Page 49 of Cole's Joy
“Got it,” Clark nodded, then told Lois and Cole what had transpired and how Erin had come into possession of Ducky’s property.
“Please, tell me they’re in jail.”
“They are. They were denied bail, and we’re still waiting for a trial date. We were told it could take up to two years to get on the books.”
“Good. The longer they’re on the inside, the more they’ll rot.”
“Lois,” Erin said in shock. “I didn’t think you were so blood-thirsty.”
“I’m normally not, but when it comes to others hurting people, especially when someone is dealing with cancer, it getsmy dander up.” She looked at Cole. “You’re sure I can still use the summer kitchen?”
“I’m going to say yes,” Clark answered instead. “I won’t pull rank and tell Ducky that Rin and I own it, but I think if the community pantry will be over there, it’s just fitting to be able to use the kitchen there.”
“I agree,” Cole said. “Ducky did say that it would give him an incentive to get up in the morning.” He shook his head and started laughing. He waved his hand in front of his face for several seconds to get himself under control.
“What on earth?” Lois asked.
“Ducky said that Ryan needed to put a road in between his cabin, Ryan and Pru’s, and the main house over at New Double. Since he can’t drive a real vehicle, his words, he needs a road for the golf cart.” All the people burst out laughing and as Lois refilled their cups with the freshly brewed coffee, they spent the next few hours discussing what Cole wanted to do with the rodeo stock. When the two were alone, Cole looked at Lois with a sappy smile.
“Happy?”
“Yeah, I never imagined that Erin would want to start a separate ranch all together.”
“I can see why she’d want it here.”
“How?”
“Think about it, it’s going to be rough and ready animals, as well as people. There won’t be alcohol involved like at the actual rodeo, but the people will be rough, as well as the animals. If something goes wrong and they get loose, the chances of them getting to the other animals are diminished by them running over the hills and not across the road.”
“True, and once I look at the area, depending on what it looks like, we might be able to make a mound of dirt so it blocks the view of what’s across the street.”
“Personally, I don’t think it will come to that, because we can’t see it from here, and according to Clark, it’s further off into the wilds.” She waved her hand in the direction she thought the field would be.
“You’re probably right.”
“Now, I have one question for you.”
“What’s that?” Cole picked up his mug to take a sip and grinned once he swallowed the hot brew.
“Would you like to move in here with me and Tim?” She looked at him sternly. “Into my bedroom, my bed?”
“I would love to. It might take a couple of days, but I can start getting my things together.”
“That’s fine, just bring something over each night when you come over for dinner.”
Since they’d returned from that first rodeo, Cole had been going there for dinner, and had even spent the night one night, and hadn’t wanted to leave her or their warm bed the next morning, but he did it anyway.
CHAPTER 19
“Ready?”Lane looked over at Kade with a raised brow.
“Yeah, I know Mom’s going to freak out, and Dad will be mad because we didn’t let them know.” He pointed to his casted leg, and tried to lift his arm with the sling, but winced at the pain in his shoulder.
“You know, your rodeo days are probably over with that torn rotator cuff.”
“I know, and we need to make a pact right here before we go in the house.”
“What type of pact?”
