Chapter 34 #2
“Bryanna and Saint have welcomed me with open arms, but they’re a young family. I don’t want to smother them,” Edie chimed in. “Do you plan to rebuild the apartments? I’m sure Barb doesn’t want to live at the Bed and Breakfast permanently.”
“Mama, we love having you there,” Saint insisted.
“I know you do, my dear boy. You and Bryanna need time together as a family without me. You’re newly married and don’t need to cater to me,” Edie insisted.
“You’re a great help with the kids, and who can complain when their mother-in-law makes dinner?” Bryanna added.
“I love you like a daughter, Bryanna, but too many cooks in the kitchen lead to dissension. I want the kids to see me as the cool gran, not some old woman underfoot,” Edie argued.
“I have something in the works which might suit both of you. Why don’t we reconvene in a few days after we’ve given this some time to mull over?” Kassie advised.
“You know I can punish my men and make them work at the community center. All those running kids and demanding seniors will drive them mad,” Ivan said, stroking his chin and grinning evilly.
“We want people to come to the center, not run from it,” Kassie said, laughing. “Although Aleski might like a job. With Victoria and Nick spending time together, he seems bored. The man can bake bread that melts in your mouth.”
“It’s something to think about,” Ty said, mulling it over.
“Before we leave, can we discuss one more item?” Scarlett asked.
“Sure,” Chase agreed.
“Don’t take offense, but from what I understand, this town acts like a community.
Yet they want you to solve all their problems. We still have residents without meals from the kitchen and needy families.
Barb and Edie can’t keep it up on their own.
Why don’t we ask the town to step in and get them involved?
They’re benefiting from all you have done.
It’s time they help one another and not expect you to throw money at the situation.
I don’t mean to step on anyone’s toes, but if you want this place to keep its small town appeal and work together, you have to give them a reason to do it. ”
“Darling, you’re preaching to the choir.
Neither Kassie nor Chase understands that charity begins at home.
If the school needs something, Kassie’s the first person they contact.
If the library or the fire department runs low on funds, they hit up Chase,” Victoria said, shaking her head.
“They’re a new family with an entire zoo and don’t have the time anymore to cater to everyone’s needs. ”
“You’re right,” Chase murmured. “I grew up here. People helped one another all the time. Since we’ve established the hospital and free clinic, I don’t see neighbors helping neighbors anymore.
Our phones have rung off the hook from families needing food and demanding when we’ll reopen.
No one volunteered to bring anything or help in any way. ”
“Maybe they need a reason,” Scarlett suggested.
“We have a man creating havoc in their town, and the cops can’t seem to do anything.
I know Leo’s men patrolled the area, but what about a neighborhood watch?
They lost a valuable member of the community, and it’s time they watched each other’s backs. ”
“You’re one intelligent woman,” Ty said, leaning close to her ear. “I may have to reward you later.”
He watched as her cheeks pinkened. “Why don’t we bring this up at the town meeting on Thursday? Can you have the teens set up flyers around town?”
Kassie bit her lip. “I plan to suggest we name the park after Debbie and Diana. They always did everything together. We need a town vote.”
“The park will honor both of them,” Barb sniffled and dabbed her eyes.
“I’ll have the kids distribute a flyer with an ominous call for the town meeting in the morning. Curiosity seems to drive them out in groves,” Kassie said, turning to Chase. “Can you contact Leo and ask if they can patrol the crowd? With Jeremy still free, we don’t want another person hurt.”
“I’ll call him,” Chase assured her.
Ty and Scarlett said goodbye. Taco followed them home.
“Your mom will be here tomorrow. Do you need to make up the guest room or anything? I can help,” Scarlett asked as they walked into his house.
“Thank you for the offer, but it’s all done. The insurance adjuster wants to meet me again at the restaurant on Wednesday. He said he needed more pictures. Do you mind if I leave you here with Mom?” he asked. “I’ll have one of the team stay with you.”
“Rocker will be here,” she reminded him. “He can keep us company.”
Scarlett got herself a glass of water and curled up on the couch with her book.
He smiled. Every time she walked into the room, his heart raced.
Tonight, she didn’t hesitate to bring up the issues, and he saw her leadership skills in action.
She didn’t outright accuse or point fingers.
She stated the problem and suggested a solution.
He used the same approach with his employees at the restaurant.
Scarlett and Kassie’s suggestion to combine his and Bryanna’s businesses carried merit. It might give him the time he longed for on the ranch and Bryanna a much-needed break. With Scarlett in the picture, his desire to stay at home grew more with each passing day.