Page 10 of When Sparks Fly

The scalding shower eases some of the tension in my muscles and settles my nerves. Covering my swollen eyes beneath a bit of makeup gives me an excuse to spend more time locked in solitude. Finally, I dress, prepared to deal with the day, including our meeting with Nana’s lawyer.

A knock lands on the front door as I enter the hall. Bright blue eyes twinkle beneath the jet black hair of the man giving a friendly wave through the window in the door. He has a very pretty face. Sharp jawline, cleft in his chin, and a killer smile.

For some reason, I anticipated Nana’s lawyer would be older. And grayer. Not that we ever discussed her legal counsel.

I open the door wide and make an effort to sound welcoming. “Come in.”

“Hank Campbell.” His voice is kind and he offers a warm handshake. He’s tall and well-built, even in his impeccably tailored suit. A little buttoned up for my taste, but perfectly within Izzy’s wheelhouse.

“Maci McCullough.” I gesture over my shoulder to the kitchen around the corner. “We should all fit around the dining table, if you’re okay talking in there.”

“Lead the way.” A wave of ease passes over me at his charming, down-to-Earth demeanor.

Randi and Liv are seated on the back side of the dining table. My mother and Alan are seated on the left, both dressed in all black and looking camera ready.

Stephanie stands, followed by Alan, and extends a hand to Hank. “Mr. Campbell, thank you for coming,” she beams. I make an effort not to roll my eyes.

He gives her a returned, short smile. “Nice to see you, Mrs. Young.”

She turns to Alan. “This is my husband, Alan.”

Alan shakes Hank’s hand a little more aggressively than necessary. Hank doesn’t indicate he notices. Alan presses his lips together tightly and sits.

“Randi, Liv.” Hank greets them with a brief nod, causing Stephanie’s eyes to narrow. “I appreciate you all gathering so that we can discuss Ruthie’s will.” He sets his briefcase in the chair closest to him.

Stephanie returns to her seat next to Alan and I lean against the countertop.

“Ruthie has been a client for several years,” Hank explains. “She assigned me as the Executor of her will three years ago.” Tension at the table is palpable, but Hank continues comfortably.

“As the Executor, I will oversee the probate process for the will. Every will is required to go through the same process. This can take quite a while in many cases.” Stephanie’s frame shifts forward and I anticipate the start of an interrogation. Hank gives her a warm smile and gestures softly for her to wait. “Luckily, in Texas, the process can be much faster, and Ruthie’s will and assets are such that you should be at an advantage with time.”

“What should we expect for a timeline?” Alan asks and I clench my teeth. “Weeks? Months?”

“I feel confident we can close the estate in eight weeks. “

Alan bobs his head as if this is an acceptable time frame.

“Now, I’m not sure if any of you have ever been through this process before, but it may look a little different than you’ve seen in the movies.” Hank’s lips lift in a hint of amusement. No one so much as blinks.

I smirk when his eyes land on me. “Tough crowd.” This is not his first rodeo and he seems to be trying to lighten the mood some. Whether the others do or not, I appreciate his efforts.

His grin extends into a full smile with teeth. Beautifully straight, white teeth. I’m dying to send a photo to Izzy. She would be all over him like white on rice, as Nana used to say. The memory brings a smile to my face.

“I won’t be reading the will today. It’s not actually a legal formality.” Hank opens his briefcase and removes a manilla envelope. “However, I am providing each of you a copy.”

He pulls several stapled documents from the manilla folder and passes them around to each of us.

“As soon as the death certificate is received, I will file a petition with the county clerk to start the probate. Getting the certificate can take a few weeks.”

Liv’s eyes widen after she looks hers over and she gapes at Hank.

“In Texas, when probate begins the will is public. Anyone can access it. I’ve provided copies to you for ease and because some of you here are listed in the will. While we won’t read it together, I encourage you to take the time to look it over.

“Once probate has begun, I’ll post a public notice regarding the will. Anyone who may potentially have a claim to Ruthie’s estate has to be notified, and this is how we achieve that. However, I assisted Ruthie in the creation of the will and know with certainty you all are the only individuals listed. Unless there are any secret family members I’m unaware of, you make up the remaining kin, as well, so the notice is a formality.”

He pauses and looks around the room. “If there is something you want to contest or you don’t understand, please reach out to me. Two weeks after the notice is public we’ll begin settling the estate.”

“What does that mean?” Randi’s voice is quiet, her eyes curious.

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