CHAPTER 44
They had eaten breakfast and seen to the boys, even they were looking so relaxed. Bea was busy brushing Newton's tail when she had a moment.
He could see she was thinking, "What is it Princess?"
Just a Bea moment, " Has Jed ever mentioned retiring or selling the livery to you?"
"Well not exactly, he has told me he is finding it more and more tiring, why?"
"If I am right, that is what he is going to do, I would like us to buy it if he does Nathan."
"Buy the livery, why?"
"If I set up a practice in Hope Valley would it be of use, is there a need? I really want to get back to it, I was thinking if Jed decides to sell then we could alter the back of the building, I could have a surgery there, we could use the back stalls for sick animals. We could hire someone to actually run the livery just as it does now, I have someone in mind. "
"Well I know how much difficulty the locals have getting a vet if they need one especially urgently, the nearest is in Union City, so yes I think that is a great idea if you want to do that, but don't be taking on too much, I don't want you ill again."
"Oh I would be careful and I know you will not let me do too much."
"Correct, the livery though, who do you have in mind for that?"
"Well, this is all based on a Bea moment remember, I am presuming you wouldn't want to do it, well at the moment anyway."
"I think at the moment princess I am needed elsewhere, I would help when I could, who have you in mind."
"Colin, he is really great with horses, started life as a stable lad and is a blacksmith by trade. I think he would jump at the chance."
"Well if he is a smithy then I know we could really use him, since the old shop closed we rely on the travelling farrier who comes by once a week or so. He would be an asset."
"What do you think, it will be our first big decision together ?"
"Well as you say at the moment it is all conjecture, we have time to think but if it's what you want, what you think is best for us then I have no problem with it Bea. I want you to be happy and know you long to be able to start and practice again. My worry is, and don't take this the wrong way Princess, people starting to question where the money came from. I don't want anyone starting to take advantage of you."
"It wouldn't be the first time but all we would say is with my inheritance. It is the truth no one is going to ask me how much I was left. The bulk of our money is held by the investment bank and any major things we buy or donate to for example come via them, my name is not mentioned. So no one needs to know how much we actually have."
"That is a relief, well, in that case, I think it is a great idea. Jed would sell you it straight away if he knew you know, he like everyone else down there has a soft spot for you."
The smile faded from his face "When we get back down there we must make time for just us Bea, we can do that can't we. These last 2 days have been so wonderful having you all to myself, and I don't want you being pulled in all directions. I am going to take my role as guardian very seriously."
"We will make a point of having our time Nathan, you are and always will be my priority and if I start to feel things are getting too much then I will tell you. I promise."
"Then I think Team Grant is ready to return to Hope Valley and set tongues wagging again."
"Oh right, Team Grant is it "she was laughing but loving it.
"Yes... from this day forward that is who we are. Now come here because I love you and I need a hug."