Page 181 of Mountain Grump

---

It’s so very real and so very much in my bank account.

I blink again, and a tear drips onto my dress.

If ever there was a time for swearing…

“What the fuck?” I whisper it this time.

I lower my phone to my lap and stare out the windshield.

It’s not like I thought Uncle Jack did that whole Vegas thing just to mess with me. But… two million just seemed so unlikely.

But now…

I lift my phone again.

Now, a quarter of that amount is sitting in my bank account.

I pick up my latte and take a drink.

Then another, because seriously, this is stupid good.

Staring at all six digits, I wonder what I need to save from that to pay taxes.

I don’t know much about the complication that is tax law, but I’m pretty sure you have to pay on inheritance.

Is this inheritance? Or a gift? Or does that not matter?

Putting my latte back down, I find my wallet and pull out the card for Richard and Son, glad I took it off his desk before leaving.

I dial the number.

It won’t be a hardship to save a certain amount. I don’t really have anything to spend all this on anyway.

The phone starts to ring as I mentally amend that thought. I will definitely be splurging on getting internet at my house.

Streaming shows will be a nice perk. But the lack of overall service is my biggest concern. If I spot a mountain lion, I need to be able to call Ethan.

My heartbeat jumps when I remember I don’t have Ethan’s number.

Maybe I could find him at the park? Or I?—

“Richard and Son. How may I help you?” A man answers the phone.

“Hi, um, may I please talk to Richard?”

“And who shall I say is calling?”

“This is Matilda Wright.”

“Ah, yes.” The man’s tone turns cheerful. “This is Richard. Nice to hear from you. And I believe ahappy birthdayis in order.”

A swell of emotion catches in my throat, and I have to swallow it down. “Thank you. How are you?”

“Good. I’m good.” I can hear the smile in his voice. “Now, what can I help you with?”

“Well, I… got the money.” A slightly hysterical chuckle escapes me.

“Not a small sum.” Richard’s responding laugh sounds much more sane.

---