AllFreeNovel
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“We share that in common.”
“Peter thinks he’ll run the ranch when your dad is gone. Erik figured he’d get the top spot. Neither of them has a clue what’s about to happen.”
“I don’t understand.”
“They haven’t seen the will. Even if Peter became aware and pressured his father to change it, Urick’s no longer of sound mind.”
“I’m certain you think I should understand, but I need you to spell it out.”
“Urick is leaving everything he owns to you and me.”
“Why?” I balk, leaning away before adding, “I understand why he wants you to have it. You’ve been at his side for decades. But why me? Is it just guilt?”
“Urick loves his ranch and horses. Neither boy gives two shits about the animals. For Peter and Erik, the horses are just dollar signs. Urick worries Peter will sell off tracts of land to developers. Also, your brother inherited his mother’s habit of nickel-and-diming every damn thing. He often cuts corners with the animals’ care. Urick knows you and I won’t mistreat his horses after he’s gone.”
Settling my racing heart and upset stomach, I consider the situation Mack’s described. I was never close to my brothers. They resented my mother, which made me dislike them. I never felt comfortable during dinners with my brothers and their mothers. During my summer visits, Urick made a habit of eating alone with me a few times a week.
I admittedly liked how he shielded me from my siblings. Maybe I seemed arrogant to my brothers. My mom also didn’t stick around, begging for scraps theirs did. I can see why they hated me, but Suzanne told me to ignore them.
“They don’t value you,” she would say. “You just focus on enjoying your summer. You owe them nothing.”
All these years, I’ve assumed Urick had cut me out of his will. No, I guess that’s not true. I hoped he would leave me one of his horses or even a piece of furniture from his study. Just something to prove he loved me despite what happened.
I hadn’t ever considered he’d cut off Peter and Erik. No way will they tolerate the truth when it comes. I can barely handle it right now.
Mack allows me to get myself sorted before explaining, “I haven’t got the money to buy out your share of the ranch. When Urick is gone, you and I will need to work out an arrangement.”
Without thinking, I blurt out, “I’m not selling it.”
Mack’s eyes widen slightly, clearly surprised by my tone as much as my words.
“The ranch means too much to me to give it away,” I explain, calming myself. “But I don’t want to live there. I can’t, really. Not only because of the past, but that’s not what Walla Walla would want.”
“I wasn’t particularly surprised to notice how the biker had a thing for you, but I’m a little surprised about your feelings for him.”
Not wanting to discuss my love life with a man who was like an uncle, I get back to the business he came to share.
“You know how to run the ranch. It’s your home,” I say, exhaling softly and thinking like my mother. “You have family who can inherit it. That’ll be a game changer for your people. I know how hard you’ve worked. I’m not blind to what you’ve done for Urick, the animals, or the ranch. I just can’t let go of it completely. Not yet.”
Mack’s body language unclenches as I speak. I’m the rich girl. He’s the ex-con and country boy. In his mind, that’s how it’s always been and how it’ll always be. Except if he’s right about the will, Mack has a chance to own something of real value for his kids and grandkids. That kind of generational wealth likely scares him, and he doesn’t really know me.
“Peter will fight the will,” I say, still trying to channel Suzanne. “He’ll claim you tricked Urick. Say we hatched a plan to confuse a sick, old man. You likely don’t have the funds to fight that battle.”
Mack frowns, becoming tense again. “Urick’s will hasn’t been changed since his first heart attack years ago. He made sure everything was ironclad, knowing his boys would pitch a fit.”
Nodding, I imagine how messy things will get once Urick is gone.
“I can deal with Peter,” I say and then shrug. “Well, my lawyers will handle him. They’ll represent us both.” I pause to find the right words. “I know I haven’t stepped foot on the ranch in a dozen years, yet it’s an important part of my childhood. I never considered I’d have any say over its future. I’m not ready to sell my part of the ranch. However, logically, I’m aware I don’t have the skills to run it.”
“I suppose you’d run it just fine once you put your mind to getting it done.”
“You’ve been running it since Urick got sick. And you’ve done that despite my brothers’ likely interference. It’ll be easier when you’re off your leash.”
Mack nods, allowing a grin. He’s been the guy in charge for years, yet he’s never had any real power. Everything he did could be overridden.
Exhaling deeply, I admit, “I’m glad you told me about the will, but I don’t really know why I should see Urick.”
“Well, the way I see it, you’re about to get dragged into that world. If you’ll feel all the pain, maybe you’d like to get something from your dad before he’s gone. Figured you might have stuff you wanted to say. Maybe you could forgive him. Or at least, find that closure people say is important. I know I’ve made my peace with him.”
