Cody knew exactly how Kristi felt about Brooke. They would probably never be friends. It would make things easier if they got along. He tried to stay neutral but sometimes he wished theyliked each other. Of course, the last thing he needed was for them to gang up on him.
To keep him from commenting, Kristi prompted her father. “Daddy, tell him why you wanted to talk to him.”
Kirk gave his daughter an indulgent look. “So impatient.”
She beamed. “I’m excited.”
Kirk focused on him. “Kristi tells me things between you two have been really good these last many months. Her mother and I like seeing our girl happy.”
“So do I,” Cody agreed. What else could he say? He and Kristi got on well. They enjoyed each other’s company. The sex had been better in the beginning but was still good. They’d settled into a sort of routine. One Kristi didn’t always appreciate or like because his busy schedule dictated when he could see her. But what guy wouldn’t want to be with someone who went out of their way to accommodate them? He liked that Kristi made allowances for him with minimal grumbling when plans had to change last minute because he was stuck in court or needed to be at the ranch for some emergency.
“And are you looking toward the future?” Kirk sipped his bourbon and eyed him.
“I feel like I’m in the thick of building what I want that future to look like.” It probably wasn’t the answer Kristi and Kirk wanted, but it was the truth and they could make of it what they would, because he was with Kristi, even if he hadn’t put a lot of thought into their future. She was convenient, available to him when he wanted to see her, and he simply didn’t have the time to contemplate where things were going to end up when he was content enough with right now. His thoughts didn’t flatter Kristi. She was considerate, smart, helpful, and affectionate. He appreciated her easy manner, especially when he was in a mood.
Kristi hugged him tighter and stared up at him with excitement. “You work really hard. And while I love the time wespend together, I wish you’d enjoy life a bit more.” That was her nice way of saying she wanted him to spend less time at work and more with her.
“Young men on the rise don’t have the luxury of leisure time, darling.” Kirk gave Cody an approving nod for focusing on work. “You two will have plenty of time together in the years to come.”
Cody wouldn’t touch that statement with a ten-foot pole. While he didn’t have a lot of long-term relationships under his belt, he knew he and Kristi needed a lot more time to see if this thing could go the distance.
Kristi blushed and nodded at her father. “Cody and I are solid. I’m excited to see his plans come to fruition in the near future. He’s working hard and winning his cases.” Her eyes shone with pride.
So supportive. He rewarded her with a soft kiss. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
Kirk nodded again, like he’d come to some decision. “As you know, I have a lot of connections in this state. An opportunity has come up that I think you’d be perfect for”—he pointed his bourbon glass at Cody—“and would make your rising star shine a bit brighter.”
Anticipation and excitement fluttered in his gut. “I’m open to hearing about it.” Though cautious, because he wondered if whatever Kirk had in mind came with conditions and strings attached.
“Governor Harris, as you know, is extremely excited about the new children’s hospital that opened several months ago. He and I, and others, including your father, were instrumental in pulling the funding together for the project. Of course, the governor ran on a platform that included helping children, especially in getting the healthcare those most vulnerable need.”
“My father would have been proud to see the new hospital open. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it and how it’simpacted the community. The previous clinic wasn’t able to keep up with the demand for care. Families had to drive into the city to get the services they needed.”
“Exactly why it was so necessary. And to make sure the hospital is run well and thrives for years to come, we as board members take our job very seriously.” Kirk sipped his drink again, letting it hang there that he was on the board, which gave him clout and power.
Cody wondered what any of this had to do with him. “Lives are on the line, along with jobs. And having community support means people care about the hospital, the patients, and those supporting and running it.”
Kirk grinned. “I knew you’d see the big picture. That’s why I spoke to the governor about who we should tap to fill the upcoming vacant board member seat. While he doesn’t serve on the board because of his political position, he’s still very active with the board members who do. Since he and I were longtime friends with your father, and you and I have an even more personal connection with you seeing my daughter, I recommended that the upcoming vacant seat on the board should go to you.”
Cody gasped at Kirk’s offer. “I’m…”Speechless.“Intrigued. And honored.” He’d never thought about taking on a board position. He’d been too focused on building his reputation as a lawyer. But being a part of something his father had invested his time and resources into would be so rewarding. He’d do his father proud watching over the hospital, its patients and staff, making sure it ran smoothly and provided everything the community needed.
“You’d make a great addition to the team with your legal expertise. The pro bono work you do for children hasn’t gone unnoticed.” Kirk looked from him to Kristi, letting Cody know Kristi had filled him in on his extracurricular work.
He didn’t talk about the work he did for a legal aid foundation. He was a criminal attorney. Sometimes kids got into trouble and needed someone to see that they deserved a second chance. Most of the kids he helped came from low-income households with parents who were struggling to get by. Kids did desperate things when life felt dire and hunger was a way of life. He tried to turn things around for the kids he helped before they ended up in gangs and as career criminals.
Kirk went on. “I’ll put your name forward to the board. With Governor Harris backing my recommendation, too, you’ll be a sure win for the seat.”
Overwhelmed, he said, “I’ll need more details about the job.” He didn’t want to put Kirk on the spot in the middle of the barbecue, but he needed specifics before he got too caught up and agreed without knowing exactly what he was getting into.
“Well, my daughter won’t thank me for adding a few more hours and responsibilities to your plate, but I think you’re up for the challenge.”
“Of course he is. And he can always cut back on his hours at the ranch,” Kristi interjected.
Cody kept his attention on Kirk, not wanting to upset Kristi by reminding her yet again that he enjoyed being on the ranch, outdoors, doing manual labor. It grounded him.
“The board meets once a month. Depending on what’s on the agenda, it could be anywhere from four to eight hours of work. We handle a lot of time-sensitive things via email and video conferences.” Kirk smirked. “And the pay is more than fair. The only thing is, I need your answer now. I want to put your name in before anyone else on the board submits someone else and it turns into a pissing match. But like I said, with the governor backing you, too, it’s a sure thing.”
Cody thought about how his father spent a great deal of his life giving back to others and helping those around him, includingthe opening of the hospital before his death. His father would want him to do this. And in this moment, he felt as close to his father as he had before his death.
