Theodore (Xavier's Hatchlings #2) - Kathi S. Barton Page 0,16
know they’ve been living here all their adult lives, but after my family took what they had, there wasn’t enough to fix things when they broke down. I don’t think the house is worth more than it would cost to fix it up. I might be wrong, but it’s not a sound house either.” He told her it wasn’t. Even the foundation was falling in. “Yes, I saw that when I had to go down and turn the breaker back on. What will happen to this place once we move out?”
“There are several members of the pack that we can have roaming the yard to keep people out. That’s not a big deal. But I think at some point, someone is going to have to make the decision if they want to keep paying taxes on this place or just turn it back to farmland.” She asked him what he’d do. “Burn the house out and to the ground. Not by me, but with the fire department in charge. They could use it as a training house. Or we can fix it up enough that you could rent it out should you need the income. Which you don’t. We have more than enough money that neither of us would have to work again and would still be able to spend a great deal daily and not make a dent.”
“I have to work.” He told her he understood that need as well. “Then there’s the land. What would you do if it belonged to you? I’m sure you’ve thought of that.”
“Yes. There are several options there. The one that might make your grandma feel the best is where she sells it outright to someone—my family would purchase it—and let us use it for the new hospital this area needs.” Standing up, she looked down at the town below her while Theo continued speaking. “We’ve been working to find enough room to build since we moved here. On the land, there would be a hospital, a clinic, some office buildings, as well as a few homes. With the amount the land is worth, your grandma could feel as if she were helping the town rather than just leaving the only home she’s ever known.”
“I’m so happy that we don’t have to wait until the will is read tomorrow.” He said he knew that. “The only thing I can think of right now is that, by selling the land, Grandma would be a target of my family. I don’t want her hurt.”
“I’ve not told her yet, but she’s immortal as well. I’ve given her enough magic, however, that if she wishes to join Harold, she can do that as well.” She looked at him with a cocked brow. “I gave it to you as well. You could end your life should you really want to. But I’d like it if you gave me a chance first in making you happy. Or at least not as depressed as I know you’ve been.”
“I’ve never been happy, not until the last few days. I’d have a moment or two of some feeling, but nothing like I’ve had with you.” She looked back down at the town. “I’m not in love with you, Theo. I don’t know that I know that feeling. But I do feel something profound for you. And you have made me feel so much better that I’ve not had to take my medication since arriving here.”
“You’ve no idea how good that makes me feel.” She nodded. “Pem, one more thing. You can say no to it if you wish, but this is serious business. I would very much like it if you were to marry me. Today, if possible. Not only will it make you safer when it comes to your family, but they will have me to reckon with if they get the least bit out of line. It would also make it so that you can distance yourself from them. Manning is a name that opens doors. But it can also be counted on to slam the fucker shut should it need to.”
“All right.” He laughed, and she turned back to him. “Did you expect me to say no? Or were you hoping that?”
“No. I’m thrilled. Mom will be too when they arrive.” She nodded, then jokingly asked him if he had a ring. “I do, as a matter of fact. My dad gave it to me when they were here for Finn’s marriage.”