Page 75 of Won't Back Down
“And, finally, a big thank you to Anthony Strand of Albemarle Development Group for his generous sponsorship of the Founders’ Day fireworks display.”
So Miles had finally found someone to foot the bill and have his way. I politely put my hands together to clap along with the rest of the dozen or so committee members. Strand accepted his accolades and thanks with a faux aw shucks sort of attitude, but I saw this for what it was—an effort to ingratiate himself with the mayor and all the rest of the founding families of Hatterwick. There was no other reason for him to be here at this committee meeting. He hadn’t approached me again about developing my land, but I figured it was only a matter of time.
“Okay, so Founders’ Day is less than two weeks away. Does everyone understand their marching orders?” Miles scanned the room, brows arched in question. When no one added anything, he pushed back from the table. “In that case, this meeting is adjourned.”
Thank God. I’d hit my quota of people and bullshit all in one fell swoop. I wanted the quiet of home. Sawyer was working across the island today, replacing some beach stairs that had been destroyed in the hurricane. Maybe I’d stop by the market to pick up something special for dinner. He’d done so much taking care of me, I wanted to do the same for him.
“Miss Sutter.”
I held in a groan and did my best not to scowl at Anthony Strand. “Can I help you?”
He flashed that smarmy politician smile. “I just wanted to check in and see if you’d reconsidered your stance. I’m in a position to make you a very wealthy woman.”
“I already have more than I could ever want, Mr. Strand. And I’m not interested in what you want to do to my island.”
His gaze chilled. “You’re being short-sighted and naïve.”
“If I am, it’s my prerogative. I’m not buying what you’re selling. Roy.”
My faithful pup rose to his feet, silently stepping in front of me.
Again, Strand backed off, this time with no parting civilities. That was fine by me. I didn’t have any inclination to talk to him ever again.
Shoving the paperwork into my messenger bag, I untangled Roy’s leash from the table leg. Not that he needed it, but the illusion of control made some of the other committee members less nervous about his presence. Most had gotten used to him over the past month, and a couple had even begun bringing dog biscuits.
“Ready for a walk, pal?”
Roy’s tail thumped with enthusiasm.
I scruffed his ears. “Such a good boy. Let’s go.”
We’d only made it down to the lobby of Town Hall before I got hailed again. I closed my eyes and sucked in a fortifying breath before turning to see who wanted something from me now.
Roland O’Shea strode across the room. “Oh good. I caught you. I thought you might still be here.” He took one look at my face, and his face twisted into a wry smile. “Miles has been droning on again.”
I winced. “Is it that obvious?”
“You aren’t the only one who’s been roped into committee meetings. I just wanted to give you the update on things.”
“Walk with me a bit? Roy needs to go out.”
“Sure.” We left the building, making our way down the block to a grassy area where my pup could relieve himself.
“I got all the documentation you and Sawyer pulled together delivered to the court yesterday. The judge will need time to sift through it, but I have every reason to expect this will be the end of things. Anything else from your parents will likely get seen as a nuisance suit.”
The idea that it could finally, truly be over made me giddy. I was eager to get back to being a newlywed. Turned out, I really loved being a newlywed, and I wanted to focus on building this new life with Sawyer. But I knew better than to count my chickens before they hatched.
I blew out a breath. “I confess, I’ll believe it when I see it. That’s no shade on you, I just… My dad doesn’t give up easily.”
“True enough. It’s unprofessional of me to admit, but I’ll take great pleasure in thwarting him.”
I went brows up. “Oh?”
He rolled his eyes in a self-deprecatory fashion and sighed. “I had a thing for your mother, way back in the era of the dinosaurs. Your dad came in and swept her off her feet. I eventually met my Sheila when I was in law school at Georgetown, so it was all for the best, but I still kind of resent him for that. If you’ll forgive me for saying so, he’s a smug SOB.”
I laughed. “You’re not wrong. I admit, seeing him knocked down a few pegs is satisfying for me, too. And really, I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work on all of this. Everything my grandparents have entrusted to me is really overwhelming, and I couldn’t have made it through this transition without you.”
“Henry and Vivian were dear friends for a long time. It’s my honor to continue to serve the next generation of the Sutter family.”