Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
My best friend from high school rushed over, his hand stretched out to shake. He looked just like he did back in the day, just with a bit of gray streaked in his brown hair. Approaching a bit slower was a pretty blonde who looked a few years younger than Jared. She wore a royal blue dress that fell just below her knees and wrapped around her waist, accentuating her figure. A diamond necklace hung around her neck, with diamond earrings to match.
I couldn’t help but wonder what Jared was doing these days, that allowed him to wrap his wife up in that kind of expensive jewelry. His parents hadn’t been poor, by any means, but neither were they well off.
“I got back a few weeks ago. My father had a heart attack and, well…I was past due for coming home.”
“I didn’t hear that about your father. I’m so sorry. Is he okay?”
I nodded. “He is, thank God.”
Seeming to notice he hadn’t introduced the woman next to him, Jared said, “Katie, this is Colt Owens.”
Smiling, she shook my hand. “Jared has told me stories about the two of you in high school.”
I laughed and winked. “I hope you didn’t believe any of them.”
“Oh, I most certainly did. I’ve been married to him for six years. I know exactly who he is.”
Jared laughed. “I met Katie when I was in the Army in Texas. We got married, and she moved back to River Falls with me.”
My brows raised. “Congratulations. Kids?”
Katie replied, “Two little girls. Five and two.”
“Wow.”
Jared beamed. “They’re my pride and joy. And Katie’s the love of my life. I’m not sure where I’d be right now if it hadn’t been for her.”
Gently patting his chest, she said, “Oh, stop that. We’d better get inside; it feels like the temperature’s dropping and I didn’t bring a wrap.”
“May we head in with you?” Jared asked.
I gestured them along. “Please do.” As we began walking, I asked Jared, “How long have you been back in River Falls?”
“Two years. Katie started a law practice in Granby.”
“You’re a lawyer?” I asked her.
She smiled. “I am.”
“Do you mind if I ask what kind?”
“My firm handles criminal justice and family law.”
I gave her a look. “Katie, you and I need to set up a meeting.”
She stopped walking and turned to study me. “I’m intrigued.”
“My father hired someone to help out on our small family ranch. He slipped a piece of paper into a stack of things for my father to sign, giving him permission to be added to his bank account. Then he withdrew every cent and left. I’ve hired a private investigator to find the guy. I want him to pay for what he did to my father.”
I swore Katie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Swing by my office on Monday and I’ll be happy to represent you. I’m available all day, since I was supposed to be off, but plans changed.” She handed me a business card from her small purse.
Smiling, I replied, “Thank you, and I’ll stop by first thing.”
Once we stepped inside the transformed event center, I glanced around to find my parents. They hadn’t made it very far before stopping to speak with someone.
Turning to my friend, I said, “It was so great seeing you, Jared. And nice to meet you, Katie.”
“Let’s catch up sometime soon,” Jared said, handing me a card, as well. “It’s got my cell on there.”
I glanced at the card. Jared owned his own excavation company. I smiled and said, “Sounds good. I’ll give you a call soon.”
Katie quickly swept Jared away to go talk to someone I didn’t recognize. Turning, I made my way over to my parents. They were talking to Gus and Nellie Wilde.
The moment Gus saw me, his eyes lit up. “What is this I see in front of me? Colt! You haven’t changed a single bit, son!”
Smiling, I shook his hand, then bent down and kissed Nellie on the cheek. “It’s wonderful to see you both. How’ve you been?”
“Retirement has been blissful,” Gus stated with a wide grin.
Nellie nodded. “It has been nice. We’re going on a cruise next week.”
My mother added, “Oh, I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise. I think Alaska.”
“That’s the cruise we’re going on! You and Jacob should see if there’s still availability.”
My mother waved off the suggestion. “I wish we could. Right now it’s not in the cards, as we have medical bills coming in.”
Gus and Nellie both nodded their understanding.
I, on the other hand, wasn’t about to let it go. “Mom, if Dad can get clearance to go, I’d be happy to buy your tickets.”
“No, Colt, you’ve done enough already,” my father added quickly.
Instead of arguing with him, especially here at the charity dinner, I simply nodded—giving Gus a wink when my father wasn’t looking. He gave me a small nod, clearly aware I wasn’t done trying to convince them.