They Forgot to Invite Me to Christmas—So I Bought a Mountain. When They Came to Take It, the Deputy Was Already Waiting.

needs—which had always meant Julian’s needs.

“I understand Julian’s situation,” I said, my voice even and professional. “My house isn’t a solution to his problems. No one is moving in. That decision is final. Please do not come to High Timber uninvited.”

He exhaled sharply, an offended sound I’d heard countless times growing up whenever I’d dared to continue reading …