Page 53 of Inheriting Miss Fortune

As Dev began walking toward the building, I glanced down at the text.

My assistant had forwarded me a demand for one Eleanor Kathryn Scott to appear at a specific lab in Dallas for lab testing by the end of the following week. Attached was the subpoena for the paternity test from the Scotts’ attorney… signed by a judge I knew was a member of the Scotts’ congregation.

My heart dropped into my stomach.

Dev’s staunch declaration that he’d never return to Texas had lasted all of a handful of minutes. Even if Dev’s attorneys wanted to fight the ridiculous demand to travel a thousand miles to go to a specific lab, they would lose.

Dev may not have realized what he was up against in the Scotts’ legal custody challenge, but I sure did. And it would take a limitless well of money to fight it. I could only hope Dev’s mysterious “business deal” had netted him enough wealth to go up against a system clearly biased against him.

Regardless, I wasn’t going to tell him about the subpoena now.

Because the vet clearly had news about Trigger.

SIXTEEN

DEV

When I returned to the waiting room, Pete was waiting.

“Okay. The tube seemed to provide quite a bit of relief, and I’m cautiously optimistic we can treat Trigger without surgery.” He went on to explain his diagnosis and treatment plan. “And, of course, if anything unexpected happens, I’ll call and discuss it with you. But I think you caught it early. Best-case scenario, he can go home tomorrow under close supervision.”

“Supervision.” My stomach dropped. “I’ve got roundup in two days.”

Tully opened his mouth but then closed it.

“What?” I prompted. “Say what you’re thinking.”

“You can still bring Trigger home, and I can watch him. Or I can help with roundup and let you watch him. Or we can take turns.”

Pete looked back and forth between us. “Either way. You know he’s in good hands here if you need to leave him longer. We have someone keeping an eye on everyone around the clock anyway since we have high-risk breeding animals on-site.” He patted me on the shoulder. “We’ll take good care of him, and I promise to call. Go on home and get some rest. If you need more help with roundup, let me know. I have a high schooler whoworks part-time as a tech. She’d love to help and has experience loading trailers. She’s been doing hunter-jumper shows for years. Runs our supply closet like a drill sergeant.”

My brain was sluggish. I was overwhelmed with relief at the news Trigger wouldn’t need surgery.

Tully stepped forward. “He’d love that. Would you mind sharing her contact information? I can give it to Way.”

Pete nodded. “Will do. I promise to take care of your baby, Dev. Go get some sleep.”

I shook his hand and thanked him before turning back to Tully and tilting my head toward the door. It wasn’t easy leaving Trigger, but I also knew I didn’t want to see him sedated. It would agitate both of us if I went back there to say good night.

We left the ranch truck and trailer in the lot and loaded up in my SUV. The silence on the drive was comfortable. Trigger’s prognosis was a relief, and I took a few minutes to allow it to sink in. Darkness had finally settled, with only the barest slim band of faded copper outlining the triple peaks of Three Daughters in the distance. Warm night air came in through the open truck windows, and the scent of sage carried hints of cattle grazing nearby.

“I love it here,” I murmured. Tonight was one of those rare moments of feeling like I was exactly where I was meant to be. I’d arrived in Majestic almost a year ago exactly, and I’d felt right away that it was a place where I could find contentment.

“I can see why you do,” Tully agreed. “It suits you.”

“The people here are good. Loyal and kind. I assumed they’d be closed-minded and prejudiced, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised.”

I felt Tully’s eyes on me. He was probably wondering where I was going with this.

My hands stretched around the steering wheel as I pointed us home. “I’m building a house.”

Why was I so nervous? Suddenly, it felt like a decision I’d known was right for me was up for debate. I wanted him to approve. I wanted him to tell me it was a good idea.

“Here?” he asked. He shook his head. “Stupid question. Of course it’s here, your job is here. Is it in town?”

“Not in town, no.” I explained how I’d selected the home site adjacent to the Fletcher Ranch. I didn’t explain that it was a multimillion-dollar parcel of land located on a hundred acres with over a thousand feet of frontage on the Majestic River.

“That makes more sense,” he said after I described the views and the peaceful setting. He hesitated. “Is there room for Lellie?”

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