Lily handed their son over and shook out her arm. “Tell me again what his offer was.”
“A fifty percent increase on the camp sponsorship and an investment in the wedding barn.”
Lily blinked. “I can understand why you would consider it,ifyou did.”
“Which is all I’m saying,” Nash replied. “We should consider our options.”
“There is no option.” Wilder shook his head and gave out a frustrated sigh. “He’s trying to buy us.”
“He seemed quite open about everything. However, I’m aware that he’s a businessman and could be hiding something.” Billy stirred and Nash shifted him to his shoulder, his big hand cradling his son’s back. “So, I’m aware that his offer could be a way of buying us. What do you think, Gun?”
Gunner, who was standing, glanced out of the window, taking a moment before answering. He sighed and shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants before turning to us.
“His offer is incredible,” he replied. “It would keep the camp going for a year and as for the offer of investment in the wedding barn,” he looked directly at Nash, “that wouldalsobe incredible. Imagine what you could do with that.”
“So, you do think we should take his offer then?” Wilder asked him.
“Not saying that, Wild. What I’m saying is let’s see what the numbers are like when we next meet him.”
“And then take his fucking money?” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Are you not worried about our property value on top of the problems for the camp and the wedding venue? Even for people closer to town. How are they going to sell on when buyers realize they’re living in a town with a meat processing plant, no matter how ‘green’ Jenkins claims it is? I vote we just tell him to fuck off.”
“Of course I am, Wild.” Nash was doing his Dad voice, soothing and understanding. “But I think we have to accept that this development is going to go ahead in some form or other at some point.”
“Nash is right,” Gunner added. “Jenkins has many more millions than us to fight this and so let’s be smart about it and not make an enemy of him.” He sighed. “Let’s not tell him to fuck off just yet.”
I was acutely aware that Wilder was getting uptight beside me. His whole body was tight as he wrung his hands together. It looked like he was gearing himself up to jump out of his seat. Maybe it was time to try and diffuse the situation. “How about I go and get us some coffee and a plate of cookies?”
Wilder patted my knee. “I’m fine, Cassidy, I’m not about to lose my shit. This is how our family discussions usually go. Nash and I disagree, and Gunner sits his ass on the fence until Nash and I arm wrestle for it. Which, I might add, I usually win.”
“I think you’ll find that I don’t sit my ass on the fence. I think you’ll find I’m the voice of reason.” Gunner rolled his eyes. “Dick. Making me sound like a pussy.”
Laughter was inevitable because he looked so damn annoyed it was cute. Once I started, Lily soon joined in quickly followed by the three brothers and all the while the youngest Miller man continued sleeping.
“Okay,” Nash finally said, “what do we do about Jenkins and his offer?”
“Can I make a suggestion?” I offered.
“Go ahead sweetheart.” Gunner gave me a perfect smile as he finally sat down in an armchair.
“How about instead of simply accepting or rejecting Jenkins’ offer, why don’t we ask for some binding conditions?”
“Such as?” Lily asked.
“Well, like he has to have, and document, a quarterly environmental test. Call it a performance bond that means he’d have to pay for remediation if standards aren’t met or are a direct oversight.” I glanced at Gunner who was studying me carefully. His gaze was soft as his hands rested on the arms of the chair. “If he’s not willing to do that then maybe he’s not as worried about the environment as he says he is.”
“That’s a good idea.” Wilder moved to the edge of his seat, clearly buying the idea because his body was no longer stiff and unyielding.
“You could also make some other demands,” Lily suggested, brushing a hand over Billy’s head. “You want the camp to be more educational so ask him to incorporate a nature trail in the development. One with educational stations that connect to the camp.”
Nash’s eyes lit up. “I like that idea, baby. If it’s part of his land he’s more likely to protect it. Make sure it’s of a good standard in the first place.”
I looked at Wilder whose shoulders were much more relaxed now. “You and all the townsfolk could also petition for a state environmental review,” I offered. “That way when his report comes back if it doesn’t match the review then you have your answer about accepting his offer.”
Wilder grinned at me. “That’s a fantastic idea. I think that’s exactly what we should do. Nash, Gun?”
The two brothers looked at each other and nodded.
“I agree it’s a good strategy.” Nash pushed up from the sofa. “I’m going to put Billy down in his playpen and then start dinner. You staying Cassidy?”
