The Alpha in her Dreams

Unwelcome Rescue

Shepherd hesitated before taking a deep breath. “Okay, this may make you upset. But I did some digging on your aunt’s property.”

“Why would that upset me? We need all the help we can get figuring this out. What did you find out?”

“The fees in addition to the unpaid taxes have made it a difficult amount for you and your aunt to pay.”

She knew that wasn’t all he wanted to say. “This is like pulling teeth, Shepherd. Out with it.”

“Beck has been working on this since I left your apartment earlier. There’s an investment firm who is trying to buy the land out from under your aunt. Because of their connections, I doubt your aunt would even be able to take out a loan on the land. So, I bought it.”

Laurel interrupted, “YOU bought our land? Shepherd…” Now she felt angry.

He held his hands up. “Wait, let me explain. There’s no way you or your aunt would’ve been able to fix this on your own. Beck is very savvy, and I told him that if there was any way that you could do this, we would take that route. I knew you wouldn’t want to accept help. You barely let me use my plane to get you here faster. And since your aunt raised you and lives on her own, it wasn’t a stretch for me to assume she would feel the same.”

He turned towards her, taking both of her hands. “Laurel, trust me when I say that there was no way you wouldn’t lose the land unless I bought it. But let me be clear. The land is to be signed over to you and your aunt jointly. The papers are already drawn up and have been sent to the bank. Once you and your aunt sign them, the land is yours free and clear.”

She started to argue, but he cut her off. “I know you don’t want this, but you also don’t want to lose your land. There is no other way, Laurel. I have plenty of money. This does not impact me other than bringing me happiness. I want to help you and your aunt.”

“What if things don’t work out between us? You’ll regret spending this money.”

“I have no doubt we will work out. None.” He flashed an amused smile her way. “But I’ll play your game. Let’s say you decide you don’t want to be with me. I would never regret doing this for you. If you left me yesterday, I would still do this for you today. I’m a man who knows myself. I wouldn’t do something I was unsure of. No matter what happens, this land belongs to you and your aunt.”

It was difficult for Laurel to swallow her pride. She never wanted to be in a position where she felt that she was in debt to someone else.

“Thanks for all you’ve done, Shepherd. Really. I’ll have to talk with my aunt before we decide.”

Laurel was silent the rest of the ride. She didn’t want to be rude or ungrateful, but she also couldn’t be excited that someone had to step in to save her and her aunt. She was the type of girl who prided herself on not needing to be rescued. This felt uncomfortable to her, even though she trusted Shepherd and his motives. She had every intention of looking over the numbers herself to make sure there was no other way. Beck may be good at his job, but her motivation for finding another way was stronger.

With all the thoughts running rampant in her head, it didn’t take long until they arrived at the cabin. Lucy was sitting on the front porch, a preoccupied but happy look on her face. Laurel understood her feelings completely. It had been so long since they’d seen each other, but the circumstances weren’t ideal. They rushed forward to embrace and held each other for a long time. Lucy let go first and turned towards Shepherd.

“Well, you must be pretty great for Laurel to bring you at a time like this.”

Laurel felt an odd sense of pride as she watched Shepherd envelop Lucy’s small form in a hug. As they parted, Lucy turned to lead them both up the steps to the cabin.

“Well, there’s no sense in small talk. I know you’ll want to look at the paperwork. I’ve got it spread out on the table. I can’t see a way around it, Laurel. I’m afraid we’re in for heartbreak. I’ve looked at the numbers until they all blur together and still, I can’t find a way out.”

Laurel sat down at the table and started sorting through the papers. She knew that there was, in fact, a way out but also knew that Lucy would feel the same way as she did about it. She’d rather not disclose the information that the land had already been bought until she inspected the paperwork herself. She knew that if she found something Beck had missed, Shepherd would relinquish the land back in whatever form she wanted if that was her wish.

Lucy made fast work of brewing tea, and she and Shepherd sat silently and patiently, sipping from their mugs as they allowed her the time she needed to go over the numbers. By the time she finished, it was dark outside, and Lucy had prepared dinner. She reached over Laurel and shuffled the papers into a neat pile before moving them to the counter.

“I know you’ve got a sharp mind, Laurel, but I’d be surprised if even you found a loophole in all of this. I’ve been looking over these for weeks and I just can’t find a way out. I’m sorry, honey.”

Laurel ran her hands through her hair and closed her eyes, sighing deeply and taking a moment to gather her thoughts. “You’re right. I don’t see a way to dig ourselves out of this.” She grabbed the bowl of soup that Aunt Lucy had placed in front of her. “Thanks,” she said, barely looking up. “I’m so sorry, Aunt Lucy.”

“I know, darling. I let it all get away from me and now we’re going to lose it. But we have to keep what’s important in front of us. We still have each other. This is just an opportunity for a fresh start.”

Laurel winced, knowing that the solution was already in front of them but unsure of whether her aunt would accept it. “Actually, it doesn’t have to be.”

Lucy looked up at her with her eyebrows raised, waiting for the rest of the revelation.

“The land has already been bought.”

Lucy looked confused. “Well, it’s as good as bought, I’ll agree. But it hasn’t happened yet. We have at least another month before I’ll have to move out.”

Laurel looked across at Shepherd, who gave her an encouraging nod. He had to know that this wouldn’t be an easy conversation but his confidence in the decision gave her strength.

“Shepherd has already bought the land.” She watched as Lucy’s eyes shot Shepherd, giving him a wary look. She quickly continued, “And he’s already deeded it back to you and me. Jointly.”

There was a long pause as Lucy studied her dish. Finally, she looked up at Shepherd with determination. “I appreciate the offer, Shepherd, I really do. And I can see that you care a lot for Laurel. But this isn’t your problem, and I can’t accept your help.”

He smiled at her compassionately. “I’m afraid that it’s already done. I acknowledge this is a tricky situation and I know you and Laurel wish that there was another way. You don’t know me, but I love Laurel and I can’t stand by and watch her or someone she loves lose something that is so important when it’s an easy fix for me. This costs me little and gives me great satisfaction. Let me assure you that this will never be mentioned again. There are no strings attached. The land is yours- free and clear. You just have to sign the papers.” He paused, looking at the two strong-willed women. “It’s done already. This land has always been yours. It should remain yours.”

There wasn’t much left to say after that. Lucy gathered the dishes and quietly washed up. Laurel could tell that she couldn’t allow herself to feel relieved. She knew that she didn’t like the feeling of being in debt to someone. Laurel knew this because she felt the same way. It didn’t need to be explained. She hoped that things would feel more natural tomorrow between Lucy and Shepherd. Lucy headed to bed, and Laurel couldn’t bring herself to make Shepherd a makeshift bed on the couch. She needed him beside her. He settled in next to her in her old room, holding her gently as they drifted off to sleep together.