Marrying Mandy (Brides of Clearwater Book 1)

by Melanie D. Snitker

  Preston and Mandy both muttered polite responses as he ushered them into a plush office. They each claimed a chair and waited until Brock walked around and sat in his leather seat.

  It always amazed Preston how much he had to fight the urge to reach for Mandy’s hand in situations like this. He glanced at her. She was sitting straight as a rod, her hands in her lap. She picked at her thumbnail like she always did when worried or stressed.

  Brock shuffled papers around on his desk. “I want to tell you both again you’re welcome to meet with me privately if you prefer.”

  Mandy looked at Preston. “I’m good.”

  Relieved, Preston nodded his agreement.

  “Wonderful. Then we can begin.” Brock found the paper he was looking for and then made eye contact with Preston. “Let’s begin with the easiest part first. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson had a will drawn up together. Once Mr. Hudson passed, no changes were made and all stipulations within the will remain in place.” He paused and took a drink from a bottle of water.

  The continued delays were getting to Preston. He wished the man would just say what he needed to say instead of dragging things out. Maybe that was a lawyer thing to see how much he could make them squirm. He barely detected the sigh from Mandy and covered a smile. Apparently, she felt the same way.

  Brock put the lid back on the bottle. “Mr. Yarrow, I have here that Mr. Hudson willed all the contents of his workshop to you.” He paused for dramatic effect.

  He didn’t need to. Preston couldn’t have been more surprised than he already was. His mind tried to grasp the meaning of the lawyer’s words. He’d spent years helping Mr. Hudson in that workshop, building things for the B&B. Preston had learned everything he knew from the hours he spent watching Mr. Hudson craft boats or furniture. His dream for a future woodworking business was born from the time spent with his mentor.

  Since Mr. Hudson’s death, Preston had only gone into the workshop when necessary. The memories echoing through the large building were difficult to take most of the time. It wasn’t the same without him.

  He knew Mr. Hudson cared about him and had often referred to Preston as his adopted grandson. But to leave everything in there to Preston?

  The sign of friendship and trust caused tears to sting the back of Preston’s eyes.

  What did Mandy think? He turned his head to catch her expression, happy to see the pleased look on her face. She gave him a little smile of encouragement.

  Brock handed Preston a sealed envelope. “This is for you. I’d like for you to read it after you leave here, give all of this consideration, and then let me know your thoughts. If you accept the contents of the workshop, we can draw up those papers by the end of the week.”

  Preston took the envelope. It wasn’t thick, yet felt weighty with the emotional ramifications of what might be inside. Even though he was curious, he knew he wanted to be alone when he read it. He tapped it against his watch and laid it across one leg.

  This meeting already proved to be a surprise. Even though Mandy seemed to approve of the will up to this point, he’d want to talk to her and make sure there was nothing of her grandfather’s she wanted to keep for herself.

  Brock made several notes before looking up at Mandy. “Now, the part of the will pertaining to you, Miss Hudson, is more complicated. I assure you I double and triple checked these details with your grandparents, and Mrs. Hudson, especially, was adamant they were correct. I think it’ll be easier if I read it aloud.” He opened a file folder and scanned it. “In the event of their passing, Mr. and Mrs. Hudson have specific stipulations in place for the Hudson Bed and Breakfast as well as all property and land, the contents of the workshop not included.” He paused here and Preston wanted to reach across and shake the man, especially if it meant he’d get on with it. “One of two things must be done with regards to the Bed and Breakfast and all property specified above. The first option is to put it all up for sale. It must be sold for the amount specified by an appraisal. All funds garnered from the sale will be immediately transferred to Mandy Lynn Hudson to be used as she sees fit.”

  Preston glanced at Mandy. She had her jaw clenched and her lips pressed together hard enough to turn them white. She wouldn’t sell the property no matter what. She’d claimed it was a link to her childhood. Really, the only childhood she ever had. She’d hold on to that, tooth and nail. Preston searched his brain for another possibility for the other option.

  The lawyer continued, oblivious to the emotions bouncing around his little office. “The second option is this. Should you, Mandy, become married by the end of this calendar year and remain married for at least one full year after that date, all titles to the B&B and attached properties and land will go to you specifically. At that point, it would be your decision whether your husband would be added to the title or not.”

  Mandy’s face went white in shock.

  ~

  She blinked at Brock and waited for him to correct himself or say something else. When he didn’t, she got out of her chair and put her hands on the edge of his desk. “You’ve got to be kidding me. My grandparents would never put together a will like that. I don’t believe it.”

  Brock came around the desk and handed Mandy a small stack of papers attached at the corner with a gold paperclip. “I assure you they did. You are welcome to contest the will. But I will warn you it’ll cost money and you’ll have to hire a different attorney. It is an option though. Please take your time reading these first and if you have any questions…”

  Mandy woodenly accepted the papers and slowly read through the will. When she got to the part the lawyer had referred to, she read it twice. If she didn’t know firsthand that both of her grandparents had remained sound of mind until their passing, she’d sure wonder after reading this. Mandy handed the will over to Preston who scanned the pages himself. She’d like to contest it, but knew there was no way she could afford the fees. She barely kept the place running as it was.

  Mandy cleared her throat and rubbed a thumb across her forehead in an attempt to focus. “So, let me see if I understand this correctly. To keep the Bed and Breakfast I practically grew up in, I have to get married and stay married for a year? Otherwise, I’ll be forced to sell it.”

  Preston glanced up from the will. “Would it be possible for someone to buy it, then for Mandy to turn around and use that money to buy it back?”

  “It would.” Brock looked hopeful. “I can tell you there’s been more than one interested party offering to buy the place over the last year or two. The B&B is situated on a highly prized piece of land.”

  That was true. Several people had offered to buy the whole kit and caboodle after Papa died. All of them wanted to tear down the Bed and Breakfast and build some kind of resort or a row of houses overlooking the Guadalupe River. Such a purchase would result in triple the money in return for the developer. Granny had been adamant about not letting the property go like that, and Mandy wasn’t about to, either. What were the odds she could find someone who would purchase it and then be honest enough to allow her to buy it back from them again?

  Preston held up the papers. “Can we get a copy of these? Upon Mandy’s agreement, I’d like my lawyer to read through the will as well.”

  Mandy shot him an appreciative look. If Granny trusted Mr. Walters, she knew he was telling the truth, but she’d much rather have someone else examine the will. Maybe there was a loophole or something.

  Brock retrieved the paperwork without hesitation. “Absolutely. Let me go make those copies for you right now.” He disappeared, the office door closing behind him.

  “What were they thinking?” The words passed Mandy’s lips before she’d realized she’d uttered them.

  “I’ll talk to my cousin today and see if there’s something you can work with.” He paused and when Mandy looked at him, she could tell he was suppressing a smile.

  “What?”

  “This is way more eccentric than I thought your grandmother was capable of being. Bu
t she always insisted that, one way or another, you’d change your mind about marriage.”

  Mandy’s face grew warm. He was right. Not only that, but Granny and Papa had both insinuated that Preston was half in love with her years ago. Mandy insisted they were wrong. She never dreamed Granny would go to this extreme to get her to change her mind about marriage. It was practically blackmail. “Well, I sure hope there’s a way around it. I’m not giving up the B&B. I’ll figure something out.”

  Preston’s face grew serious again as Brock walked back in and handed Mandy a large envelope. Brock sat down and retrieved an envelope identical to the one he’d given Preston. “This is for you, Miss Hudson. It’s from your grandmother. She told me it should answer all your questions. Again, please take it with you and read it in the comfort of your own home.”

  Her own home? According to the lawyer, at least as of this moment, she had no home. She took the offered item and tucked it into her bag. Granny, you have a lot of explaining to do.

  Brock stood and placed his hands on the desk. “I suggest you both read your letters, think on things for a while, and then call me. I gave you both my business card. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or e-mail. We can arrange another meeting next week to go over specifics once you’ve made your decisions.”

  That last part was directed toward Mandy. She grimaced.

  Preston stood and Mandy followed suit. The next thing she knew, she was sitting in the passenger seat of Preston’s truck. He stood at her door, his face filled with concern. “You okay?”

  “Honestly? I have no idea.”

  He said nothing else as he drove them back to the B&B. Mandy was perfectly content to ride in silence as well. Once there, they both stood in the driveway as Mandy handed the large envelope containing the copy of the will to Preston.

  “I’ll ask my cousin, Jeremy, about it today. See if I can get these scanned in and sent to him before I get to work. I’ll let you know as soon as he responds.” His eyes wandered to the workshop.

  “I appreciate it. And, hey, I think it’s fitting Papa left all of that to you. That’s how it should be.”

  Preston seemed to appreciate her words and smiled. “I sure miss him.”

  “It’s not the same without him. Either of them.” Mandy hiked a thumb toward the house. “I’d better get inside and make sure things are going well. Jade agreed to stay until I got back, but I’m sure she has somewhere else to be.”

  “All right. Don’t work too hard today. Call or come find me if you want to talk about the will or anything else.”

  Normally, Mandy would’ve been happy to go inside. But right now, it surprised her that she’d much rather stay out here with Preston. She wasn’t willing to analyze the realization to find out whether it was because she was escaping the emptiness of the house, or because she wanted his company. “Don’t work too hard yourself. I’ll see you later.”

  Except for the ticking of the clock on the wall that read fifteen minutes after ten, the house was silent. Jade came around the corner and greeted her with a wave. “Did everything go okay with the lawyer?”

  Mandy shrugged. “Lots of mumbo jumbo, you know how it is. I’ll have a second lawyer look over everything this week.”

  “But she left you the B&B, right?”

  “Yes, she left me the B&B.” Mostly. Mandy had no intention of letting it go, and as far as Jade was concerned, it was remaining in the family.

  Jade looked relieved. “Well, I’m real glad to hear it. The Palo family checked out. They decided to go tour the town a little before they headed for home. We have two different reservations checking in this afternoon. For now, all’s quiet.”

  “Great. Thanks again for sticking around, Jade. You should be good to go.”

  They said their goodbyes, Jade retrieved her things, and Mandy was left by herself. Elise wouldn’t be in until eleven, which gave Mandy plenty of time to read the letter from Granny.

  Dreading the emotional storm reading the letter would stir up, Mandy kicked her shoes off, poured herself a glass of unsweetened iced tea, and headed for the living room. With her legs curled under her, she opened the envelope.

  Even the paper smelled like Granny. Mandy closed her eyes and inhaled. If she concentrated hard enough, she could almost convince herself that Granny was beside her on the couch, ready to give some of her sage advice. But when Mandy opened them again, she was still alone. She felt the tears building up and refused to let them flow. Blinking them back, she read the flowing script.

  My Dear, Sweet Mandy,

  I’m writing this letter now knowing that, one day, Mr. Walters will have to give it to you. The selfish part of me never wants that to happen. You see, I know the day your parents left you here was one of the darkest days of your life. And it should have been. You should know it was also one of the brightest days for your Papa and me. Having you here has been nothing but a joy. We couldn’t ask for a better granddaughter, and it’s been a blessing to watch you grow up into a beautiful and thoughtful woman.

  If I’m gone, you’re likely feeling alone. I want to remind you that is never true. We’ll always be in your heart. God is watching over you now like He always has. And don’t discount Preston’s friendship. You like to protest otherwise, but that young man cares a great deal for you.

  You’re probably wondering about my will by now and why I put stipulations into you owning the Bed-and-Breakfast. Honey, I want more for you out of life than what you’re allowing yourself. I know you’ve sworn you’ll never marry after what happened with your parents, but I can tell you marrying Papa was the best thing I ever did. You deserve that kind of epic love. The thought of you running the B&B alone for the rest of your life saddens me.

  The B&B is important, but not nearly as important to me as you are. So, I’d rather you sell it and use the money to move and start over. Or, if you’re determined to stay here and keep the place running, then I want you to reconsider marriage. Sharing your life with someone is important. And I’m sure we can both think of at least one young man that just might fit the bill.

  Mandy’s face heated as her mind immediately flew to Preston. Granny had spoken with her several times about how she shouldn’t let her own parents’ poor decisions color her view of marriage, but it was hard not to. Couple that with watching Granny’s devastation when Papa died and could anyone blame Mandy for wanting to bypass all the pain and grief?

  She swallowed hard and continued to read the rest of the letter.

  All we’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy and to live a full life. Don’t let the actions of the past anchor you. Allow yourself the freedom to sail away into the future. You may surprise yourself and find a treasure you never knew you were looking for.

  Think about it and pray over it, Mandy. Papa and I love the B&B, but we love you more. If you choose to take the money, we will be no less happy for you.

  Never doubt you are loved and cherished, my precious granddaughter.

  Until we meet again in Heaven.

  All My Love,

  Granny

  The handwritten letter swam in front of Mandy as tears gathered in her eyes. No! She hadn’t cried when Papa died, and she didn’t cry at Granny’s funeral. She refused to weep now. Swiping at the moisture, she composed herself and blinked away the tears.

  She hoped Preston’s cousin would find a loophole in the will, but she had a suspicion there wasn’t one. That was one thing about Granny: Once she made up her mind, there was no use trying to change it. If he were here, Papa would laugh and say Mandy had inherited that particular trait in spades.

  Mandy knew her grandparents loved her. She had to keep this house. It was full of their memories, and she wasn’t about to let it go. Preston’s face came to mind and her heart immediately pounded away beneath her ribs. Then she shook her head to clear her thoughts.

  No. She’d been adamant against marriage, and this development didn’t change anything. There had to be a way to sa
ve her grandparents’ B&B that didn’t include marrying Preston.

  Chapter Four

  Preston parked the riding lawnmower in the storage building and secured the door. With an hour until he had to start his shift at Clearwater Lumber, he reached into his back pocket and withdrew the envelope Mr. Walter had given him.

  He took a steadying breath and walked across the yard to the workshop. Letting himself in, he turned on the overhead light and took a seat in an old wooden chair. The piece of furniture had more nicks and scratches on it than paint after years of sitting in what used to be a busy building. Preston had once asked Mr. Hudson why he didn’t sand and refinish the chair.

  Mr. Hudson had pointed to a big gash in the leg of the chair. “You see that mark there, Preston? I was carrying out my first handcrafted canoe and ran right into it. And the red smudge? My beautiful wife came out to keep me company while painting her nails and spilled some polish. I got it off except for where it’d colored a section of the chair that was already dinged up.” He’d paused with a wistful smile on his face. “This chair tells stories, my boy. I have no intention of forgetting even one of them.”

  Preston ran a hand over the red mark. He’d tell Mandy about this chair and everything her grandfather said. She might want to keep the chair herself.

  Focusing on the envelope in his hand, he straightened it out and tapped one end against his knee. He then tore the other end and slid the piece of paper free. The page was filled with Mr. Hudson’s scrawls. He’d teased the older man about how his handwriting rivaled a doctor’s in its illegibility. Preston smiled at the memory and read the letter.

  Preston,

  I’ve long valued your help around the B&B. I’ve also enjoyed your company in the workshop. Having someone to share in my interest has turned my hobby into something more. I’ve seen the way you light up when you work. I know this is something you’d like to turn into a career, and I know you could do exactly that.