Joe and Perry talked with Wilma-Jean and Sammie, comparing their accountants.
“My company would do a much better job, and I can give you the family discount,” Perry said.
Boone closed his eyes and buried his face in Demarien’s neck. “Our family is pretty cool.”
“Yes, they are.” Demarien brought their joined hands up for a kiss. “It will only get better, you know.”
“Of course I know. I have you. It can only get better.”
Chapter 18
Afew weeks later, rain once again tapped softly against the windows of the cottage. Casanova’s new home aquarium glowed warmly behind the sofa, and Brownie snoozed in his dog bed under the coffee table. Boone, Demarien, and the others sat around the living room, mugs of coffee growing cold as they waited for Milo to arrive to start the family meeting.
“Little fella is missing a leg,” Felix said, frowning as he studied Casanova. “And a claw.”
“That’s why we decided to bring him in,” Boone said, stretching an arm to settle across Demarien’s shoulders. “Didn’t think he’d last in the wild much longer.”
“Pets are the best.” Felix sighed happily. “My pigs are so sweet. They’re good company, too. Toodles eats too much, but that’s just part of her charm.”
The front door slammed as Milo came in, struggling with his raincoat and boots. “Important news, everyone.”
“What’s up, boss man?” Haley asked, completely unconcerned. She handed Milo a fresh cup of coffee, then went back to painting Demarien’s toenails.
Milo stared into his cup, standing awkwardly by Casanova’s tank. "I got a call from the bank this morning."
The room fell quiet.
Patrick leaned forward. "They know who cleaned out the account?"
Milo shook his head. "No. Right before Aunt Dahlia died, supposedly, her accountant and she took out a huge loan using the Myrtlewood estate as collateral."
Nobody spoke for a moment. "That’s not right," Puck said quietly. “She wouldn’t have done that without telling you.”
“The signature isn’t hers. The house was in my name at the time, too.” Milo rubbed his face. “Our family lawyer is sorting it with the bank, but he said that it would take time and we should keep making the payments for now.”
“Where’s the accountant?” Boone asked, trying to keep the anger from his voice. These men had been through so much, and someone kept fucking with them. It was time they got to live their dream without the worry.
“Dead. Along with the banker who approved the loan.” Milo shivered and finally sat down. “Just like Bernard.”
“What the hell is happening?” Puck asked, tears welling. “Who would do this to Aunt Dahlia?”
“Someone who knew they weren’t getting a damn thing from her death,” Milo answered bitterly. “Everyone in my sick fucking family knew Aunt Dahlia was leaving everything to me. I think some of them hoped they were wrong, but they knew. As I said earlier, this estate was already in my name. I was on most of her accounts. It was very clear who was inheriting everything.”
“And Aunt Dahlia was dying,” Demarien said, voice trembling. “You were so wrapped up in being with her. You wouldn’t have noticed anything too strange going on.”
“Where does this leave us?” Felix asked, leaning into Puck’s side.
“No money is coming from her biggest account,” Milo said, “and we have to make payments for a loan we never took out. Bigpayments. At least until the lawyer sorts it, he said it could be weeks or months.”
Boone cleared his throat. “I’m marrying Damarien.”
Milo smiled half-heartedly. “Yes, we know, Boone. You may have mentioned it once or twice.”
“That means I’m family.” He looked at Demarien. “Right?”
Demarien just rolled his eyes and hugged him. “Yes, you’re family.”
“I have a nice-sized savings that my grandpa left me.” Boone gave them all a stern look. “I say we make payments from my account. That way, all profits from the inn and restaurant go straight back into the inn and restaurant. Your lawyer will sort it out.”
