Page 70 of Loving Decker

“You got it.”

Once they hung up, Decker gathered all his research, his contracts, and his thoughts. Everyone was going over there in separate cars from the Dawson household. Today was going to be a big day. He wanted everything to go well. Most of all, he wanted Faith to be happy.

He took his time getting there. He wanted everyone to be in the room, seated when he arrived. And it would be perfect if Randall was up in front talking. He was gonna catch that weasel in the act.

When he pulled in, the parking lot was full. He walked through the large double doors, and into the main hall. Voices sounded from their largest multipurpose room, and he followed them with a smile. He loved these people. Willow Creek was family.

Standing in the doorway, he watched Judy from the burger place, Mabel, and Benson from the dump. He laughed because he was surrounded by smiling people. His family was there. Even Mrs. Walton was there. People he didn’t usually see had come out. It was a regular town reunion. He stood taller and opened the door.

Randall stopped mid-sentence, and his eyes widened when he saw Decker, but then he continued. “And so it is my great pleasure to provide pens, waters, and plenty of time for you to sign and hand in your contracts. This is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life, to be able to help my neighbors here in Willow Creek have such a life-changing financial boon and to help Willow Creek grow to meet its potential.

“Before we move forward, do we have any questions?”

“We’re good, Randall! Thank you for all this!”

“Yeah, hand me my pen!”

People called out this quip or that, congratulating Randall. Everyone seemed in a cheerful mood.

“No questions?”

Decker started to walk to the front of the room. He waved to everyone and smiled at Mama before he stood at the front next to Randall.

“Do you have a question, Decker?”

“Yes, I do.”

A few in the crowd groaned. But for the most part his friends and neighbors looked openly curious.

Decker rested his briefcase on the table at the front. “Now, I know we are all here ready to sign. But how many of you would never sign if there was another way?”

Everyone looked a little confused.

“What I’m asking is, if I were to present a way for you to keep your land and receive money on it, would you be interested?”

“Of course, Decker, son, but we’ve been through all this. Let’s just get ‘er done.” His old mathematics teacher made him smile.

Then Doug the barber waved his hand. “No, no, hold on. Our Decker has news.”

The rest of them turned to look at him with better attention.

“Doug, you’re right. I do have news.”

Faith frowned just a little.

“My question is this. Randall, what can you tell us about our mineral rights?”

Everyone in the room went quiet, and all eyes turned to Randall.

And much to Decker’s satisfaction, the man’s face had gone white. “Uh, mineral rights are somewhat of an outdated concept…” His voice trailed off, and Decker held up his paperwork. “You might want to level with us.”

He held his hand out to Decker. “Sounds like you have something to say, why don’t you just say it?”

“So, on each of your contracts, is there a mineral rights clause? ’Cause mine sure doesn’t have one. And in the state of Texas, if it’s not specified, then the mineral rights go to the buyer.”

“What are mineral rights?” someone called out.

“Randall?”

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