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“I-I just can’t believe it,” she spit out, making eye contact with her friends. Olivia sent her a look full of surprise. Charlotte shrugged and let out a sigh. Hope shook her head while Morgan literally scratched her head.

“If I may continue,” Mr. Mayhew said. “Things might become more transparent.”

As Mr. Mayhew continued, everything did become clearer. Miss Hattie had left ownership of Savannah house to her and the five women who were her best friends in the world. All six of them now owned Savannah House—lock, stock and barrel. It was mind blowing news.

“And in addition to Savannah House, she has also stipulated that you are to be given one million dollars to be shared amongst you. It was Hattie’s hope that you would use this money to get the place up and running. If you choose not to accept this inheritance, Savannah House will be turned over to the Historical Society of Savannah. You may not sell Savannah House. It is not transferrable. A majority of you must always maintain ownership.”

He drew a deep breath. “The rest of her fortune and holdings are to be donated to a fund for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. She wanted to honor the love of her life, Samuel, by giving back to those who served this country in wartime.” Mr. Mayhew began gathering up his papers and placing them in his briefcase. “If any of you ladies have questions, feel free to call me.” He began handing out his business cards. “If I were you I would settle this amongst yourselves before you announce anything. Savannah gossip spreads like wildfire.” With a few long strides, he’d exited the room.

Morgan let out a low whistle that shattered the silence after his bombshell announcement and departure. It seemed to Callie as if everyone was still reeling from surprise and shock.

“Wow. This is unreal. Miss Hattie bequeathed Savannah House to the six of us,” Callie said.

“What about Fancy?” Hope asked. “Should one of us call her about this?”

“Fancy will receive notification via certified letter,” Pearl said. “Mr. Mayhew made that clear.”

“I don’t know about you,” Morgan said, looking toward Hope, “but Fancy has pretty much cut the rest of us out of her life. She’s blocked us from calling her.”

“I’ve been a bit absent myself, but that’s terribly sad,” Hope said, tears gathering in her eyes. “Losing Case was like losing her lifeline in many ways.”

“It’s not as if Case wasn’t hurt as well,” Charlotte piped up, defending her brother. “He was blindsided. It’s not like he wanted to call off the wedding. Under the circumstances, he had no choice.”

Callie didn’t comment, knowing that the situation was still as dangerous as a powder keg of dynamite. It had been a polarizing situation.

“What do you guys think about our inheritance?” Olivia asked. “I never imagined that’s why we were invited here today. I figured I might inherit a gold pen or something.” She giggled.

“Me too,” Callie admitted. “I’ve loved Savannah House my whole life. The possibilities of what we could do with this place are mind boggling.”

“We would all have to be on the same page,” Charlotte pointed out. “Let’s face it. We’ve all drifted apart over the past few years.”

“True,” Callie admitted. “But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not only to reinvent this place, but to get our friendships back on track.”

Hope bit her lip. “I imagine the upkeep of a place like this is crazy expensive.”

“But the proceeds if we restored it would be unbelievable. This place was always packed to the gills,” Morgan said.

“I do need a job right about now,” Callie murmured. “It’s time I stopped relying on the Duvall trust.”

“Me too,” Hope added. “I need to support my daughter. Taking handouts from my folks wouldn’t set the right example for Ella.”

“Are you guys actually considering this?” Olivia asked. “It’s a huge undertaking.”

Callie looked around at her group of friends. She felt a huge grin breaking out on her face. “I can’t speak for anyone else, but I know I am.”

“If you step out on the limb of a big, towering Oak tree, not knowing if you might tumble to the earth…that’s called faith.”

Hattie Alexander

Chapter Seven

Jax stood at the doorstep of Callie’s cottage and juggled the groceries in his arms while attempting to knock on her door. Callie flung the door wide open, saving him from a delicate balancing act. The sight of her—fresh-faced and beautiful with her hair pulled up in a high ponytail and sporting jeans and a white top—threatened to make his legs wobbly.

“Hey! What do you have there?” Callie asked. “Did Christmas come early?” she teased.

“Well, after you called and invited me over I did a little grocery shopping,” he admitted as he walked into the guest house. Callie shooed him toward the kitchen where he plopped his bags down on the granite counter. “I’m making you dinner.”

Callie sputtered. Her green eyes widened. “You are?”

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