Page 81 - Homestead By Ann Newhouse

“Evening Ned, how are the boys and Margarete getting on in Truth?”
“Hi Johanna. All going well, we should have the place up and running very soon. Just thought I would call on Sofie. I need to speak to her about her future plans.”
“I’ve just been to see John. We moved him back home today, as he is looking and feeling better. He’s still on a lot of medication but getting there. I don’t recommend bringing up the subject of Sofie moving out in front of her father. Play it cool Ned that’s my advice,” she went on her way. I decided to play it by ear and just get her to mark my timecard, for the drive.
“Oh, Ned it’s so good to see you,” Sofie kissed my cheek, and stepped aside to allow me to enter.
I paused, glancing down the long hall having to shield my eyes from the bright light, as I left the dark of the night to enter the house. Sofie mistook my pause as fear of being confronted by her father.
“It’s okay, I’ve just settled father in bed, and given him a sedative to sleep. He is still having a lot of pain.”
“Really,” was all I could manage to say.
“Are you still angry with me?” Sofie asked meekly.
“Sofie I love you . . . and yes . . . I’m still angry that you didn’t believe all that you have been told by me and others. We have the proof. You also lied about how Josh was injured. I have just found out how I’m involved in this terrible situation. I’ve recently found out that my parents were the couple who helped steal Mitch from his biological mother. You are the only person I’ve told about this. They passed before I came to the Homestead.”
“Oh Ned, I’m so sorry. I’m so confused, I don’t know which way to turn. I love you but I can’t leave father now he is still weak and needs daily care.” Sofie beckoned me to follow her to the kitchen, where she set about making coffee. I told her I understood, and would wait another few weeks for her decision to leave and come and live in the hotel with me. . . or not.
“I do have some good news. Father has agreed to buy the cabin from Margarete O’ Neilson,” Sofie told me with a sigh of relief.
“Good, that will boost Margarete and Mitch, not to mention Josh’s moral,” I said feeling very pleased.
“I’ll get you the money before you leave for Truth. I have to get the key of the safe from father.”