Page 81 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“If her lawyer pursued this, our legal fees would be substantial. Mitzi would achieve nothing and end up owing her attorney a fortune,” Wyl said. “Her resulting desperation may spell more trouble for us. The balance in our checking account alone is more than two million, Rod, and I think dangling dollars in her face will shove her off our backs.”
The checking account balance hit me like a semi-truck head-on at full speed. Stunned and speechless, my mouth opened and closed, unable to form words.
“Babe…are you still there?”
I coughed and sucked in a breath, still unable to speak.
“Rod, you are making me panic. What’s the matter?”
I coughed again. “Yes, I’m okay.” I took a deep breath. “Two million in our checking account?”
“Babe, we have oil on the ranch. Royalties are at least a million yearly and closer to three million at $50 per barrel. I won’t go into what our investments are worth, but we’re comfortable for the rest of our lives. Now stop worrying. I can’t have my lover getting frantic over money.”
Still breathing hard, I grasped the front of my shirt in a tight fist. “And we’ll be fine money-wise if we do this?”
“While this expense is unplanned, we’ll still be on a firm footing.”
“We need to be rid of her and this situation, and you make a lot of sense.” I paused for another gasp. “Let’s do it.”
“I’m so glad we talked,” Wyl said. “In the morning, I’ll tell Sam what we decided, and he’ll deal with Mitzi’s attorney.”
“How much have you shared with Sam? Will my involvement in the decision surprise him?”
“Sam heard all about us on the flight to Dallas, and he’s eager to meet you.”
Those words made me grin ear to ear. “Wyl…you never cease to amaze me. You’re so comfortable with our relationship now.”
“The encounter with Dusty in Kerrville taught me a valuable lesson. I can’t be everything to everyone, and you’re the one I want more than anything. I won’t let the Dustys of the world come between me and my soulmate.”
“Hello???” I tapped on the receiver, a chuckle in my voice. “Where is Wyl? I must be talking to someone else.” I laughed.
“Shut up,” Wyl chuckled through the words. “You're there for me like always, Roddy. You’re all I need.”
“You got it.” God, I loved that man.
“Well, I need sleep. I miss you. I’d rather be at the ranch, wrapping my arms around you and ravishing you.”
“Wyl, I miss you too. Good luck tomorrow. Call me when your flight lands in Lubbock, and I’ll meet you at Sam’s office.”
“Will do. Bye Roddy. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Sleep tight.”
Hanging up, I thought about our conversation. I shuddered thinking of half a million dollars, but what Wyl said made sense. I never thought I would be involved in transactions including that amount of money. Still, I needed to be comfortable with wealth. After all, my partner was one of the wealthiest men in the county.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
WYL
Friday morning, Sam and I met with Jack and Mitzi in his lavish offices.
Sam began the negotiations. “In consideration of your client’s desire to seek what she thinks is hers, we would like to offer a settlement option.”
Cromwell leaned over to Mitzi, conferring on his recommendation for the next steps. “We’re listening, Mr. Collins.”
“My client has authorized me to offer a settlement of five hundred thousand dollars. This offer is contingent upon your client signing legal documents and ceasing any further claims against Sterling Ranch. This includes any and all assets now held or acquired in the future.”
Jack conferred with Mitzi. A hushed conversation took place for over ten minutes. Mitzi shot glares at me. Cromwell used his hand in an up-and-down motion as if encouraging her to accept the offer. A final eye-roll from Mitzi, and Cromwell cleared his throat.
