Mae didn't like the woman's energy.It wasn't her place to question or challenge the fairy hunter, but this had gone on too long.She found herself on Thom's side, much to her own surprise.
“You had choices.The first would have been simply to fly in per your agreement with Mr.Brown, who by rights could sue you for breach of contract in cashing the ticket and using the funds,” Mae said.“Second, it was your choice to pack everything you own to move here, not knowing if this man was a serial killer who could easily chain you to the floor and use your body three times per day.Your choices now are to go back where you came from, take the living space the man offered, or go to a KOA campground in your camper.You have three choices.Make one now so everyone at this table can start their day.”
Thom was looking at Mae again.“Thank you.”
Mae said, “You're welcome.”
“No, not you.Sweet Baby Jesus,” he said, leaning forward on the table.“I've found my life partner.”
This made Mae laugh.“And what makes you think I'm in search of one?”
“Because until this point in your life, very few men, outside of your Daddy, could appreciate how you got here this morning, what it took to earn the right to do it, and how smart, tough, and bad ass you have to be to hold whatever position you've earned at corporate.I see all of it, and I want to know more,” he said, “but more importantly, I want to be a part of the magical world that is Mae Weston.”
It was then that Mae Weston smiled.It was also the first time Thom Brown began to believe in love at first sight.If this wasn't it, it was pretty damned close.
Chapter Seven – Contend
Thom Brown had a greatdeal to contend with over the next two days; however, he'd finally gotten an in-person response from corporate on his idea, and his focus needed to be there and, on the messenger, who'd finally gotten the message.However, being the man that he was, leaving a defenseless bunny to the mercy of the Fae wasn't in his nature. He walked outside to his rear deck and called for Megan.
Mae remained in the kitchen out of view, but in listening range.He maintained a safe distance between him and the blond woman, speaking to her as a big brother would to his favorite sister.His tone wasn't condescending or reprimanding but encouraging.
“Megan, do you have enough supplies to begin replenishing your stock to reopen your Etsy shop in the next month?”he inquired.
“I have enough to get started, but I didn't factor in having to pay rent,” she said, almost stomping her foot.
“Jiminy is not going to charge you rent until you have income coming in,” he offered.“I assume you have you a Wi-Fi hotspot, computer, and light boxes for shooting newly branded items made in Illinois and not South Dakota, or does that factor into the branding?”
“I have everything with me to get started again,” she said, “but no furniture, outside of my crafting table.”
The sadness in her touched him.This was difficult for him as well, but he knew better than to take on the bad decisions of another.He'd find a means to help her transition, but he wasn't going to become her emotional support animal.
“Megan, for the past six months I have enjoyed our weekly conversations and the friendship we've built.I am still your friend, offering silent support as you figure out what's next,” he told her.“In the other room is my potential future.I finally got a response from corporate, and I have two days to sell my idea or come up with a new plan.I can't waste my shot.”
“I understand.”
“Do you?Do you also understand the opportunity you have here to build a life you want, versus building a life based on what I or any other man would want for you?”he asked.“Use this time wisely.It is a gift.”
