“Yes. On this particular deal. I’ll be majority partner with two-thirds of the investment. I can have my attorney draw up a partnership agreement concerning Serenity Valley. You can have your own attorney read it and then if you agree, sign it.”
“You’re not leaving me much of a choice.”
“Actually, I am. You were stuck between a rock and a hard place before my offer. You could put the bulk of your money into a risky venture that would take years to see a profit, if it did at all. Or you could involve your bank, which I suspect you don’t want to do or you’d have already gone that route. Now you have a way to recoup some of your investment as well as make some money if things work out like I think they will.”
“You’re only doing this because of Savannah.”
“You’ve got that right.” Harlan laughed. “I’m sure as hell not doing it for you. Look, Taylor, it’s simple. I want Savannah to be happy. She won’t be if you’ve lost all or most of your money due to a poor investment.”
Not to mention, he didn’t want his—hopefully—future father-in-law broke.
On Thursday night,Savannah and Harlan met at Booze’s statue for Christmas caroling with everyone. But once they got there Harlan said, “Let’s catch up with them later. I want to stop at a shop first.”
“Why? Don’t tell me you’re still Christmas shopping.”
“Of course I’m still shopping. I’ve been known to be out shopping at midnight on Christmas Eve.”
“Nothing is open at midnight on Christmas Eve.”
“Not in Whiskey River. But Walgreen’s is open in Dallas.”
“They’re a pharmacy. What could you buy there?”
“They carry other things. They have toys. But never mind that.” He took her arm and led her firmly towards the north side of the square.
“Oh, good. Are we going to the bookstore? I want—”
“We’re going to Sparkle and Shine.”
“The jewelry store? Why?”
“Damn, Savannah, can you stop asking questions for a minute?”
“Well, excuse me. Why are you so crabby?”
“I’m not crabby.”
“If it walks like a duck...”
He stopped in mid-stride and laughed. “Fine. We’re going to the jewelry store because I don’t have your Christmas present.”
“You want to buy me jewelry?”
“No, I want to buy you potatoes.”
Savannah laughed. “Why do you want me with you?”
“Because I have no idea what kind of jewelry you like. I don’t want to buy something you don’t like and have to pretend you do.”
“That’s very sweet, but—”
He opened the door and propelled her inside with his hand on her back. “Start looking,” he said.
“Hi, Savannah,” the clerk said. “I haven’t seen you in a while. How are you?”
“Hi, Cindy. I’m good. What about you?”
“Oh, fair to middlin’,” she said.
