Chapter 15 - Clayton Stops HidingCedar Hollow was not financially healthy.
That truth had been buried beneath Denise’s efficiency.
Feed costs were up.
Milk prices unstable.
A tractor loan remained.
A barn-roof replacement could no longer wait.
Without the solar deal, they needed another plan.
Clayton gathered Luke.
Ben Shaw.
Rachel.
And, surprisingly, Rebecca.
Everything went on the table.
No secrets.
They sold two nonessential equipment pieces.
Reduced planned expansion.
Refinanced one legitimate loan.
Created emergency reserves.
Clayton also established an independent co-trustee for Wyatt’s thirty-percent interest.
Rachel raised an eyebrow.
“You know you are allowed to remain sole trustee.”
“I know.”
“Then why?”
“Because I learned what happens when one person has too much unchecked control.”
She smiled.
“Good answer.”
Clayton also made another change.
He stopped saying he was “protecting Wyatt” when he meant hiding information.
He explained the farm simply.
“Mom left you a piece.”
Wyatt nodded.
“Nobody can take it?”
“Not just because they want it.”
“Can I give Mason some?”
Clayton was surprised.
“Someday, when you’re older, you can make decisions with proper advice.”
Wyatt considered.
“Maybe I’ll give him a cow.”
Clayton laughed.
“That would be simpler.”
Healing sometimes sounded like that.
May you like
Not legal terms.
A cow.
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