CHAPTER THREE An Offer

After the touring party arrived back at Hopper House And Caverns, all headed for their rooms to prepare for dinner.
Each bedroom was equipped with large flat screened smart TVs and wifi and the kits especially couldn’t believe their great luck. Usually family trips were boring with almost nothing for young groundhogs to do but here at Uncle Hopper’s (as the hare asked to be called by them) it was a kit’s paradise!
In fact, it was difficult to get Miss G and Master G out of their rooms to come in for dinner.
But after the aroma of roasted corn and baked potatoes and all of the other veggies that Beaulah Badger had artfully prepared, the kits galloped to the dining room.
Hopper chuckled as the Kits scoffed up the food. “Use the forks and knives kits! Goodness you eat like pigs!” exclaimed an embarrassed Groundhog Mom.
“That’s the one thing that I truly missed out on while amassing all of this wealth and finery…a family!” Hopper mused.
“Yes. I wouldn’t take anything for my family but there are occasions when we all seem to be grouchy and arguing I think that I just might entertain a serious offer for them!” 3G’s kidded.
“Well, that gives me the perfect opportunity to make you an offer that I hope you won’t refuse. I just ask that that you all seriously think it over first before you reply.” Hopper had a very determined look about him as he spoke to all of the groundhog family.
3G’s was stunned and a bit confused.
“I propose that after I acquire the pasture land that I showed you today that you all come and live there and manage the farm. Not only will You live free but I will pay you a generous portion of all of the proceeds of the crops that you raise and sell. Think about that will you as we all retire to the garden room for dessert and coffee, or tea if you prefer.”
The groundhogs just looked at at each other…even the kits were silent!
Dessert consisted of various sweet cookies and a huge strawberry shortcake with berries as big as your paw!(if you were a groundhog).
“I must admit that I could get used to this life Hopper.” 3G’s confided. The kits had whipped cream whiskers and smiling faces and agreed with their Dad.
“If you accept my offer you would be guests here often. And who knows, in a few seasons you could be wealthy in your own right!” persuaded Hopper.
“You make it very tempting.” Grace Groundhog sighed looking about the extravagant room at the rear of the Eastern cavern which overlooks Trout Creek.