Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [68]
His heart went into a tailspin. So, it had come to this, had it?
She’d parked the car and started for the house when he stopped her. The last thing he wanted was a confrontation in front of Margaret and her friend. “What do you want?” he demanded, letting her know he wouldn’t tolerate her interference.
“Want?” she asked with a short, humorless laugh. “I don’t want anything from you, Matthew Eilers.”
“Good.” Then she could be on her way and out of his life.
“I’m here to give you something,” she told him, opening her purse. She withdrew a thick envelope and slapped it into his palm.
“What’s this?”
“I’m serving you with papers.”
“Papers?” She was suing him? For what?
“It’s a paternity suit. I’m pregnant, Matt, and you’re the father.”
Ten
Minutes of the March 20th meeting of the Buffalo Valley Town Council
As recorded by Hassie Knight, Secretary and Treasurer, duly elected.
The meeting was brought to order by council president Joshua McKenna with the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Council members in attendance as listed: Joshua McKenna, Dennis Urlacher, Heath Quantrill, Robert Carr, Gage Sinclair and Hassie Knight. Reverend Larry Dawson and Rachel Quantrill sat in as observers.
In the matter of old business, Joshua McKenna reported that he’d heard back from the Doctors’ Clinic in Grand Forks, and it has now been confirmed that Buffalo Valley has been chosen as a branch site for the health organization. This means that a general practitioner will be scheduling regular office hours in Buffalo Valley three days a week, starting the first week of April.
This is a major step for Buffalo Valley, and a much-needed service. Council members congratulated Joshua on his persuasive efforts and the many hours of meetings that went into convincing the Doctors’ Clinic to choose Buffalo Valley.
Also in the matter of old business, Heath Quantrill stated that he will be working four days a week at the Buffalo County Bank and traveling into Grand Forks only one day. He was asked about his announcement from last month’s meeting. Heath explained that a consulting firm has been hired by the ten-branch bank to explore the possibility of moving head office from Grand Forks to Buffalo Valley. Heath did explain that this is only in the beginning stages and that, if it does happen, it would be two to three years before the move is completed.
In the area of new business, Hassie Knight suggested that the community should plan a celebration. Buffalo Valley has experienced tremendous growth in the last three years. Her idea is to have a Summer Fest.
Heath Quantrill has other news. His grandmother’s will has recently been read, and she donated two square blocks of land to Buffalo Valley, with the stipulation that the town utilize the property as a park. Robert Carr (Buffalo Bob) added that with the number of marriages and births taking place, a park would benefit families and draw more people into town.
Much discussion followed, and the idea for the Summer Fest and the park were shelved until next month. The meeting adjourned at one o’clock.
Respectfully submitted,
Hassie Knight
Bundled in her coat, gloves, scarf and boots, Hassie stood on the sidewalk outside the pharmacy that had been in the Knight family for more years than she wanted to think about. Her daughter had been after her to retire, move to Hawaii and spend the rest of her days soaking up the tropical sun. As if Hassie could do such a thing! In all her life, she’d never been one to sit back, relax, take it easy. She’d be bored to death. Valerie loved Hawaii and often mailed postcards of the turquoise-colored water, white beaches and sloping palm trees, hoping to lure her to the islands. Hassie wouldn’t be opposed to another visit, but all that sunshine would be more than her system could handle. No, Buffalo Valley was her home, and recent events here were downright