II
"I don't want to talk about it right now."
Dailey clenched his fists, pleading, "Please."
Gregory leaned back against the door, a hint of teasing dancing in his eyes. "Scarcity is valuable."
"You never used to say 'please.' The first time you did, it was such a novelty that I helped you out."
"But now, hearing it over and over, it's lost its charm."
Gregory always did as he pleased, never considering other people's feelings.
Except for Jane.
Over the years, Dailey had grown used to Gregory's ways, but the matter at hand was significant.
He had no choice but to ask, "What will it take for you to help me?"
Even Gregory knew when to be serious.
For trivial matters, it didn't matter. But when it came to something as important as getting a marriage certificate, he was uncharacteristically sober.
"Getting it done across state lines isn't hard; you just need a residential permit."
Dailey visibly relaxed. "I'll arrange for someone to buy a house right now."
"Don't get too excited," Gregory warned. "This process requires a mountain of paperwork, from both parties."
Dailey felt like Gregory was just spewing nonsense.
He punched him lightly in frustration.
The two of them, like squabbling schoolboys, ended up tussling by the door before collapsing on the ground to catch their breath.
Dailey admitted, "There's no way to get those documents."
Gregory suggested a harebrained scheme, "Why not try swiping them?"
The thought had crossed Dailey's mind, but it seemed nearly impossible.
His family's documents were crucial, with everyone's information on them. To prevent any misuse, they were locked in a safe that only his grandfather's iris could open.
Plus, the study where the safe was located was under constant surveillance. Getting those documents would be like a spy heist from a museum.
"You could give it a shot and see if you can sneak them out," Gregory said, dusting off his hands as he stood. "I've given you all the options I can. Beyond that, I'm afraid I can't help."
Gregory's mind was always quick to devise plans, but those bizarre ideas were
beyond him. Content deas
to swnovel
It might have something to do with how he was raised.
"You must have another way."
"Nope,"
"Nope," Gregory replie
"I've done all I can. Your
s is stable now, excepte
your father." swnovel
"So he's very cautious."
"Your arrival in Mistwood isn't a secret. Buying property here might not go unnoticed."
"And the plan I suggested isn't guaranteed to work."
Dailey couldn't help but laugh in
exasperation. "So all this time, net
dn't help but laugh in
giving me a load,
t belongs to sweet
bull."
Gregory wagged his finger, "But there's something important to remember."
Dailey asked, "What?"
"Don't upset my wife. If she's unhappy, I'll get dragged into it."
"
"
In the little courtyard, Helena was already asleep.
Merritt had just managed to get Mira to sleep, tucking her into a crib with safety rails.
Then he went outside to check on things.
Three women, their cheeks flushed, showed signs of being tipsy.
He went to prepare some sobering soup and heat water for their bedtime routines.
Christine lay back on a deck chair, gazing at the stars, reaching up as if to grab
one.
"It's been a long time since it was this peaceful."
"Without phones, computers, or TV, just sitting here under the stars makes time fly
by."
Life is a continual journey.
That's why city dwellers are yearning for the simplicity of country life.
Leaving the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life for a small-town house with a garden.
Keeping a couple of cats and a dog.
Planting flowers and herbs in the yard.
If it's by the river, you could enjoy the view while grilling and sipping wine.
It's incredibly relaxing.
At this moment, they were living that idyllic dream.