Page 171 of The Billion Heirs Boxed Set
“Now?”
“Absolutely. For you? Anything.”
An hour later, we’re in a trailer park outside Billings.
“Is this where you grew up?” I ask.
“No. My mom sold the house I grew up in after I graduated from high school. She used the proceeds to buy her own beauty shop, and then the excess to buy the place here. She keeps it up real nice. I think you’ll like it.”
“I’m sure I will.” I might be inheriting a billion, but I came from humble beginnings. Started my own shop just like her mother.
She directs me to a well-kept mobile home on the property, freshly painted a light sage green. The windows have darker green shutters, and a few lawn chairs sit outside the door on the small lot. A Ford Fiesta sits in the parking spot next to the home. Non-pretentious living at its finest. Sadie’s right. I like it.
I get out of the truck and walk to the passenger side to open the door for Sadie. I give her my hand and help her out and then she stares at the small home.
She walks the few steps to the cement stoop and knocks. I follow her.
A dog yaps behind the door, and when it opens, a woman who could be Sadie’s older twin—same dark hair, only it’s cut in a short style, and the same facial structure and slightly prominent chin—answers.
“Hey, Ma,” Sadie says.
“Shoo!” Sadie’s mother says to the small puppy.
He slinks into another room.
“What are you doing here, honey?”
“Do I need an excuse to see my mom?”
“Of course not. Come on in.” Then she eyes me. “And who’s this?”
“This is Miles. Miles Bridger.” Sadie reaches toward me and I take her hand. “Miles, this is my mom, Brenda Hopkins.”
“It’s a pleasure, Ms. Hopkins.” I hold out my other hand.
She takes it and smiles. “It’s Brenda. Everyone calls me Brenda. I could never pull off Mrs. or Ms.”
“Brenda it is then.”
The little dog—looks like he’s a cross between a schnauzer and a Yorkie—struts back out.
“And who’s this?” I kneel and give the dog a pet on the head.
“That’s Princess. And she is a princess for sure. Now that you’ve given her love, she won’t leave you alone.”
“That’s okay. I love animals. Good thing, since I find myself living on a ranch.”
“Oh, you’re a rancher?” Brenda asks.
“Sort of.”
“It’s a long story, Ma.” Sadie leads me into the small living area inside the trailer. “We need to sit down.”
“Of course. Please do. I’m afraid I was planning to go to the market tomorrow after work. I don’t have anything to offer you other than water.”
“That would be great.” I smile.
“Coming right up.” She scurries the few steps into her kitchen.
