Page 11 of The Prince Who Loved Me

“I don’t smell anything.” Crumbs. It was probably coming from her. The shower hadn’t taken away the smell of mashing the grain at Belle’s. And all she’d done was stand near the machine.

Her aunt said nothing more. Keeping Belle’s secret had been necessary during Prohibition, but now it was just ridiculous. Aunt Eulalee had wanted to keep the tradition going when she turned the reins over to Brandi when Grandma had passed, but if Brandi owned Belle’s outright, she’d be able to stop it. She’d been thinking a lot about that lately, plus diversifying its output. Having something of her own, not being dependent on Fountenoy Hall.

Besides, Wendy knew about Belle’s. Rob knew. Sebastien knew. Aunt Leslie probably knew, too, which is why she wasn’tpursuing the questioning. Though Carolann probably didn’t know. Or care.

Brandi had hoped her mom would get there earlier so they could spend some time together. She had canceled her date that night in anticipation, and had stood by today while others had done the work so she could leave easily in case her mother called.

“I’m sure Annie is just running a little late.” Leslie must have been reading her thoughts. She sat at the table with Brandi and Wendy. Rob leaned against the wall behind them. Aunt Eulalee sat in front of the large desk, her lined face full of sorrow. Mac sat by her side, his hand on her shoulder, his fingers playing with her white hair.

“I’m sure,” Brandi echoed. No way would her mom miss out on the chance to get some of Grandma’s estate. When the first part of the will was revealed, Carolann had stormed off when she realized she didn’t get any part of Fountenoy Hall.

“We might as well get started,” Eulalee said to the lawyer. He sat behind the desk, the old blueprints of Fountenoy Hall hung on the wall behind him.

Anything?Brandi texted Sebastien.

Maybe, he responded.Massimo reported a car entering the drive.

Brandi rubbed her thumb against the base of her ring finger. “Just a couple more minutes. Sebastien said a car’s pulling up.”

Moments later, the sound of shoes clicking made its way into the office. Brandi watched Wendy cringe at the disregard Carolann showed for the sign asking people to remove their dress shoes to preserve the old hardwood floors.

“Hi, everyone.” Carolann breezed into the room on her three-inch heels and in a tight black skirt. “Sorry I’m late.”

She pushed her suitcase against the wall, hugged Aunt Eulalee, then blew Brandi a kiss and settled into the chair next to her sister. Brandi stared at the back of her blonde head, telling herself that they’d get a chance to greet each other properly and chat when this ordeal was over.

The lawyer cleared his throat. “The second part of Maybelle Clayton’s will has been settled. You’ve all been asked here because there’s something for you in it.”

“Finally,” Carolann muttered, adjusting the neckline of her green shirt. Wendy reached across Aunt Leslie for Brandi’s hand.

It didn’t matter that her mom was here only to see what she got from Grandma. Or that the last time Brandi heard from her was when the first part of the will was read. Sebastien hadn’t reported anyone else in the car, so maybe Carolann was between men and could spend time with her daughter like when they lived together.

She wished Sebastien was with her now, like Rob was for Wendy.

Brandi blinked when she realized the lawyer had finished reading and had handed everyone envelopes. Her name was scrawled on the outside in Grandma’s flowery script and she bit the inside of her cheek to keep tears from forming.

“Two thousand dollars?” Carolann glared at the lawyer. “That’s it?”

Brandi looked at her own envelope. She’d be thrilled with two thousand dollars, but she’d rather have her Grandma back. Wiping away tears, she folded the envelope and slipped it inher back pocket to look at later. Alone. Wendy gave a huff of agreement and did the same.

“As I read in the will, Maybelle stated she had already shared wealth with her two daughters, and now wanted her granddaughters to have something.” The lawyer spoke in a calm, measured tone, like he’d been prepared for this reaction. “Especially since they now have control of Fountenoy Hall and its…assets.”

“Oh, whatever.” She shoved the envelope in her purse. “Are we done here?”

“Unless there are any other questions?”

Brandi avoided eye-contact with the lawyer in her embarrassment over her mom. She stood up when he did, but didn’t move to shake his hand or offer to show him out. That task belonged to Wendy.

Once he left, Carolann turned to Brandi and reached out her hand. “Hi, baby.”

“Hi, Mom.” Brandi left her chair in the corner and hugged her mom, honestly happy to see her even if the reason was because of Carolann’s greed. She smelled faintly of roses, bringing Brandi back to her childhood. “I’m glad you made it. I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“Grant had us moving around for a bit, but we’re settled for now, near Amelia Island.”

Less than two hours away. Brandi mumbled something appropriate as she fumbled with her chair. She didn’t ask how long her mom had been living there without visiting. She didn’t want to know. And Brandi didn’t remember ever hearing about a Grant. Last she remembered, her mom was with some guy named Lorne.

Eulalee tucked her chair closer to the desk, freeing up some walking space. “I’ll make us a big family dinner tonight. Maybelle’s favorite recipes.”

“Won’t that interfere with dinner service?” Carolann asked.