Page 33 of Skye's Fall

“Warn someone that you’re in the room,” Memphis mutters as Ever laughs.

“How’s it going out there?”

“I don’t know. I helped everyone but Kelsey and Kara. They didn’t want my help.”

“At least you tried,” Ever says. “That’s all that matters. That is a big move for you.”

“I have a question and please don’t say ‘ask Linc’,” I start and I see both of them look at each other.

“Can’t promise but okay,” Ever says.

“Why did he come on the show?”

Memphis gestures to sit and I do.

“I was hoping he would tell you, but he’s dragging his feet. And it’s really not any of our business anyway. Linc is a very private person. But here it goes— Linc is broke. He’s living with me and Ever. His parents sold the ranch. We’re thinking they forged his signature. He needs the money to take them to court over his grandfather’s will.”

“He lost everything?” That ranch was everything to him.

Ever nods.

“Is there anything the town can do?”

“The mayor is already trying to stall the developer who bought the land in hopes that Linc can get the money back from his mom. And your momma took up a collection at the diner, but he doesn’t know. We have to figure out a way to give it to him without him thinking it’s pity charity.”

“I have money saved up,” I blurt out.

“What?”

“I have money saved up. How much does he need to buy out the developer?”

“About two million,” Ever says.

“I have it.” Both of them looked shocked.

“I had stock I sold when I was married to you. I saved the money, grew the investments, and then cashed out,” I tell them.

“You want to buy his ranch back?” Memphis asks. He must think I’m lying.

“Yes. If you can go to my house and get my checkbook, I’ll write a check. It’s the least I can do for how I treated him,” I say hastily, noting that Sal is gesturing to me.

“Okay, I’ll go today,” Ever says as she hugs me.

“Just don’t tell him I did it, not yet,” I say as I head back outside. Linc needs his ranch more than he needs this show. I’m glad I can do that for him.

“Time to taste your dishes, ladies,” Carlton says as we sit down at the tables.

“Men, serve your women,” Carlton says as the guys plate their dishes and come sit with us.

“Sorry about earlier,” Linc mutters.

“It’s alright. I’m sorry I pushed. I’m starving,” changing the sore subject.

“Dig in.” He sits down with me and watches as I eat.

I take a bite and moan. This is heaven.

Chapter Twenty