Page 49 of Wylder Ranch
Arthur clears his throat. “Right. Haven. And we’re sure this wasn’t something purposely manufactured? Forgive me for being crude, but this is not the time to be delicate. . . I’m assuming you were using protection. Did she sayshe was on birth control? Because if so, and you chose not to use protection based on her lie, then we have a case for a single payment payoff. Now, she’s American, and it’s a little different over there?—”
“Arthur—”
“And I understand this took place during the week you left after Lando’s wedding,” he continues with a haughty laugh. “I have to say, you boys are keeping me busy this year. This is the sort of behavior I’ve always prepared for with Miles.”
Oh my God. Why did I think this was going to be a quick call? I’m too tired for this today.
“Arthur! Can you shut the fuck up?” I snap. “Respectfully.”
The line goes silent. I can almost see him pursing his lips, but I have zero inclination to apologize and stroke his ego. He’s made enough money from our family that he can stroke his own. I add a “thank you” anyway, when he remains silent.
Blowing out a long breath, I start again. “I don’t need protecting, Arthur. And she hasn’t done this on purpose. She’s not here for money. She’s here so I can get to know my daughter. Which is exactly what I want too.”
He lets out a quiet huff. “Then I suppose it would be prudent of me to offer my congratulations.”
Even though the guy’s a dick, I know I’m preening at his compliment. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. And if you say she’s not after your money, what can I help you with, Alexander?”
Alexander.
I’m tempted to ask him to address me in the manner my title befits, as he does for Lando, but the tension isalready thick enough.
“I need to change the terms of my will. I also want to set up a trust for my daughter.”
There’s a pause on the line. “Of course. I’m assuming it’s similar to what Hendricks has for Max?”
“Yes.” I nod, though I’m not entirely sure about the details of what Hendricks had done when it comes to Max’s mother. “But I don’t hate Haven. Quite the opposite.”
“A larger monthly stipend, then?” he replies, like it’s the only solution, and I can’t deny I’m tempted.
It’s something I want to do for Haven because it’s clear that she’s struggling financially. She was when I met her, and now that she’s not working, it can’t be any easier, but I also know she won’t take any financial assistance from me.
In fact, I’m certain that if I so much as suggest it, she’ll tell me to stick it up my arse.
It’s been hard enough buying things for Everly since they’ve been staying with me, but I learned that I could get around most objections from Haven as long as it makes her life easier in some wayandbenefits Everly.
She’s spent the last decade of her life taking care of sick parents, then herself, so she’s forgotten how to let someone take care of her. That’s where I plan to step in.
It’s something I’ve been mulling over for the past few days, along with the beginnings of an idea that will set them both up for life, but I want to roll it around a little more before I say anything.
I need it to be so airtight when I give it to Haven that yes will be her only logical answer.
“Not right now. Can you just draw up the deeds for Everly, and I’ll get back to you on the rest?”
There’s a pause. “Are the two of you not in a relationship? Am I misunderstanding something?”
“No, we’re not.”YetI want to add, but don’t.
“Then we need to discuss custody.”
I’m massaging my temples as the door opens and in walks Hendricks and Miles, who sit in the chairs across from me. They don’t usually visit my office during the day, so they must want something. But I welcome the interruption because I can’t think about custody right now. And I’m done speaking to Arthur.
Miles, being Miles, kicks his feet up on my desk. I push them off.
“I haven’t decided on custody yet, Arthur. Can you just do as I ask, and we’ll pick up the rest at a later date?”
“Fine. I’ll be in touch,” he snaps, and hangs up before I can say thank you.
