out, it felt like a betrayal to the whole town.

“Well, you didn’t seem as friendly with each other the other night.”

Decker grunted.

“And you can’t seem to talk about her without some manly guttural sounds. What’s up?”

“She wants to sell. I don’t like it. And I keep saying ridiculous things to her about not selling, which just makes her unhappy. I don’t want to give her that kind of pressure. It’s really not fair. But I can’t help the way I feel. I think I’ve pushed her away.”

Dylan nodded. “Have you talked to her about it?”

---