Chapter 11 - Wade Finally Sits at My Table
Wade returned to my cabin under very different circumstances.
This time, both attorneys were present.
No muddy boots.
No surveyor.
No manila folder pushed across my table like an order.
He looked exhausted.
“You think you won.”
I almost smiled.
“This isn’t a game.”
“You turned Mom against me.”
“No.”
“You destroyed my company.”
“No.”
His company had lost contracts after the timber dispute became public
through legal proceedings.
That was not the same as me destroying it.
Wade stared toward the kitchen window.
“Garrett always thought he was better than me.”
“Did he?”
“Yes.”
“Or did he tell you no?”
Wade looked at me.
That landed.
He admitted he believed the eastern land morally belonged to the family
regardless of the deed.
He believed Garrett’s refusal to grant access was selfish.
He believed the development could save his struggling timber company.
He believed I would sell after Garrett died.
When I did not, he decided pressure was justified.
“And the ten thousand?”
He looked ashamed.
“I thought you’d take it.”
“Because I work on a computer?”
“Because you weren’t from here.”
There it was.
The assumption underneath everything.
I did not belong.
Garrett did.
Wade did.
Lorraine did.
I was temporary.
I slid the old deed toward him.
May you like
“Garrett chose me as family.”
Wade looked away.
