Page 13 of Perfect Pact

“He’s serious?” John looks up in shock. “Simon, is this a joke?”

“Nope.” Mr. Wright waves a folder in front of us. “Actually, I believe it’s a little more now.

“This is crazy.” Dusty eyes his father across the table. “We can’t take that money.”

“We don’t need the money.” Lance shakes his head in disbelief. “All of us are fine. We have great jobs, investments. He didn’t have to do this.”

Mr. Wright clears his throat. “There’s more. I need to continue.”

John, I left you the money because I didn’t think you would want the house or anything that reminds you of Mason Creek. However, if you were to change your mind, you get first dibs on anything in the house. I love you, Johnny boy.

Lance, my little Abraham Lincoln obsessed grandchild. I’m so proud of you. You followed your dreams and now look at you. You’re a lawyer! Congratulations, buddy. I hope this money gives you the opportunity to do some good with it. I love you, Linc. And because I want you to have a piece of the time we did spend together, I’m leaving you my precious coin collection. I don’t think I need to tell you how much it’s worth. I’m sure you already know. Cash it in or pass it down to your own kids someday. That is, if you ever get around to proposing to that lovely girl of yours. They are yours now.

Dusty, my little squirt. You liked to give me the hardest time, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. You thrived here during the summers. I really did think you would come back to Mason Creek, settle down, and start a family. Then again, maybe there’s still time. I’m leaving you the house and the forty acres I still own. I had the property subdivided when I sold the land. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to piss off the back porch without anyone seeing. If you decide you don’t want the house, you must give your brother and dad a chance to buy it. If you do decide to keep it, all I ask is that you fix the swing on the front porch. Me and your grandmother would watch the sunset every night. I pray you find someone to love, to share sunsets and sweet tea with. Love you, Squirt.

This concludes the reading of my will and testament. I wish you all long and prosperous lives.

“You keeping the house?” Lance stands and stretches. “If not, I may be interested.”

“Yeah,” is all Dusty says, staring off into space.

“Yeah, you’re keeping it, or yeah, you’ll sell it?”

Dusty sighs. “Lance, just chill. Give me a minute to process what just happened.”

I couldn’t agree more. I’m still wondering why I’m here. I’ve sat through this very personal matter only to walk away with nothing. Which is fine by me. I didn’t know Mr. Jacobs was loaded, and I didn’t care.

“There’s a codicil,” Mr. Wright interrupts.

“A what?” John pipes in.

“It’s an addition to the will. Kind of like a PS in a letter.” Lance breaks it down for his father.

“Interesting. Learn something new every day.”

“Beth, this one is for you.” Mr. Wright flips the page over.

“Me?” I question, my voice barely a whisper.

Mr. Wright continues.

Beth, you were like the daughter I never had. You will never know much I appreciated your companionship. I hired you to help me around the house, but you went above and beyond, making sure I was never alone. For that, I’m so thankful. You made dying easy. I know that sounds crazy, but I never once felt scared when you were around. I felt alive.

With that said, I wanted to let you know I listened and maybe even snooped a little. I know how you’ve struggled to overcome the reputation of your ex-husband. I don’t want you to have to do that anymore. I want you to live out your dreams. That is why I’m leaving you the barn, the pond, and the ten acres surrounding it. I also set up an account for you with an undisclosed amount of money in it. Simon and my accountant have the terms of that agreement, but it’s enough to pay off all your debt and have cable for life. It’s time to flip the page and start the next chapter. Find your forever, Beth. Find your sunset. Love you, kiddo.

“I don’t know what to say.” The tears flow silently down my face. “I would give it back if it meant I could have one more day with him.” I swipe the wetness from my cheeks.

“A part of me wants to be mad…” John clicks his tongue. “But I’m not.” He stands and walks over to me.

I want to ask him what he’s doing, but I don’t care anymore.

“Come here.” He reaches for my arm and pulls me up.

“I can’t do this right now. I’m—”

“Thank you.” John wraps his arms around me and whispers in my ear, “Thank you for being there when I wasn’t. I have my reasons, but no one should have to die alone.” He pulls back and holds my face in his hands. “You deserve this.”

“I didn’t do anything. I was just there.”

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