Chapter 29

Azalea’s POV.

I made my way to Jakob’s office with anxiety pumping through my blood. Why did Andrew smirk like that? Something must’ve happened, and he was always hoping for my downfall. Had I done something wrong? It couldn’t be, could it? I had been utterly careful and adhered to the rules.

On my way to the office, I got a few glares, which had lessened over time. In the beginning, most of them were pissed with me because it was my fault for sobering up Jakob and having him return to the office full-time. I honestly couldn’t believe it at first, but Jakob sure had some shallow people working for him.

Since I’ve come, I have suggested many changes that made the employees feel a lot better. They were changes that made them happier and more productive, which got many of them to change their ideas about me. However, you can never win them all, and I accepted what I got.

I arrived at his office and knocked on the door before entering.

“Azzie, perfect, come right in,” he said, but not in his usual excited tone. I frowned and closed the door behind me. I walked over to him and sat down across from him. I crossed one leg over the other as I stared at the man in front of me.

Am I going to be fired? Did I have to start looking for another job?

“Azalea, you just closed the deal with Hedrickson,” Jakob said, referring to the business meeting I just returned from. One that was two hours longer than initially planned.

“I did—was I not supposed to?” I asked with a slight frown. It had been one of the many things on the board’s to-do list, and I was merely making sure we achieved all our goals for the year.

“Yes, you were supposed to, but,” Jakob said and stopped mid-sentence. I stared at him with a frown. Was this meeting not supposed to happen anymore? “But I never thought anyone would close this deal,” Jakob then finished his sentence.

“What do you mean?” I asked, utterly confused by the matter. What was I missing?

“I’ve been trying to get them to work with me forever, but they never accepted it,” Jakob confessed, and I was now relieved. This was a good thing, it was just some good shocking news for him. I hadn’t done anything I wasn’t supposed to.

“And you kept trying?” I asked, surprised. Hendrickson was a difficult man, he and his business partners happened to be his sons. The meeting was long, and there were many things to be discussed and convinced about. It took hard work, I felt like I deserved a good coffee break after that meeting. Hearing Jakob talk about how they had been rejected by Hendricksons constantly did make me a little bit prideful.

“You know how stubborn I can be,” Jakob laughed. Of course, I knew how stubborn he could be; look where I am now. “How did you do this?” he then asked.

“I took your advice,” I admitted and crossed my arms. I watched as pride swirled in his eyes, and he had a proud look my father would have for me.

“Which advice exactly?” he then wondered.

“I paid attention to them, I listened to them, and then I did what I know best—negotiated the best deal possible for both parties,” I explained. There was a lot to business that this man taught me, and it was an honor to learn from him.

“But everything is the same,” Jakob frowned as he went through the contract.

“Exactly, they just needed a bit of convincing and praising,” I smirked. We got the deal we wanted, and the Hendricksons were ecstatic about our partnership.

“Taking you on will never ever be a regret of mine,” Jakob smiled proudly.

“Thank you, I truly love working here,” I admitted.

“When do you graduate again?” Jakob asked, signing away some documents.

“This spring, if all goes well,” I said proudly. Since I took this job, I had more free time to properly study, and it was going well. All my grades switched from 65 marks to 80 being the lowest I got.

“That’s incredible,” Jakob commented and put down his pen. I watched as he carefully took a document and presented me with it. “I have a gift for Lynn.”

I stared at the document and took a deep breath before picking it up to read. This man could still give some bizarre gifts from time to time. I read the document and gasped, letting the document feather down to the desk again.

“Why is an entire stable named after her?” I asked. It couldn’t be, it wasn’t just a stable that was stated in that document.

“Because it’s all hers—that tiny farm and those animals and everything is hers,” Jakob announced. I was well aware that he was building something small on the north of the farm, but I wasn’t aware he was creating something for my daughter.

“Jakob, you know I can’t accept this,” I narrowed my eyes at him. I couldn’t possibly take more from this man, could I?

“Please, she’ll love it, and it’s only small. It generates just enough money to sustain itself, and managing it won’t be a hassle for you,” Jakob pleaded. “It will be just yours and Lynn’s, no major profits—just enjoying life,” he continued. “Think about how much fun it would be for Ada and the other grandkids to come there since it would be a lot safer,” he continued to sweeten the deal.

I sighed, he was right. It was quite appealing, and the other farms weren’t appropriate for kids. This farm was the safest bet since I could monitor everything properly, and the kids wouldn’t find the need to sneak onto the bigger ones. They’d have their own little farm to enjoy.

“I can’t believe I’m saying yes to this,” I sighed, and Jakob instantly smiled.

“Thank you for letting me spoil you and Lynn,” Jakob said with happiness laced in his tone.

Roberts had been working for Jakob for years and told me that this was the first time he had seen Jakob this happy since the passing of his wife and daughter. Frankly, I could say I feel the same way about Jakob. I missed my father dearly, and Jakob picked up the mentor role quite well. He even taught Lynn some things about the farm and agriculture.

Jakob even inspired Lynn to want to study more. She’s barely five now and wants to head to college already. She has her plans made up—as good as a five-year-old can. For now, she wants to become a vet because she loves the animals on the farm so much that she wishes to help them if they’re ever sick.

Lynn is honestly so cute, and I hope she never loses this innocence. I work hard to provide her with the future she dreams of, whatever she might become. Nothing will make me prouder than knowing I was able to give my daughter the world.

“By the way, I heard back from the doctor’s office, and they said they’d mail you about the results today,” Jakob mentioned. I had told him about my father's diagnosis and how it was hereditary. So far, I have only visited one doctor for their opinion for Lynn, but Jakob decided to send both me and Lynn to the best specialist.

“Today?” I asked, feeling my heart beating faster.

“Yes,” he confirmed and asked gently, “Are you nervous?”

“Quite nervous,” I admitted. I couldn’t even lie when it was easily read from my face how I felt right now.

Despite having the money for the surgery now, I am still worried. What would it be like? Would it hurt Lynn? What if something goes wrong? What if she’s still beyond saving? She barely saw much, she was only a child, and there was still so much for her to witness.

“I think I just received the email,” I muttered as I heard the notification on my phone.

“Whatever the results may be, I’ll be here to support you and Lynn,” Jakob placed his hand over mine reassuringly.

“Ok,” I inhaled deeply.

I nervously opened the mail and frowned at the results, they seemed about the same as the last one. I dialed the doctor as instructed.

“I normally don’t operate electronically, but I assume you wouldn’t be able to come today,” the doctor declared first.

He was right about that. Jakob had gotten the best specialist for the matter, and he was located in Colorado, so obviously we couldn’t fly in for an in-person meeting. I was anxious for the results and wanted them as soon as possible.

“No, I couldn’t. I received the test results,” I confirmed and put the call on speaker.

“Indeed, I’m happy to tell you that we’re positive that Lynn only carries the genes but will not be affected; her eyes should remain perfectly healthy,” he announced, and I let out a breath.

“Truly?” I asked yet again.

“Yes, the same counts for you. I do advise you to test other offspring you might have to be sure. It worked out for you and Lynn, but you do still carry the genes,” he advised, but I was quite happy for Lynn right now.

“Thank you so much, Doctor Muniz,” I thanked him.

“Of course, have a great day,” he wished, then ended the call.

“I’m so happy for you and Lynn,” Jakob got up to hug me briefly.

“We’re still on for dinner, right?” I asked.

“Wouldn’t dare to miss it,” he smiled.

***

Ada was in town to stay with her grandkids in Dallas for two months. She was invited over along with the grandkids, and right now we were all at Jakob’s ranch. Lynn and her friends played out in the yard with Ada and Jakob. Ada and Jakob quickly became friends. I suppose they’re grandparent besties? That’s what Lynn and her friends call them.

Dinner was already prepared, but I let them all stay outside a bit longer and finished up the peach cobbler. I watched as Jakob and Ada were circled by the kids running around them. They all laughed and enjoyed their time together.

I had all I wanted right here, and still, my heart started longing for Lucas. I wonder what it would take to get him here.

The timer made me snap out of my thoughts. I pulled the pie out and inhaled the mouthwatering aroma. Just perfect.

I walked outside and called the others inside so we could have dinner together as planned.