“Keep those, please,” I said. “The larger ones can go into storage.” I walked over to the nightstand and picked up the framed photo of Gran and Grandad on their wedding day. “This one I’ll take back with me.”
“I think that’s a lovely idea,” Agnes said.
I bent down, opening the drawer of the nightstand, and my breath caught. Staring back at me was a sealed envelope with my name on it, written in Grandad’s familiar, almost illegible handwriting.
“Everything okay?” Agnes asked.
I pulled the envelope out, hands shaking. “Do you know what this is?” I asked.
Agnes walked over to inspect the envelope, shaking her head. “No idea. He didn’t mention anything to me about leaving a letter for you. If he had, I would have given it to you already.”
I nodded, sitting down in Grandad’s favorite armchair, just staring at the envelope.
“It’s not going to bite you,” Agnes said softly after a moment.
She was right. I ran my thumb across my name, then tore into the envelope and pulled out a sheet of paper covered in more of Grandad’s handwriting. “It’s dated almost three years ago,” I said.
“That about the time your grandfather had his will made up?”
I nodded, scanning his words.
Dear Weston,
If you’re reading this, I’m already gone, and you may or may not be married. And you may or may not be hacked off at me for it.
I laughed despite myself, despite the trembling nerves that raced through my entire body.
My gaze lifted to find Agnes watching me closely, more concerned than curious.
“He’s explaining the will,” I said, my throat thick with sudden emotion.
Agnes gave me a soft, sympathetic look. She walked over to me, laid her hand on my shoulder, and squeezed. “I can finish up the closet later. Why don’t you take some time with the letter?”
“Thanks,” I whispered as my eyes dropped back to the page.
Just know that I had the best of intentions in making marriage a requirement for your inheritance. I added the provision to my will because I’m worried about you.
Why was he worried? At the time he wrote this, I was settled in Houston. Kincaid Energy had never been more successful…
For all your success, he continued,I can see how lonely you are.
Oh.
Success comes and goes. Money comes and goes. But the people in your life, the ones who truly care about you, and who truly matter to you in return—they should be where you put your effort, my boy. The greatest joy of my life was having your grandmother by my side. I know I wouldn’t have been half the man I was if not for her. She brought out the best in me—gave me a reason to build something good and strong and lasting in this community because I wanted her to have everything she needed to be happy and feel secure. Gran made my days full, and what I wanted more than anything was for you to experience that same joy.
I swallowed hard.
I’ve been saddened to see you become so resistant to the idea of love. I know dealing with your parents’ divorce and the fallout from your experience with Narissa would have been enough to make anyone cynical, but I do hope that you realize love is still worth the risk in the end. And that’s why I put the provision in the will. I know in my heart that what you need most is the right woman to stand by your side, to prove to you that passionate love can continue to flourish over a lifetime and make a couple stronger.
I grimaced. I knew exactly how passionate love worked. From what I’d seen, it didn’t make anything stronger. It just made it hurt more when it was all over.
Speaking of the right woman, Grandad wrote.
Uh-oh.
I’ve spoken on the phone many times to your lovely assistant, and I like to think I’ve gotten a clear sense of her character. Since it seems you haven’t taken the time to notice the best thing right under your nose, you can’t blame an old man for forcing your hand. She’s smart and capable, but more than that, she balances strength and kindness in a way that’s rare and special.
How had he picked up on all that?
