Wet: A Small Town Romance (Love in Lone Star Book 1)

by Ashley Bostock

  I run over there and can see State of Florida printing out as the machine works it out. Oh my gosh. Finally! I wait impatiently, looking everywhere I can so I don't spoil the surprise by skimming over and seeing the names on the documents being produced. The clock. My empty desk and how neatly placed everything is.

  The fax machine quits making sounds and I know it's done. I grab the warm documents, confirming with the cover letter they’re for me from Donovan with a hand-scribbled note apologizing for his tardiness – breaking story - of course and to let him know if I need anything else.

  I scramble out of the office and head straight to my car before reading the documents. Once I’m in the confines of my car, I take a deep breath and lift the cover letter off the documents. Of course Rich’s name isn't on the first page. Or the second. Finally, I come to the correct page and what I see floors me. It isn't Richard Stevens name as I was expecting. It's Donald R. and Stacy A. John who own High Plains Corporation.

  The city council has a private meeting scheduled today which I knew only because Ryan told me. I race to the courthouse hoping like crazy Ryan wasn't in there accusing the mayor of swindling him out of water shares to get revenge on something that happened in the past with his parents. Shit. What in the hell did this mean? Ryan’s aunt and uncle wanted his water shares. Did they not get any from the inheritance from Ryan’s grandparents? Were they seriously trying to deceive their own niece and nephews?

  I manage to get to the courthouse and storm straight to Rich’s office. Even though I make a loud entrance, he doesn't seem surprised to see me.

  “Where’s Ryan?” I know he doesn't care for me. When Golda first hired me at the newspaper, he’d went into her office and interrogated her about hiring me. He hadn't cared that I could hear. As mayor, he gives me what I need and turns his nose up the rest of the time.

  “Why should you care?”

  “I'm sure the gossip has already spread around town.”

  “That you and Ryan are a couple? I'd heard that but thought he had better sense than that. He’s too good for you. He’ll realize that at some point I hope you know.”

  I ignore his comment even though it stings. Hadn't this been what I've worried about all along? Before Ryan confessed his love. “Has he been here?”

  “Little while ago. Was in here accusing me of trying to trick him with that High Plains company. I tried showing him that I'd gotten the same brochures but he wouldn't believe me. Then he took off.”

  Great. This is exactly what I’d been trying to stop. “It all made perfect sense. Do you know why Ryan’s dad gave Jean money for the pharmacy?”

  “How should I know? Jean’s his nephew, maybe that was his way of helping him.”

  “Wait. Jean is Don’s son?”

  He laughs. A dry bitter laugh conveying he thinks I'm stupid. “Yes. Whose son did you think he was?”

  “Ryan’s dad and your wife's.”

  “Ryan’s dad? Where in the hell are you getting your information?”

  “Hoop said they had an affair and Sally got pregnant from Ryan’s dad. They gave Jean up.”

  “No. That isn't exactly what happened. She may have led Hoop to believe that. Sally dated Ryan’s dad before he was married. She did wind up pregnant but had a miscarriage. Ryan’s parents were already back together at that point so Sally wanted to make him jealous, try to get him back and it was actually Don who cheated on his wife with Sally. She’d hoped to pass the baby off as Ryan’s dad’s child. But didn't work out that way. In the end, they gave Jean up. Sally isn't proud of her behavior but you’re talking over thirty plus years ago. People change.”

  I roll my eyes. Did he even hear himself? His wife could change but he held my behavior in the past as if I couldn't. “People do change. And knowing all of this, I can't believe you still judge me as the juvenile delinquent that I was.”

  He raises his eyebrows and steeples his fingers beneath his chin. I hold my ground, unwilling to give an inch.

  “You’re right. I can’t promise I can change overnight.”

  I didn't want him to change overnight. I wasn't looking for forgiveness. He didn't even have to talk to me beyond this moment if it wasn't in a business capacity. I was simply asking him to stop judging me and this was a start.

  “I have to find Ryan.” I walk out and make it half-way down the hall before I turn around and poke my head back into Rich’s office. “Thank you.”

  He looks up from his desk and doesn't give me a full-on smile, but a half-grin as if he’s humbled by the realization that he’s held me in contempt for so long but in actuality, I'm no different than his wife. “You’re welcome, Miranda.”

  I see Ryan's truck parked outside of the courthouse and instead of risking missing him by going to look for him, I stand by his truck and wait. It's over thirty minutes before I finally see him. Where did he go? He doesn't look as angry as I’d anticipated and I felt terrible that I was going to throw another bombshell at him. I wasn't sure which was a better option, honestly. Living with the fact that he had a half-brother from an extramarital affair with parents who were long gone. Or having his only living aunt and uncle trying to swindle him out of three-million dollars?

  He approaches me and his eyes are sparkling, “You make me feel beautiful, desired, when you look at me that way.”

  “You are beautiful, Miranda. So fucking beautiful.” He kisses me so fiercely I question what's going on with him. He no longer seems upset about Rich the way I thought he’d be.

  “Where did you go?” I ask after I manage to pull away from his drugging lips.

  “For a walk. Best walk I’ve been on in a long fucking time.”

  “Why’s that? You realize it isn't Rich?” Maybe he has already figured out who is behind High Plains. Even though that doesn't explain his lighthearted behavior.

  “With High Plains? No, he’s lying. But I'm done with High Plains. I'm done trying to guess who is behind it. It doesn't matter. I'm selling the farm. I'm going to break it off into lots and build homes on it for people.”

  I'm flabbergasted. It must have been some walk! But even though he’s done and his spirits are high, he has to know this about his aunt and uncle. It's the final piece that we’ve been looking for.

  “Oh, Ryan. That is a wonderful idea. You’ve finally realized the farm isn't what makes you happy.”

  “It took a while. I'm pretty stubborn on some things.”

  “You stubborn?” I smirk.

  “Hard to believe, I know. It just came to me. The kids don't care if we move. I don't want to do this forever. With all the new jobs and people this wind mill facility will create, I think my idea will go over well. But I definitely need to get more of the logistics down on paper to make sure it will all make sense.”

  I hug him because I'm so proud of him, for him. I want him to be happy and in my heart of hearts, I knew he wasn't. We stand together, his arms heading south to my butt. Right there in front of the courthouse, he lifts me and I wrap my legs around his waist.

  “I’m happy for you Ryan.”

  “It's because of you. Without you, this would never have happened. I would have stayed stuck.”

  “Listen, there’s something more. But you should probably set me down for this.” He does and I grab my papers from the ground so I can show him who is behind High Plains.

  “This reporter that I know in Florida, finally faxed me the documents I’ve been waiting for. You need to see who is behind High Plains.”

  He doesn't immediately grab the papers and I can see he’s warring with himself on whether or not he wants to know. I shove them into his chest. He grabs ahold of them but still doesn't look.

  “You have to see. Page three. Look.”

  I watch him shuffle through the pages and I see his expression change when he reads the names. I see the shock and disbelief cross his face.

  “Don?” He asks but it's more of a statement than a question.

  “I’m sorry.”

  �
��How could he do this to me?”

  “You’re not the only one. Rich has been getting letters too.”

  “Rich. Fuck. I think I may have ruined that relationship.”

  “No. I think it might be okay actually. But there’s more, too.”

  “What?”

  “So Hoop gave you the wrong information. Your dad did have a fling with Sally, but he and your mom were on the ‘off’ phase of their romance. They weren't married.”

  He visibly relaxed. “That's good to know. But she still got knocked up.”

  “She did actually. By your dad and by your uncle. But Sally had a miscarriage with your dad. Her baby with Don survived and they gave him up. Don was married at the time of his relationship with Sally.”

  “No kidding? So you’re saying Jean isn't my dads kid but he’s Don’s?”

  I nod.

  “So Jean is my cousin, not my brother?”

  I nod again.

  He picks me up and spins me yelling out words of celebrations. “Thank God for that!”

  I laugh, “He’s still related to you.”

  “Who fucking cares? No one has to know he’s my cousin. Except for some of the people that do. It was weighing heavy on my heart making the choice not to tell Bri and Alex about him. But now, I don't fucking have to! Thank you! I’m so damn glad I came to you when I did.”

  “Me too.”

  “But now, I have to go speak with Don. He’s stopping this shit. Today.”

  “Do you want me to go with you?”

  “No. You better go back to work. I need to run into the courthouse and apologize to Rich. Made a good-sized ass out of myself.”

  “You know, I get the feeling he’ll be okay.”

  He keeps the papers and my heart is full of painful happiness. I know he’s hurt by this new revelation yet relieved at the same time. I’m beyond excited for him to work out this next venture in his life. I'm grateful that he’ll be including me in it.

  Chapter Thirty

  Ryan

  “Rich?”

  I fucked up big time and need to make amends before I go to my aunt and uncles. Don and Stacy’s. He doesn't deserve the fucking title of my uncle. Neither does she.

  “Ryan. Miranda was in here looking for you.” He’s upset still. I don't blame him.

  “I know. Look, I know it's not you behind High Plains. Sorry for being such an asshole.”

  “How do you know it's not me?”

  “I have the documentation here showing who it is.”

  I pass him the papers, taking a seat in front of his desk. I give him time to look them over.

  “Your aunt and uncle? Wow. That’s a shock. Miranda helped you find this stuff out?”

  “She did. She’s pretty amazing. Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm glad I didn't listen to you about her. She’s the best thing that's ever happened to us.”

  “I owe you an apology about her. This whole time I judged her based on her actions from many years ago and she kindly pointed out my hypocrisy regarding the whole issue.”

  I laugh, “That doesn't surprise me. She’s good at pointing out us hypocrites. Did that to me on day one. It’s one of the things I admire about her.”

  “Good. I'm glad you’re happy. Now what are we going to do about your aunt and uncle?”

  I cock my head. We? I like the idea of having a back-up. Not that I need it, but it's always better in numbers. “We gotta blow him out of the water.” I laugh, “No pun intended.”

  “I think I have the perfect solution.”

  “Tell me.”

  “Stacy doesn't know Jean is Don’s son. She believes he’s your dad’s. Your uncle has done a great job of keeping it in the past.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Because he paid her off. He gave her some water shares.”

  “All of them?”

  “No.”

  “How’d he get by with that without Stacy finding out?”

  “Who knows. She signed these documents, so she isn't completely in the dark.”

  “Or maybe she is,” I say. “Let's go find out. If he wants Jean to be kept a secret, he’ll have to shut down High Plains. I’ll drive.”

  We head to Don’s place and lucky for him Stacy’s car is gone. I’m so fucking pissed I don't give a shit if she would hear this or not. I don't much care if she finds out about Jean. He’ll quit trying to deceive people with this fraudulent front, if it's the last thing I do. We don't even knock, we just barge in the front door and there he sits, with the evidence in plain sight. Numerous High Plains brochures sit at the table. His laptop is open but I can't see what he’s up to on there.

  “I can't believe you’d fucking do this to me!” I yell, throwing the papers into his face. “Where do you get off trying to trick me and the kids into selling you our water rights?”

  “Your slutty girlfriend finally figure that out for you?”

  I lunge at him in his chair, grabbing him by the collar. “Don't fucking talk about her that way! Answer me!”

  “Relax, Ryan.” Rich is behind me, pulling my shoulders back. “We’re going to settle this man to man.”

  “The bottom line here, Don, is you need to dissolve this company within twenty-four hours. If you don't, we’ll go to Jean and Stacy and let them know who his real father is.”

  I’m thankful for Rich taking the lead as I’m so fucking mad, I can't even sit down. I'm pacing in their kitchen looking at all of the things that haven’t changed since I was a child – the linoleum floors, the small crack in the wall near the fridge and of course, Aunt Stacy’s addiction to roosters. If she showed up now, she’d be heartbroken if she truly didn’t know.

  “That's not going to happen.” My uncle is calling our bluff. Unreal.

  “The fuck it isn't. This shit is ending. How many people have you gotten to actually sell you their stocks, promising them a better world? Better water standards?”

  His silence tells me more than I need to know.

  “Do we have a deal? If not, we’ll wait for Stacy. In fact, I’m sure I could get Sally to come over and explain everything to her. What were you thinking?”

  “You deserve this, Ryan. Creating High Plains has been a great front to get shares at a lower price. The ones you own are more mine than yours. You’re a punk kid who doesn't deserve three million in assets. I’m tired of your family having everything. Your dad always having the perfect wife, perfect kids. He was always the smarter one, the better one. Once he died, it was all I could do to get those shares back. I had to think of a clever way to do it. They’re mine. They belong to me! My family! Always have. You don't deserve them!”

  He jumps from his seat, punching me directly in the jaw. I fall to the ground. Fuck! Old man packs a punch. He’s on me before I can get up, throwing punches and flailing around wrestling me. Getting the upper hand, I manage to throw a few punches before he and I are broken apart.

  Taking deep breaths, I see Jackson, Lone Star’s sheriff, holding Don back. With him are Miranda and Jackson’s sidekick, Dex. She runs to me her face contorted in pain as she begins feeling my arms and chest with her hands.

  “You’re bleeding. You have a cut. Are you okay?”

  “I'm fine. Really. Stop!” She looks upset and I instantly feel like an ass. “I'm sorry. It’s not you. I'm fine.”

  “You’re arresting him?” Miranda asks just as Jackson pulls out his handcuffs.

  “Not him. Him.” He walks to Don. “You sir, are under arrest for breaking the law. We’ve been watching you for a long time, buddy.”

  “You can’t prove I’ve done anything fraudulent. Every share I’ve bought, has been legit.”

  “Actually, no. You haven’t. You’ve been violating the Gibson County Homestead Act, Code 433 that was established in nineteen thirty-three.”

  All of the commotion stops as we listen intently to the officer. Even Don looks incredulous as if Jackson is making this shit up.

  “What? What code?”
/>   “The one that states you cannot buy water shares located within Gibson County for less than ninety percent of their current value. It was created to prolong the value and quality of Gibson County. To prolong the future and help the towns within the limits of Gibson County stay vibrant communities where people will live.”

  “Yep, no ghost towns in Gibson County thanks to that law,” Dex says.

  Don looks ready to call bullshit and I’m also in slight disbelief but I’m smart enough to keep my mouth shut.

  “That's bullshit. I want a lawyer!”

  They read my uncle his rights as he continues to deny all of the charges even though all of the evidence sits on the kitchen table. I look at the familiar surroundings as the sheriff deals with him. I'm angry. I'm beyond hurt that he would do this to me. To my father’s memory. I feel bad for my aunt, not knowing what her fate will be. I turn to Miranda who is now scribbling furiously in her ever-present notebook. Where’d she have that thing tucked this time?

  “How’d you know to bring the sheriff?”

  She stops scribbling, her brown eyes look up into mine and a slight smile spreads across her face, “Knew you couldn't stay out of trouble.”

  I laugh, “And you just called the sheriff to make sure I was okay?”

  “Of course. I didn't know what he was capable of. I didn't at first. But then I had this gut feeling something was going to go wrong and so I called. Glad I did.”

  “Me too.”

  “We need to ask y’all a few questions. One at a time. Miranda, not all of this can be reported.”

  “Only what's made public, of course.” She smiles a little too sweetly at Dex because she knows with her presence, she has him by the balls anyway.

  Damn, I love that woman.

  After everything and everyone has gone through the ringer, Miranda and I go home. To my home with Brianna and Alex.

  That night, as I lie next to Miranda in my bed, gently caressing her bare skin, I finally work up enough courage to ask her something that's been weighing heavily on my mind.

  “Hey Miranda?”