Page 22 of Sins or Secrets
“Yes, both of you. Before she died, we sat together and she expressed wanting to give you and your family your rightful portions of her estate because she was married to your uncle.Because she was so close to you, though, she left you a little bit more.”
“In that case, why did she leave me anything?” I cut in.“I didn’t see her for ten years.By right, the house should go to Logan.”
I’m the last person to turn away anything that could help my dire financial situation, but I have to be fair.I wasn’t here.
As much as I love that house and all my dreams began on those grounds, it doesn’t feel right that I accept such a gift.
“That’s very considerate of you, but your aunt was very specific in what she wanted and made arrangements as such that would prevent me from simply handing your ownership to Logan.It belongs to both of you. She figured you might sell it, but her other parting gifts to you are also tied into the property.”
“Parting gifts? What more is there?” Logan narrowed his eyes.
“Lilly sold the working ranch she owned jointly with your uncle in Savannah.The value came to just over three and a half million dollars.I’ve already distributed the portions she wanted to give to your father and sister.The remainder she wanted to give to you in equal parts of one million each.”
The air had already left my body from the moment he said three and a half million dollars.But now I’m completely numb. Shocked and numb that my dear auntie could have foreseen how broke I would be and how much I would have needed her help.
One million dollars can set me back on track for life and fix me.I could truly start over in New York.
“She left me a million dollars?" I choke out.
Mr. Mulligan nods. “Yes, but there are certain terms and conditions you both have to meet before the money is signed over to you.”
“Like what?”
“Well….” He sighs. “For you, Quinn, your money will be signed over to you if you reside in Wilmington for the next six months, commencing from when the contract is signed.”
My lips move, but nothing comes out because my brain is still trying to process what he’s saying to me.
“What! I have to stay here for six months?I can’t do that. I’m going to New York tonight.”
At the declaration of my imminent departure, Logan cuts me a hard glance.The reaction momentarily surprises me.
“Quinn, that is the stipulation your aunt left.Along with refurbishing the dance school and teaching the summer school she had planned for this year.She didn’t get to end the dream properly and she would like for you to do this for her.”
That shuts me right down. The mention of Lilly’s dreams and the dance school wipes my brain of the money.
I could imagine her now planning this will.The request would have only come from her knowing how special that dream was to her.Her dreams were so big, they rubbed off on me too.
One million dollars, a house, and a chance to end my dear aunt’s dream properly.How can I say no to that?
Mr. Mulligan looks over at Logan now, who’s already tense.
“What did she want me to do?” Logan asks.
Mr. Mulligan smiles. “She wanted you to assist her niece in rebuilding the school and fixing up the house.”
“I have to do what?”
“Assist Quinn to refurbish the school and the house for six months.”
“Six months.”
“Yes. Six months from now would take us right to the time when Lilly wanted the summer school to close.The school has been closed down during the time she was in the hospice, then the hurricane last year left everything in a terrible state of disrepair and unfit for anyone to live there.The school will literally require a rebuild and refurbishment, along with the house.So you see how everything is tied in.”
Logan closes his eyes, tightens his jaw, and runs a hand through his hair.
“I do see. Could this help I’m supposed to offer come in the form of hiring out a project manager and contractors to carry out the work?”
“Yes, and no. The contract specifically requests your presence in the matter and excludes the hiring of assistance to take your place.They may however assist you while you’re on the premises but they can’t replace you.”
