A Place Of Our Own (Contemporary Cowboy Romance) (Texas Heat series: Book 3, Jim and Maddies story) by Amelia Rose Page B
Authors: Amelia Rose
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to say, Francis. Jean, you must believe me, I had no idea about this and I’m ashamed.”
“What do you have to be ashamed about, Penny O’Connor, on such a wonderful day?” asked Red as he came through the door. “What’s going on here? Don’t you like the offer? Ladies, you could have waited until Jim and I arrived before you broke the happy news.” Red was beginning to look puzzled as the people seated at the table looked as though someone had died, particularly Penny, who had turned red with embarrassment.
Francis looked as though he was about to experience a serious apoplexy and began shouting at Red. “Take a look at this, you money grabbing shit and tell me to my face your son is not a bastard!” He shoved the piece of paper at Red.
“Not in front of the ladies,” began Red but he stopped in his tracks when he saw what was written on the paper. “Who gave you this, Francis? And tell me true because I’m going to beat him to within an inch of his life.”
“It was Andrew, who else? I know you think the sun shines out of the lad, but this is the most insulting piece of business I’ve ever had the misfortune to experience and I’m telling you now, Red, I’ll not have it.”
Red was having trouble comprehending how his eldest son could have dealt so callous a blow to the old couple. He sat down at the table with the others, indicating that Jim should join them.
Slowly, Red found his voice, but not before he ripped the paper into small pieces. “Wiping your bum on it would be doing it a favor it doesn’t deserve,” he began. “Francis, Jean, and Maddie, can you please accept my apologies for the despicable behavior of my son? I would never expect you to forgive him for this and I can only assure you that I will be relieving him of his responsibilities immediately. He’s not fit to be your neighbor or to represent the Circle O in business matters. Please believe me when I say I had no idea he was going to do this.”
Penny was almost in tears, “Jean and Francis, I am so sorry this has happened but we will make it up to you.”
Jean was beginning to recover and stood up to busy herself, fetching a pitcher of cool water for everyone to share. When she came back and everyone was settled with a drink, Red decided that the time had come for some major fence mending.
“Francis, this has taken the edge off of what I had come to see you about but I’m hoping you can see your way clear to accepting what I’ve come to offer you. First of all, let’s congratulate Maddie and Jim because they are getting back together and I’ve decided to give them twenty acres around the old cabin yonder. Seems like they’ve fallen in love with the old place and want to live there.”
“It’s true, Gran. You know I’ve always loved it. We’re going to do it up and add on a few more rooms, as well as put in a few homey comforts like electricity and running water. It’ll be just perfect.’
“Well, I’m pleased for you, Maddie, but I’m having trouble seeing anything good in these O’Connor boys at the moment. You’ll have to understand that girl, but I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, Granddad. I’m looking forward to living so close by.”
“Next,” continued Red. “I’ve come to make you an offer on this place. Keep your shirt on, man. I’m not like my son. The bank has drawn up this for me and if it’s acceptable to you and Jean, we can both sign it a bit later. Take your time and I trust you’ll let me know if it isn’t enough.”
Red put the contract on the table for Jean and Francis to look at. “Oh my God,” said Francis. “I can’t accept this much. It’s far more than the place is worth.”
“Well, I thought it was a reasonable price for a lifetime’s work and was hoping you would too.”
“Don’t be a stubborn old fool, Francis,” said Jean. “Red’s right and you shouldn’t feel guilty for accepting it.
“What do you have to be ashamed about, Penny O’Connor, on such a wonderful day?” asked Red as he came through the door. “What’s going on here? Don’t you like the offer? Ladies, you could have waited until Jim and I arrived before you broke the happy news.” Red was beginning to look puzzled as the people seated at the table looked as though someone had died, particularly Penny, who had turned red with embarrassment.
Francis looked as though he was about to experience a serious apoplexy and began shouting at Red. “Take a look at this, you money grabbing shit and tell me to my face your son is not a bastard!” He shoved the piece of paper at Red.
“Not in front of the ladies,” began Red but he stopped in his tracks when he saw what was written on the paper. “Who gave you this, Francis? And tell me true because I’m going to beat him to within an inch of his life.”
“It was Andrew, who else? I know you think the sun shines out of the lad, but this is the most insulting piece of business I’ve ever had the misfortune to experience and I’m telling you now, Red, I’ll not have it.”
Red was having trouble comprehending how his eldest son could have dealt so callous a blow to the old couple. He sat down at the table with the others, indicating that Jim should join them.
Slowly, Red found his voice, but not before he ripped the paper into small pieces. “Wiping your bum on it would be doing it a favor it doesn’t deserve,” he began. “Francis, Jean, and Maddie, can you please accept my apologies for the despicable behavior of my son? I would never expect you to forgive him for this and I can only assure you that I will be relieving him of his responsibilities immediately. He’s not fit to be your neighbor or to represent the Circle O in business matters. Please believe me when I say I had no idea he was going to do this.”
Penny was almost in tears, “Jean and Francis, I am so sorry this has happened but we will make it up to you.”
Jean was beginning to recover and stood up to busy herself, fetching a pitcher of cool water for everyone to share. When she came back and everyone was settled with a drink, Red decided that the time had come for some major fence mending.
“Francis, this has taken the edge off of what I had come to see you about but I’m hoping you can see your way clear to accepting what I’ve come to offer you. First of all, let’s congratulate Maddie and Jim because they are getting back together and I’ve decided to give them twenty acres around the old cabin yonder. Seems like they’ve fallen in love with the old place and want to live there.”
“It’s true, Gran. You know I’ve always loved it. We’re going to do it up and add on a few more rooms, as well as put in a few homey comforts like electricity and running water. It’ll be just perfect.’
“Well, I’m pleased for you, Maddie, but I’m having trouble seeing anything good in these O’Connor boys at the moment. You’ll have to understand that girl, but I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks, Granddad. I’m looking forward to living so close by.”
“Next,” continued Red. “I’ve come to make you an offer on this place. Keep your shirt on, man. I’m not like my son. The bank has drawn up this for me and if it’s acceptable to you and Jean, we can both sign it a bit later. Take your time and I trust you’ll let me know if it isn’t enough.”
Red put the contract on the table for Jean and Francis to look at. “Oh my God,” said Francis. “I can’t accept this much. It’s far more than the place is worth.”
“Well, I thought it was a reasonable price for a lifetime’s work and was hoping you would too.”
“Don’t be a stubborn old fool, Francis,” said Jean. “Red’s right and you shouldn’t feel guilty for accepting it.
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