Generous Offer

"That was delicious, Mrs. Kingston", Jacob wiped his mouth with his napkin. He hasn't had much of a home-cooked meal in quite some time. When Lauren's mother called him to invite him to dinner, his stomach growled; now it felt as if it would burst.

"Well, thank you, Jacob", Lauren's mother accepted the compliment. "It's always a pleasure to have you around."

"Thank you, ma'am." He smiled at her.

"So, Jacob", Lauren's father caught his attention. "Are you still driving that old Chevy?"

He smiled and shook his head, "Yes, sir, I am."

Lauren's father sat back in his chair and grinned. Lauren and her mother both looked at him and then to Jacob.

"The reason I ask is because I am thinking of buying a new truck and figured I'd offer my current one to you."

Everyone else's jaws dropped a little. Mr. Kingston's truck was a 2016 Ford F-350 King Ranch and it is his baby. No one expected him to sell it or get another one. 

"John, where did this come from", Lauren's mother asked with shock. "You never mentioned it."

"Well, Charis, I've been thinking about it and Jacob needs something reliable." Jacob looked at Lauren and she looked back with disbelief. "How bout it, son?"

"Well...uh..sir, I don't know what to tell you...This is definitely a surprise."

"Yes, I know, but think on it, let me know." He grinned.

"Yes, sir, I will definitely will."

Jacob walked outside to get some air and to process what he was offered. Stared at the truck in the driveway. He loved it and he wanted it, but something puzzled him about it. Why would Mr. Kingston want to sell him the truck for a new one? He loves it like it's one of his kids. Jacob stood there looking at the truck and thinking on why.

"Hey", Lauren snuck out the front door; Jacob turned and looked at her. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah...", he began to say. "But what made your dad want to sell me his truck? It doesn't make any sense."

"Yeah, it's totally strange and out of the ordinary. Not even sure if that is my dad in there. Haha." She stood next to him looking at the truck. "You know, you'd look hell of a lot sexier in it."

Jacob grinned, "Well, I know you didn't start dating me because of my looks."

"No, but you do have a nice butt."

"I try. Haha." They smiled at each other.

The door opened again and Mr. Kingston walked out holding a coffee cup and a set of keys.

"Here", he tossed the keys to Jacob. "Quit staring at it and take it for a spin, then we'll talk business."

"Why yes, sir", he replied with a smile.

He held the door for Lauren as she climbed in the truck. It was immaculate. Dark brown leather interior with a cream color accent. The crew cab was spacious and comfortable. The subtle rumble of the diesel engine crept into the cab.

"I love this truck", Jacob said running his hands around the leather wrapped steering wheel.

"I do, too", she said to him. "Are you going to drive it or make love to it?"

"Both, haha." He smiled as he put it in gear.

"So I have competition with a truck?" She grinned as they pulled out of the driveway.

"Yes." He smiled again as they turned out onto the county road.

They drove for nearly thirty minutes before pulling back up to the house. Mr. Kingston was sitting in the rocking chair on the porch still sipping cups of coffee.

"So", he asked as they walked up the steps. "How'd you like it?"

"Sir", Jacob began to say. "I love that truck."

"I knew you would."

"May I ask you something?"

"Shoot."

"Why do you want to sell it to me?"

"Well, I see a lot of me in you. You take care of things the best that you can and then some. You take care of my daughter better than you do yourself. I heard that your old Chevy was giving you some issues and that you were looking at one of these yourself. And to be honest, I won't be needing that much truck soon anyway, but you're with my daughter and you're going to need it."

Jacob felt his throat close as he heard those words, he couldn't say anything.

"So, for price let's say $25,000." Jacob's eyes got wide and his jaw dropped. That truck was easily worth $40,000 and he was planning on dropping about $25,000 he had saved up on a new one. How Mr. Kingston knew how much he had was beyond him. He couldn't believe this was happening. Then he looked at Lauren and she gave him a hug.

"Thank you,sir", he shook Mr. Kingston's hand while holding Lauren. Once he went back inside, Lauren let go and looked up at Jacob. "I told him that you were looking, and I didn't know he was going to do this."

Jacob still couldn't say a word.

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"Jacob", Mr. Kingston said as they drove to the dealership in town. "I want to tell you that Lauren told me you were looking for a new truck and all."

"She did", he asked acting like he didn't know. "I am grateful, sir, but why the low offer? This truck is worth more than that."

"Yes, she did. Don't worry about the money, I have money, and another reason that I decided to sell you this one is because I know you want to marry my daughter." Jacob's eyes widened and shock filled them; he was right, Jacob really wanted to.

"Yes, sir, I do want to marry your daughter." Jacob forced the words out of his throat. "How could you tell?"

"Well, you're treating Lauren just like I treated my wife before I popped the question. Also, y'all's chemistry works. Also, I've seen how you take care of the people and things you care about. It shows who a man really is, what he's passionate about."

"I couldn't agree more. I really would love to marry your daughter, and become part of your family."

"I know you would, Son." A grin formed on his face and he patted Jacob's shoulder.

"Would I have your blessing if I asked her to marry me?" Jacob's heart began to race, sweat started to form under his hairline.

"Yes, you have my blessing."

"Thank you, sir."

"Are you going to stay on with the sheriff's office if you do", Mr. Kingston asked.

"Well, I've given some thought about that", Jacob replied.

"And?" Mr. Kingston pushed.

"I'm not sure. I like what I do, but I - a part of me doesn't want to raise a family with it."

"What do you think you'll do instead?"

"I've always wanted my own ranch. I think I'd raise cattle and horses." Jacob shrugged.

"That sounds like a peaceful life."

"Yes, it does."

"Well, I'll say land here in the Panhandle is on the cheap side. Perfect for grazing."

"Can't argue with that. I think I'd also buy some property in Canyon to rent out as well."

"Sounds like a good plan. I did that for a while when I was building my ranch."

"You did?"

"Yes. It was a great supplement income. Of course any business venture in a college town is great." He chuckled at his own words.

As they continued to drive down the road, Jacob found himself smiling and a great sense of gratefulness fell over him. He prayed for years for a new direction for his life and he knew the Lord was finally answering his prayers. After the hardships of his earlier years, he was finding smoother waters.

Author's Note

Feel like I could add on to this. If anything, let me know.

Picture found at https://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/2015-ford-f-350-super-duty-king-ranch-crew-cab-review-notes