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.”Bradford nodded.“I’m going to grab some food from the stalls and get a room at the inn.Call me when you want to sort out schedules or go get your motorcycle.”“Thanks.” Matt shook his hand.“We’ll ask around for a room to rent with friends.It’ll be cheaper than long-term at the inn.”“You might be able to have my room,” Gretchen said with a smile.“At Mel’s.If they want to keep renting it out.”“Don’t worry, I always find a place to sleep,” Bradford said with a wink.“This group is closed.” Matt playfully shoved the other pilot but there was a hint of seriousness in his tone.“Let’s go home.We need to talk,” she said.Chapter TenMatt wasn’t sure what to do when he was back home.“I’m sorry I bolted.I wasn’t sure.I wanted to take care of you guys, but I didn’t want to hurt you.”Tony caught Matt from behind him a bear hug.“You think this was about money?”“Not for you.For me the problem was about money.” Matt wrestled Tony until they fell back on the big leather couch and kissed.“My dad was the only male role model I really had growing up.He worked himself to death and left us with a nest egg.”“Wouldn’t you rather have had time with him?” Gretchen sat between them on the sofa.“Of course, especially when I was a kid.When I got married, I was bringing home good money, but she didn’t like the traveling.Accused me of cheating.Luckily my dad hung in there until after I divorced her, or she’d have taken half of what I inherited.I learned that my dad had saved as much as he could for someday.For retirement.” Matt patted the couch and Ross sat down next to him.“But he died too soon.We get why you work like crazy, but you need to enjoy life too,” Ross said.“Yep, but I met you guys.Saving for retirement for one person is rough.But for three and now four.That’s different,” Matt said.“Just so you know, none of you are allowed to die until you’re at least eighty-five,” Gretchen said.“Then you have to make it to ninety,” Matt said.“Does this mean you’re sticking around?” Ross asked.Matt looked at Ross, Gretchen, then at Tony.“I don’t want to wear out my welcome.Growing up I couldn’t wait to see my dad.I wanted someone who longed to see me like that.”“You’ve got three,” Tony said.“Damn right.We need to have some ground rules.We’re all adults.We can make this work.We just need to negotiate, but we have to stick to our agreements.Emergencies excluded, of course,” she said.“When did she become the boss?” Matt asked.Ross laughed.“Since the first date.Without her, I don’t know if we’d make it long-term.”“Not without fighting and sniping.” Tony nodded.“Sorry, Matt.We should’ve talked about it.”“Men don’t like to talk enough.Some things need to be negotiated and worked out.If it doesn’t work, we renegotiate.We don’t give up.” She got up and grabbed her tablet.“Now.Are you staying?”Matt nodded.“Bradford and I will be doing tours here and in Homer, if the tourism numbers aren’t high here yet.We can fly hunters to their locations too.I won’t promise never to take a lucrative job up north, but it’ll be the exception.”“We’ve heard that before,” Ross said.“We can put a number on it.Not more than one week of travel every two months or six weeks total for the year, not counting personal visits to family.” Gretchen made notes.“Sounds fair,” Tony said.Ross nodded and looked at Matt.“Fine with me.Now about the mortgage,” Matt said.“I need to chip in too if I’m living here permanently,” she said.“Try to leave,” Tony teased.She stuck her tongue out at him.“What’s the damage? Splitting it four ways will be easier.”“No, I think Tony and I should handle that and insurance.The big fixed expenses covered by the regular income is best.Matt has been putting money away for us in these accounts like a group retirement.I think that’s great.Save when the money is coming in, but it’s not a regular payment like the mortgage.Starting up a new business takes some cash.If Matt cooks, helps with chores, plus keeps up the saving—we’re good.Right?” Ross asked Tony.“Yeah, definitely.And we can go on a hunt before winter.Fill the three big chest freezers.I saw that you made stew.” Tony rested his head on Matt’s shoulder.“What about me? I’m the girl so I get a free ride?” she asked.“We’ll never charge to ride you,” Matt said with a wink.She blushed.“I need to reestablish my authority here.I’m not getting a regular salary but I can clean and learn how to cook.”“You don’t know how?” Ross asked.“I know normal food.Moose, caribou, fresh fish, and all of that is newer to me.I can learn.I want to try fishing one day too.Hunting is you guys.Self-defense is different, but I’m not shooting animals.”“Even a wolf?” Tony asked.She brought her tablet over and sat between Tony and Ross.“Damn right, not a wolf.Unless it’s going to hurt me or someone else.”“Deal,” Ross said.“I can help with groceries and smaller bills,” she offered.“We all take care of one another.Don’t stress,” Matt said.“Seriously, a change of tune.” She nudged him with the toe of her sandal.“My mother and I had a long talk about how she felt about life when I was young.She’s set for money now, but she’d rather have had my dad around and alive to enjoy some fun once the kids were gone [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]