Page 48 of Wilde Hearts

She smiled. “I am.”

“Do you mind if I ask what kind?”

“My firm handles criminal justice and family law.”

I gave her a look. “Katie, you and I need to set up a meeting.”

She stopped walking and turned to study me. “I’m intrigued.”

“My father hired someone to help out on our small family ranch. He slipped a piece of paper into a stack of things for my father to sign, giving him permission to be added to his bank account. Then he withdrew every cent and left. I’ve hired a private investigator to find the guy. I want him to pay for what he did to my father.”

I swore Katie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Swing by my office on Monday and I’ll be happy to represent you. I’m available all day, since I was supposed to be off, but plans changed.” She handed me a business card from her small purse.

Smiling, I replied, “Thank you, and I’ll stop by first thing.”

Once we stepped inside the transformed event center, I glanced around to find my parents. They hadn’t made it very far before stopping to speak with someone.

Turning to my friend, I said, “It was so great seeing you, Jared. And nice to meet you, Katie.”

“Let’s catch up sometime soon,” Jared said, handing me a card, as well. “It’s got my cell on there.”

I glanced at the card. Jared owned his own excavation company. I smiled and said, “Sounds good. I’ll give you a call soon.”

Katie quickly swept Jared away to go talk to someone I didn’t recognize. Turning, I made my way over to my parents. They were talking to Gus and Nellie Wilde.

The moment Gus saw me, his eyes lit up. “What is this I see in front of me? Colt! You haven’t changed a single bit, son!”

Smiling, I shook his hand, then bent down and kissed Nellie on the cheek. “It’s wonderful to see you both. How’ve you been?”

“Retirement has been blissful,” Gus stated with a wide grin.

Nellie nodded. “It has been nice. We’re going on a cruise next week.”

My mother added, “Oh, I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise. I think Alaska.”

“That’s the cruise we’re going on! You and Jacob should see if there’s still availability.”

My mother waved off the suggestion. “I wish we could. Right now it’s not in the cards, as we have medical bills coming in.”

Gus and Nellie both nodded their understanding.

I, on the other hand, wasn’t about to let it go. “Mom, if Dad can get clearance to go, I’d be happy to buy your tickets.”

“No, Colt, you’ve done enough already,” my father added quickly.

Instead of arguing with him, especially here at the charity dinner, I simply nodded—giving Gus a wink when my father wasn’t looking. He gave me a small nod, clearly aware I wasn’t done trying to convince them.

“Jacob! Lynn!”

We all turned to see Vivianne Wilde approaching. She was an older version of Ensley. Just as beautiful, with the same stunning smile that lit up a room. Her blonde hair was pulled back, and she wore a lovely cream gown that flowed freely at the skirt.

“How are you feeling, Jacob?” Vivianne asked, as she kissed both of my parents on the cheek.

“I’m feeling good.”

She gave him a once-over. “You look amazing. I’m sure it helps having Colt back at home.”

Turning to me, she drew me into a hug. I thought for sure she wouldn’t pay me the time of day for the way I’d treated her daughter.