“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.
Chapter Thirty-One
Wade
“Iwas in town getting feed earlier,” Benny says after lunch when he walks up behind me.
“I’m aware.”
“People were talking about Doc Sutton.”
“About what?”
“How she’s saving the town, but they’re worried you’re distracting her,” he barks out a laugh before putting his hands up in the air playfully.
“Distracting her?”
