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“That ought to go over well.” My jaw tightened. “One thing bothers me, though. Why did Mateo bring the title to light?”
“Apparently, he wants the land to go to Marianna’s descendants.”
“Yes, but why?”
“Maybe to clear his name”—he shrugged—“right any wrongs or resolve any misunderstandings. Maybe this is his way of finding peace.”
“Until he showed us that deed and note, we’d read only Marianna’s story.” I leaned back against the headrest. “Think he needs closure?”
****
Three days later, Bea’s convertible roared into the caliche driveway spewing dust and pebbles behind it.
Bea jumped out before the vehicle rocked to a standstill, then hammered on Luke’s door.
“What brings you—”
“How dare you sue me!”
Responding to the shouts, I strolled over from the cabin.
Bea about faced and pointed. “She’s the reason you’ve turned on me, isn’t she? Admit it!”
“Maeve’s got nothing to do with this legal inquiry—”
“I knew you were trouble the moment I caught Luke sneaking from your hotel room.” Bea glared. “Now what are you trying to do—steal my land like you stole my dog?”
“Steal—interesting choice of words.” Ignoring her barb about Teddy, I focused on the past’s injustices. “If your title’s solid, you have nothing to worry ab—”
“Of course, it is.” Bea’s eyes shot daggers.
“But if you can’t prove ownership, the courts will show your family stole Luke’s land.”
“What are you babbling about?”
“Luke has the deed to the Ramirez ranch that Mateo gave Mari—”
“I grew up hearing that story about the tramp that tried to pass off her bastard as his.” Bea curled her lip.
Bastard? My chest heaving, I glanced at the upturned soil that had been their baby’s grave. “It’s time the land is returned to its rightful owner.”
“That land’s been in my family for over six generations, and that’s where it stays. See you in court.” Bea turned on her heel, slammed into her car, and roared off in a shower of dust and gravel.
“How to make friends and influence people”—he grimaced—“sue them.”
“You can’t blame her for putting up a fight, but that land belonged to Marianna…and would’ve been Kenneth’s.” I caught Luke’s gaze. “If Bea’s family won’t recognize Marianna and Mateo’s marriage, it’s lucky we found their wedding certificate.”
“Even with that document, it’ll be a court battle.” His jaw tightened.
“What’s the saying? Possession is nine-tenths of the law. If her family’s lived on that land for six generations—”
“And paid taxes and made improvements on it…” He held up his index finger, emphasizing his points.
“Bea has a good case, but if her family grabbed that land from Marianna—”
“Against Mateo’s wishes—”
“She’d only reap what her family sowed.” I crossed my arms, still chafing about Teddy and the cut vines.
