Read Online Montana Darling (Big Sky Mavericks Book 3) by Debra Salonen - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Debra Salonen
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say when the lawyers come in the door, money goes out the window.”
She turned her head so he wouldn’t see her smile. “So, where are we, Ren? I can’t build and your client…what? He gets to camp there all winter?”
Ryker pretended to shiver. “I’ve never spent a winter in Montana, but from what I’ve heard unless I can find someone to teach me how to build an igloo, I will need to rent a room or something indoors. I’ll check the bulletin board at the library.”
“Good,” Ren said, reaching out to shake his hand. Apparently, their meeting was over. “I’d prefer it if you could stick around Marietta until we get a handle on this. I’ll call you as soon as I know anything.”
Ryker picked up his backpack, but hesitated, waiting to see if Mia was leaving, too. Maybe she’d agree to have a cup of coffee with him.
“Dumb idea, bro,” he could hear Flynn say. “She has money, connections, and a background in legal protocol. You’re opponents in a dispute, each with a lot to lose.”
But Ryker never had been much of a businessman and, dammit, the man in him wanted to get to know her better while the photographer in him was itching to see her in his viewfinder.
Before he could say anything, though, Mia said, “Ren, if you have a minute, I’d like to talk to you about something completely off-topic.”
Off topic? Really? He stuffed the empty file folder Louise had given him to protect his many photocopies into his backpack, slung his camera strap around his neck and left the room. He made use of the very nice restroom on his way past, because when you lived without running water, you never passed up a chance to wash your face and brush your teeth.
But he wasn’t leaving without talking to Mia, face-to-face. He had to know what this connection he felt with her was all about. One thing he knew for sure…it had nothing to do with the lot by the river.
*
Mia had planned to set up an appointment with Ren when she and Austen had firmed up their plans, but with Austen starting to look for rental space, she decided now was as good a time as any to break the news.
Once the door closed, she picked up her purse and sat. “I haven’t congratulated you on your marriage. I’m happy for you and Tully.”
“Thanks. We’re still giddy newlyweds.”
“And you have a baby coming, too, I hear.”
“We do. We’re not getting any younger, you know.”
She could attest to that…although her baby making days were over. Not by choice. She swallowed against the tightness in her throat that came every time she recalled her oncologist explaining that the risk of ovarian cancer was far greater for women with her genetic makeup. “A hysterectomy will hedge your bets.” Like life was one big poker game.
She cleared her throat. “I’m sure you’ve heard rumors. My divorce. My health. The reason I moved home.”
“You’re a Marietta girl. People talk because they care.”
A diplomatic way of saying small towns gossiped.
“That’s good to know because I’m here to stay. Which is what I wanted to tell you in person. Austen and I have decided to hang out a shingle together. He’ll handle estate matters, water rights… anything that might have a connection to Helena. I’ll take family law cases.”
“That sounds like a great plan. Do you have an office yet?”
She shook her head. “No. Austen thought Paul would be a good resource, but he’s so busy with the wedding. And I was focused on finding a contractor to get started on my house.”
He looked toward Ryker’s paperwork. “Mr. Bensen’s claim threw a monkey wrench in your plan. I’m sorry.”
She shrugged. “It’s not your fault. These things happen. I just wanted to make you aware of our intentions. Hopefully, there’s enough business for everybody.” The last came out a bit more of a question than she’d intended. Cheyenne District Attorney Mia never asked for approval from her peers.
“I appreciate your candor, Mia. Marietta is
She turned her head so he wouldn’t see her smile. “So, where are we, Ren? I can’t build and your client…what? He gets to camp there all winter?”
Ryker pretended to shiver. “I’ve never spent a winter in Montana, but from what I’ve heard unless I can find someone to teach me how to build an igloo, I will need to rent a room or something indoors. I’ll check the bulletin board at the library.”
“Good,” Ren said, reaching out to shake his hand. Apparently, their meeting was over. “I’d prefer it if you could stick around Marietta until we get a handle on this. I’ll call you as soon as I know anything.”
Ryker picked up his backpack, but hesitated, waiting to see if Mia was leaving, too. Maybe she’d agree to have a cup of coffee with him.
“Dumb idea, bro,” he could hear Flynn say. “She has money, connections, and a background in legal protocol. You’re opponents in a dispute, each with a lot to lose.”
But Ryker never had been much of a businessman and, dammit, the man in him wanted to get to know her better while the photographer in him was itching to see her in his viewfinder.
Before he could say anything, though, Mia said, “Ren, if you have a minute, I’d like to talk to you about something completely off-topic.”
Off topic? Really? He stuffed the empty file folder Louise had given him to protect his many photocopies into his backpack, slung his camera strap around his neck and left the room. He made use of the very nice restroom on his way past, because when you lived without running water, you never passed up a chance to wash your face and brush your teeth.
But he wasn’t leaving without talking to Mia, face-to-face. He had to know what this connection he felt with her was all about. One thing he knew for sure…it had nothing to do with the lot by the river.
*
Mia had planned to set up an appointment with Ren when she and Austen had firmed up their plans, but with Austen starting to look for rental space, she decided now was as good a time as any to break the news.
Once the door closed, she picked up her purse and sat. “I haven’t congratulated you on your marriage. I’m happy for you and Tully.”
“Thanks. We’re still giddy newlyweds.”
“And you have a baby coming, too, I hear.”
“We do. We’re not getting any younger, you know.”
She could attest to that…although her baby making days were over. Not by choice. She swallowed against the tightness in her throat that came every time she recalled her oncologist explaining that the risk of ovarian cancer was far greater for women with her genetic makeup. “A hysterectomy will hedge your bets.” Like life was one big poker game.
She cleared her throat. “I’m sure you’ve heard rumors. My divorce. My health. The reason I moved home.”
“You’re a Marietta girl. People talk because they care.”
A diplomatic way of saying small towns gossiped.
“That’s good to know because I’m here to stay. Which is what I wanted to tell you in person. Austen and I have decided to hang out a shingle together. He’ll handle estate matters, water rights… anything that might have a connection to Helena. I’ll take family law cases.”
“That sounds like a great plan. Do you have an office yet?”
She shook her head. “No. Austen thought Paul would be a good resource, but he’s so busy with the wedding. And I was focused on finding a contractor to get started on my house.”
He looked toward Ryker’s paperwork. “Mr. Bensen’s claim threw a monkey wrench in your plan. I’m sorry.”
She shrugged. “It’s not your fault. These things happen. I just wanted to make you aware of our intentions. Hopefully, there’s enough business for everybody.” The last came out a bit more of a question than she’d intended. Cheyenne District Attorney Mia never asked for approval from her peers.
“I appreciate your candor, Mia. Marietta is