Chapter 3 #2
That was not what Richie expected to hear. “In general, or about something in particular?”
Clay hesitated again, then looked his father in the eye, deciding to stand firm on what he wanted. “School. I hate it. I don’t want to do it.”
“I know.”
Clay sat back in his chair. “You do?”
“I do. So does your mom. But you seemed to have decided it was what you wanted, and we figured if you decided you hated it, you’d stop going. If you liked it and stayed, that was fine, too.”
“Why didn’t you say anything about it?”
“Because it’s your life. We’d discussed it to death — many times.
You just didn’t know what you wanted, but you had an opportunity to explore it with no risks.
Your scholarship paid for it. I’ve watched you be less and less happy each time you came home this last year.
Every time I asked if you were okay, and each time you’d say yes.
I knew when you were ready, or had decided what you needed to be happy, you’d make a move one way or the other. ”
“So, you won’t be disappointed if I don’t go back?”
“Not at all. It’s only three more weeks until the end of the semester, though.
You might want to just tough it out so you at least get the credit for the classes you’re taking this semester.
But, that’s your choice, too.” Richie laced his fingers together and rested his forearms and hands on the table in front of himself.
“I don’t care what you do, Clay. As long as you’re happy.
That’s what’s important. That’s all that matters. ”
Clay smiled and nodded. “Thanks, Dad.”
Richie grinned at him and picked up his pizza, taking another bite, waiting for Clay to get to the rest of whatever it was he had to say. It was clear he wasn’t finished yet.
“There’s something else.”
“Tell me,” Richie said.
“Would it be possible to have access to the college fund that you and Mom put together for me?”
Richie regarded Clay thoughtfully as he chewed his food, and watched his son struggling to come clean with what was happening in his life.
“The money is yours. We saved it, invested it, and made smart choices while you were growing up. It’s a lot of money.
But it’s yours. You didn’t need it for college, so it’s just been sitting there quietly gathering interest and profit, waiting to be needed. ”
“Are you and Mom planning on using it for anything?”
“Yes. We planned on giving it to you the day you claim your mate, or get married, or both. Like I said, it’s yours.”
Clay started smiling.
“What?” Richie asked.
“I found her.”
Richie sat forward, his expression clear he was hanging on Clay’s every word.
“I’m miserable in school. I dread being there, I doubly dread going back every time we leave here to go back. And now I found my mate, and I want to build a life with her.”
“That’s fantastic son! I’m so happy for you. What does she say?” Richie asked.
“She doesn’t know yet. Or, I don’t think she does,” Clay said.
“When did you meet her? Where?”
Clay smiled again and shrugged. “A long, long time ago. But I didn’t know it was more than a crush until we were in high school. I was always afraid to tell her, but today I took a chance. It was the best day, and all I ever hoped.”
“Harper,” Richie said with a grin.
Clay nodded slowly. “Harper. I’ve always known she was something special.
I even warned the boys in high school if they even looked at her it would be the last time they looked at anybody.
But I never told her. I never thought she’d see me as more than a member of the Pride.
She never seemed to notice me anymore than anyone else in the Pride.
Then today, it was great. We laughed, we talked, we both said how much we enjoyed being together. ”
“But you still didn’t tell her,” Richie said.
“No, not yet. But I will.”
“I think this is fantastic! I’m so excited and happy for you. I can’t wait to see you two build a life together. Are you going to sink your money into the tree farm, help make it bigger?” Richie asked encouragingly.
“No. I’m buying an equine center. And I’m giving my mate her dream. We’re going to run it together, and we’re going to be deliriously happy.”
Richie’s mouth fell open and eyebrows shot up. “Do you know anything about running an equine center?”
“Nope. But I know business. I’ve been taking courses for three years.
I’ve been watching you run the restaurant and the store all my life.
And I’ve been watching Riley running the construction end of things.
Harper knows horses. Harper knows the functional side of the business — the horses, the people, the needs.
After only talking to her today, I already have two or three ideas on how to increase the business and make it grow.
I already have two things to address that will make it more profitable.
And it comes with this magnificent barn and ready made income from boarding.
And the house is a traditional white farmhouse. All we have to do is move in.”
Richie grinned at him. “How can I help?”
“I don’t know. First I have to win my mate. Then, I’ll know what to do next. But first, I’m going to finish the next three weeks of school. You’re right. It’s only three weeks and I shouldn’t lose all the time I’ve put in this semester. Then I’ll get started on my future.”
“I’m proud of you. Proud of all you’re about to do. I can’t wait to see it happen.”
“Thank you.”
“Travis will be pissed. He wants her to take over that tree farm.”
“He’ll have to figure out that if he wants to be a part of Harper’s life, he’ll have to get on board with her dreams. Her dreams are not his.
She doesn’t want to take it over. She wants to help him, pitch in whenever she can, as we all do, but she thinks it should go to Scotty’s boys because it’s not where her heart is. ”
“Good Lord, can you see the three of them fighting all over that farm as adults?”
“They’re just kids. They’ll grow up and one, at least, will want the family business. Harper doesn’t want it. Besides, she’ll have our equine center to run.”