Jordy McCalister was a bit of a screw-up. He knew it and so did most of the inhabitants of Harlington. Though to be fair, most of them had the decency not to say it to his face. He tried really hard but nine times out of ten things blew up in his face. No matter what he turned his hand to it would never pan out like it was meant to—especially if it had anything to do with farming. God only knows why Cath stayed with him.
He leaned back in his chair, linked his fingers behind his head and stretched. Glancing at his research on the small desk in front of him, he smiled. This time was different, this time everything would work and, just once, Cath would be proud of him and the kids would have the life he dreamed for them.
Jordy sat forwards and shuffled through a stack of paper until he pulled out the old map of Harlington he’d accidentally-on-purpose borrowed from the Historical Society. He ran his finger over the heavy paper and for a moment allowed himself to dream a picture of what his life was going to look like. And he wouldn’t fall into the same trap he always did; he wasn’t going to get excited, announce his plans and run at full speed. This time he would be clever and not tell anyone anything until it was all in place.
He ran his hand through his dark hair. No, he couldn’t even tell Cath, not yet. She’d stood by him for each of his grand ideas and stayed there as they crumbled into dust. The only time she objected was six months ago when she refused to agree to turn Stone Gully into an alpaca farm. Even a saint had her limits.
If he was right, then this could be the making or at least the rebirth of the McCalister family’s standing in the community. But more than that, he would finally be able to protect Cath and the kids and give them everything they deserved.