Chapter 18

Matt called Jen and Cody into his office, and they came as soon as there was a break in the weather, he had news about the grant proposal they had put together. They met Matt in the commander's office at the ranger station.

Matt explained, "The board liked the idea of the ranger substation and felt the location was perfect. We submitted the grant proposal, and it was approved. I have the paperwork for you to look over for the transfer of the property. We just need go to the tax assessor's office to sign the papers and the property will be transferred over. Take your time and make sure it is something you really will want to do."

"Matt, I don't need to think about it. I am ready to sign the papers," Jen said.

"Then we can go right away," Matt said.

Cody was excited, "Matt that is good news." Jen and Cody stood up and hugged in excitement.

Matt and Jen left for the Assessor's office. While Cody stayed behind at the ranger station. During the truck ride Matt spoke to Jen, "I wish there was something we could do for you and Hailey with the sacrifice you are giving to the Rangers. You are giving up a lot. Do you know what your plans will be?"

Jen said, "I don't know yet. I have a few ideas, but have not decided, but I can't keep imposing on your brother's hospitality."

"I don't think he minds you being there. He has not been this happy in a long time," Matt said.

"At some point we will have to leave, maybe it is time to, I don't want to hurt him," Jen said.

"Where would you go?" Matt asked.

"I don't know. Not sure I can keep living the life I have been for the last ten years."

"Jen, what are you saying?"

Her eyes are filling with tears she trying to hold back and not let Matt see. "I care for your brother a lot. I am not sure I have ever felt this way before. The last few months I am seeing a glimpse of what a good life could be with a kind and caring man. I have seen Hailey really missed having a father figure in her life."

Matt pulled the truck over, "Jen, what are you thinking of doing?" Matt was afraid of what Jen is thinking. He could see the tears streaming down. Jen just broke down crying; she did not say a word. "You are thinking of leaving Hailey with Cody aren't you." Jen shook her head yes, "Then what would you do?"

Jen tried to collect herself. "Confront Roy. End this one way or another."

"Jen, do you really think he will just divorce you?" Jen shakes her head no. "Don't you think it would hurt Hailey, Cody, and Alex not knowing what happened to you. Not knowing if you were alive or dead."

"But they would be safe."

"Jen, please don't go."

"Matt, I tried to write a goodbye letter to Hailey and Cody several times and I just couldn't."

Matt could see how much Cody meant to her, "Jen he cares a lot for you, he would be devastated if you left."

"Matt, I have fallen in love with your brother. But I can't give him what he needs or deserves, there is no future for us. He is better off with someone he can have a future with."

Matt did not believe Jen. He knows how much she had been hurt and if they had enough time, they both could be so happy together. "I can't hire or pay you anything. But once the Lodge is livable again. How about you and Hailey move in until you can figure out what you are going to do next."

"Matt, are you sure?" Jen answered.

"Yes, but you need to make me a promise that you won't go without talking to either me or Cody first," Jen agreed.

"Okay, if we can keep this conversation between us for now," Matt agreed.

Josh and Cody had been just hanging out playing some pool. "Cody, what is Jen going to do now that she won't have the Lodge anymore."

"Josh, I don't know. I would be happy if her and Hailey just stayed forever."

"Code you are smitten aren't you," Cody shook his head yes and blushed.

Matt gave Jen a few minutes to compose herself before they returned to the ranger station. Matt and Jen walk back into the ranger station.

"So how did it go?" Cody asked.

"It's official the rangers now have a substation," Matt said. Everyone cheered and Cody came over and hugged Jen and spun her around. She held onto him tight and just closed her eyes.