Page 82 of One Little Mistake
“You really think people would vote against GG?”
Lexi makes a sound that sounds like a whimper. But when I turn to her, she’s staring out of the window, so I can’t see her eyes.
“If it means voting for GG or feeding their families, yeah, I do,” John says honestly.
“That won’t happen. When is Summerfest?” I ask, my brain already going into problem management mode.
“It’s the month of June and culminates on the Fourth of July.”
Mentally, I calculate what needs to be done in two months.
“Restoring GG’s lodge so it’s safe has to be my first priority. Then we’ll make a plan. Heart Mountain isn’t going to him or anyone else. I’ll make sure of it. If it is the last thing I do, the mountain will stay with my girls.”
Smirking, John raises his eyebrow.
Yeah, I said it. These fucking insane Heart women are mine, and I’ll do whatever I need to protect them and what’s theirs.
Lexi is quiet on our ride back up the mountain, and that’s fine with me. I use the time to formulate a plan. I hate to tear my family apart with Ashton still in recovery, but now that he’s home, I don’t have a choice, and he needs to be my first call.
When we arrive at the lodge, Lexi jumps out of the truck like her ass is on fire. “I need to find GG.”
“Lexi, just wait. Don’t say anything about this yet—”
“You just don’t get it, Easton,” she wails. “There was a room full of witnesses. They probably recorded the entire thing and sent it to the Cryer before we even sat down. She already knows.”
She takes off for the stairs, and I grab my phone to find she’s right. Three hundred and forty-six messages.Jesus, I need to silence this thing.
With Lexi and GG inside, I take a seat in one of the Adirondack chairs. The wraparound porch is one of my favorite places here. Then, after collecting my thoughts, I call home.
As soon as she answers, the words spill from my lips.
“Mom? I need help.” I spend the next forty-five minutes explaining everything that’s happened. Apart from a few gasps and possibly even a ‘shit,’ she was silent until the end.
“The boys will be there tonight.” She doesn’t coddle or waver. She’s the strength we pull from to make things right. “I don’t think Preston or Loki can come right away unless you absolutely need them, but Halton, Colty, and Seth will be there. If you need Pres or Loki, though, you call, and they’ll be there.”
Swallowing thickly, I begin to understand how truly blessed I am. Not because I’m rich as fuck, but because I have people who will drop everything to be there for me.
“We measure life by how many people will pick you up when you fall, not how many dollars are in your account. That’s how you’ll know you’re rich enough, son.”
It’s been a long time since I’ve heard my father’s voice in my head. It’s nice to have him back.
“I-I think we should be okay with the three amigos … for now anyway. But—”
“What is it, East?”
“I think we’ll need all hands on deck for Summerfest. Dex and Trevor, too.”
“Oh, we’ll be there, Easton. That was never a question. Now, take care of Lexi, and take care of yourself, my sweet boy. Whatever they’re doing to you up there, I hope they keep it up. I hear it in your voice. You’re happy.”
Am I?I haven’t yelled at anyone or barked an order in weeks. She’s right. I am happy.
“I-I think I am, Mom.”
“That’s all we ever wanted, Easton. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom. How’s Ash? I-I know he doesn’t want to talk to anyone, but I need him and hisskills. Do you think he’s up for it?”
“I think it will be good for him, physically and mentally.”
