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we’ll see. We were also told that the ombudsman hired to look after our interests is raking in millions that should be going toward the settlement.”
    She knew that Clay, his elderly housemate Bing Shepard, and some of the other farmers in the area had already received their portions of the landmark settlement, but others, particularly many of the women, had yet to receive a dime, and she found that shameful. “Did you see Marie at all while I was gone?”
    â€œNo. She’s been keeping to the house just like she did before you left. I’m worried about her.”
    â€œSo am I, and I wish I knew how to help. Living with her is like living in a tomb. I think I’m going to look into getting a mobile home.”
    He paused. “Really?”
    She nodded. “Time for me to move out and be on my own. I’ll talk to Lily and see what I need to do.”
    â€œAre you going to put it on your land?”
    â€œYes. And sometime in the near future I’m going to have another house built.” And once it was ready she’d replace the roses and the sunflowers Riley’s damn hog had rooted up at her old place. She wouldn’t be able to replace the heirlooms and knickknacks given to her by her mother or grandmother, though. They’d been lost when Cletus trashed the house so thoroughly the county condemned it and then bulldozed the place. Her heart still ached over the loss. She glanced up to find Clay staring at her. “What’s the matter?”
    â€œWhy are you building a house?”
    â€œSo I’ll have a permanent place to stay, Clayton.”
    â€œBut what about us?”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œI mean, I thought you and I would be together.”
    â€œWe are, but I’m not ready to jump back into a marriage right this minute, and I’m too old-fashioned to live with a man who hasn’t put a ring on it.” Gen was a huge Beyoncé fan.
    Once again his lips tightened. She wanted to ask him if he was planning to propose to her, but afraid he might say yes, she left the question alone.
    He took a sip of water, and after putting the glass down leaned in and revealed quietly, “I’m not comfortable with who you’re trying to turn yourself into, Genevieve. You’re acting like you’re twenty-five.”
    Her lips tightened this time. “I’m turning myself into the woman I should have been when I was twenty-five, Clay. Why is that making you uncomfortable? Don’t you want me to be happy with myself?”
    Crystal’s return with their food stayed his response. After setting their plates in front of them, Crys asked, “Anything else I can get you two?”
    â€œNo, honey,” Gen answered. “I think we’re good.”
    â€œOkay. Enjoy.”
    Once Crystal moved away, Clay cut into his steak.
    Gen asked gently, “Aren’t you going to tell me why you’re so uncomfortable?”
    â€œLet’s just eat before our food gets cold.”
    Shaking her head with exasperation, she began to eat.
    The ride back to Marie’s place was as silent as their meal had been. When he stopped in front of the house, he confessed, “Honestly, I’m uncomfortable because I like the old Gen better. I enjoy looking after you, doing things for you, and you needing me. This new version doesn’t seem to need any of that.”
    â€œI’m sorry I’m no longer helpless, Clay. For the first time in my life, I’m in control of me. Not my parents. Not Riley. Me. And I’m enjoying that. Can’t you be happy for me?”
    â€œI’m an old-fashioned guy, Gen. I want to take care of my woman.”
    She chose her words carefully. “And I appreciate that, but I don’t want to be taken care of, Clay. I’m finally figuring out who Genevieve Gibbs really is. Her strengths, her likes, her dislikes, and I would love it if you’d come along with me on this journey