Page 36 of Roots of Redemption (Hicks Creek #4)

Chapter Thirty

Sutton

I have a lot of walled-off, balled-up emotions when it comes to Wade Callahan and a relationship of any sorts. I’m terrified of what his words mean, but mostly because I’m feeling something I’ve never fully felt before…happy.

Despite the chaos of the outbreak, the strained relationship with my father, the second mortgage, I feel steady and happy because, despite all of that, I know that Wade is steady and will be there to catch me if I fall.

It’s an exceptionally terrifying thing to put all your trust in a man to catch you when he could very possibly be the one who pushes you in the first place.

I absolutely see a future with this man, but I don’t think my words conveyed what I wanted them to. I need to put some space between us so I can figure this out.

“I need to get to the bank,” I murmur. “Well, I need to shower first.”

“Need help with that?”

“I need you to behave,” I giggle.

“Worth a shot.”

He takes my hand in his and pulls me into him before he brushes his lips across mine gently.

I love it when he does that, but it also terrifies me at the same time.

“I’ll see you later.”

I get up and walk to the guest house. At the same time, I can hear Wade get up and head back to the barn.

Everything with him is so…nice. We work so well together. We get along well.

Maybe it’s the familiarity of it all. The connection from having grown up on a ranch.

Maybe he just wants free vet care.

That’s the most ridiculous thought I’ve ever had, I think .

I’ve truly never felt anything like this before with any man I’ve ever been with.

It’s all just so easy, and I love that. I really do want him to go with me to the bank, but it’s something I need to do on my own.

I don’t want him to think I need to be rescued; his steady, calm presence would be reassuring, though.

Dad would really never speak to me again if he knew that Wade knew our family’s financial business.

An hour later, I park my truck in front of the bank, my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles ache.

The sun glares off the windshield, but the heat outside is nothing compared to the storm brewing inside me.

I’ve rehearsed this conversation a dozen times, but now that I’m here, my stomach twists into tighter knots.

The bank doors swing open with a faint chime as I step inside.

Cool air rushes over me, carrying the faint scent of paper and polished wood.

Cal is behind the counter, talking to an employee.

His silver hair catches the light as he leans over some paperwork.

When he sees me, his face softens into a kind smile.

“Sutton,” he greets warmly, standing up straight. “It’s so good to see you back in town.”

“Hi, Cal,” I say, my voice steady despite the nervous energy buzzing through me. “It’s great to be back.”

“Give me just a second, and we can go back into my office to talk.”

He continues his conversation with the employee and then gestures for me to follow him.

I do, my boots thudding against the tile floor.

His office is small but tidy, with framed pictures of his family on the desk and a window overlooking Main Street.

He motions for me to take a seat across from him as he settles into his chair.

“I’ve been expecting this conversation,” he admits, folding his hands on the desk.

“Had Dad told me, I would have been here sooner. Or, I just wouldn’t have allowed him to take out a second mortgage.”

“I know you two don’t have the best relationship,” he sighs.

“He did what he thought was right. I apologize, though. I was off with a back injury, and my replacement from another bank in the city convinced quite a few people to go this route. He failed to explain the balloon payment to all of them. Your dad isn’t the only one in this kind of pickle. ”

“If that’s the case then—”

He raises his hand and shakes his head. “The paperwork was signed; there’s no going back on it. That gentleman no longer works for the bank, but it’s all legal.”

Well, shit.

I blow out a breath. “I found Dad’s paperwork. It does look like he was making payments when he could to the balloon payment. There was a notice from the bank stating they would work with him if he continued making payments, but then he also got a foreclosure notice.”

“I’m really sorry, Sutton. I’ve known your family for years, and your dad’s always been good on his payments. But my hands are tied.”

I nod, swallowing hard. “I know he’s never missed a payment. He’s been doing everything he can to keep up. Is there really no way to get another extension?”

His expression is pained as he shakes his head. “We’ve already extended the terms as much as we’re allowed. The higher-ups are pushing to close this out by the end of the month. They’re not willing to wait any longer.”

“Why?” I ask, leaning forward. “Why now, all of a sudden? It doesn’t make sense.”

He hesitates, glancing at the papers on his desk.

“I’ve been wondering the same thing. They were willing to work with him as much as possible.

We really don’t gain much from any of it.

None of us want to see someone pushed out of their family home.

One day, my boss just came out and told me that the foreclosure was being pushed through.

It feels like there’s something bigger at play, but I don’t have any proof. Just… a gut feeling.”

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. “What if I could give you a sizable amount right now? Would they work with us on that?”

His eyes narrow thoughtfully. “How much are we talking?”

“I can pull together half of what’s owed,” I say, my voice steady despite the lump in my throat. “Would that be enough to buy us more time?”

He leans back in his chair, rubbing his chin. “I’ll bring it up to them, but I have to be honest, Sutton. I don’t think it’ll be enough to change their minds. They’re set on getting the full amount.”

I nod, my chest tightening. “I understand. Just… let me know what they say, okay?”

“I will,” he promises. “And I’m truly sorry. I wish there was more I could do.”

“Thanks, Cal,” I say quietly, standing up. “I appreciate you trying.”

As I leave his office, my head and heart feel heavy. My heart hurts. I’ve failed in my mission to help Dad, and the weight of that failure settles squarely on my shoulders. But I can’t afford to wallow. I have to figure out another solution.

Not a full fail—maybe Cal will call and tell me they’ll take half and give me a date to come up with the other half.

The sunlight outside feels harsh as I step out of the bank, squinting against its brightness. I’m so lost in thought. There’s got to be something I can do. There has to be a reason that the bank is suddenly pushing this through.

I climb into the driver’s seat. My hands grip the steering wheel again, but this time, it’s not from nerves—it’s from determination.

I’ll find a way to fix this. For Dad. For the ranch. For everything that matters.. I won’t let this be the end of Bishop Ranch.