by Amelia Shea
“No, I didn’t…I just…” She took a breath. “Last time he was in, he said he’d be back in a month. I just…I just assumed he had stayed in Montana longer.” Her voice cracked, and she tried to swallow the lump in her throat. She took a deep breath, feeling the small ache in her heart.
Cal had been back and forth between Pittsburgh and Montana, tying up loose ends, for the past six months. He had planned on being fully settled by the end of the summer and making his life in Montana a reality.
“What happened?”
“He had a heart attack two weeks ago. One of his ranch hands found him in the house,” he said solemnly.
Cal died alone on his ranch. A small, sad smile tugged at her lips.
Cal and Britt talked about everything. His life, his work, her life, her family, school. Cal spent a lot of time talking about his farm in Montana. The first time he told her about it, she thought he was teasing her. She had a hard time imagining him tending to fields or riding a horse. Cal in a cowboy hat? John Wayne he was not, but he was a ranch owner. He had bought the land ten years ago. Almost two thousand acres. He had livestock, goats, and horses. The farmstead made its money from the wheat crops and hay. Although he didn’t really need the money, he liked the idea of it being a producing land.
She had soaked up everything he described.
He said there was a pond on the parcel, too. The property had a small farmhouse and three barns. He had a ranch hand named Lucas who managed the grounds while he was away. The way he described it, it sounded amazing, especially The Point.
“It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen. A sky so brilliant blue and clouds threaded through, swirled together to make the most breathtaking blanket that covers those rolling green pastures and white peaked mountains. You’ll feel as though you’re staring at an endless world, atop that hill. And the air? Crisp and clean, you’ll swear you’ve never taken a ‘real’ breath in your life until that moment. It’s serene, contentment didn’t exist until that very moment. The peace that washes over you on that Point is indescribable, really. You’ll see it, you’ll feel it, you’ll know it.”
Home.
He didn’t get there much, being so busy with work, but he loved it there. When he officially retired six months ago, he started the transition of moving to Montana full time. He made her promise if she ever found herself in Montana, she’d visit. Although she was intrigued, she was a city girl. The farthest she’d been from home was New York City for the weekend. The idea of ever finding herself in Montana was absurd.
It may not have been her idea of a perfect place to plant roots, but it was Cal’s. He wanted to spend the last days of his life on his land. Looked like he got what he wanted.
“Ms. Montgomery, you still there?”
Britt snapped out of her haze and cleared her throat. “Yeah, sorry.”
Confusion clouded her mind. Why would Cal name her in his will? Sure, they were friends and talked a lot at the café, but she couldn’t understand why he would leave her anything.
“I was hoping you were available tomorrow to come in for the reading?”
“Uh, yeah, in the morning. I have an exam in the afternoon I can’t miss.”
“Wonderful. Would ten-thirty work for you? It should only take about forty-five minutes.”
“Yeah, works for me.”
“I’ll see you then, Miss Montgomery.”
Britt nodded in her own little daze. Cal was dead and he named her in his will. She tightened her lips as she felt her eyes well up. Hell no, she was not a crier, ever. She inhaled a breath, regaining control.
Mr. Lancaster spoke quietly. “Miss Montgomery?”
“Yes?”
“I am very sorry for your loss.” He hung up while Britt remained in her spot, leaning against the counter, phone at her ear.
I am very sorry for your loss. She hated those words, having heard them far too many times in her twenty-three years.
»»•««
The May air was warm, with a light breeze blowing against his sun-kissed cheeks. His hat hung low as he made his way over the ridge. Today had been especially long and tiring. With two ranch hands not showing up this morning, Greyson Fords was left shorthanded and doing the work of three men. He did what had to be done. He had to if they wanted to stay on schedule. Being an owner of one of the most successful ranches in Cloves County, Montana, did not happen by calling in sick or not showing up.
Grey always did what had to be done.
Grey had stayed on the ridge long enough to watch the sunset. There weren’t many people who ever took the time to stop and watch the sunset. Even he had overlooked it many times, but he saw it today. There was an amazing view atop the ridge at the Triple R Ranch. Second to only one, Gracie Point.
He trotted down through the pasture and past the main gate before hopping off Bullet, his horse. Dismounting, he grasped the reins and sauntered into the barn. It was close to seven thirty when he made it back to the horse barn.
The sound of voices from outside the barn drew Grey’s attention to the doors.
Glancing over his shoulder, he watched his father and brothers come in. Grey was thirty and the oldest of the Fords’ sons, followed by Jasper, who was two years younger than him. His youngest brother, Tripp, was twenty-two.
“You get everything done?” Jasper asked, adjusting his hat on his head and swiping his hair from his eyes.
Grey cocked his brow in question. Jasper knew better than to ask. Grey always got things done. With years of rearing from his father, he was slated to take over the ranch when his dad fully retired. The old man was still holding court on their ranch, not ready to hand it over just yet. But in a few years, Grey would be running the whole show.
Their land and ranch spread over twelve thousand acres, all serviceable land, and they made use of it all. They were primarily a cattle ranch with crops of wheat, barley, and hay for resale. They had become one of the most successful and profitable ranches in the state.
His father came up to stand in front of him. His mother had said, if Grey wanted to see his future self, he should look at his dad. At six foot two, he had an intimidating stature, same as Grey’s. “Got a call from the lawyer. He’s going to set up everything.” He paused and took a breath, scowling in disdain. “If he can ever get a hold of her.”
“What do you mean?” Grey folded his arms.
“Well, it seems Ms. Montgomery is not good at returning calls.” His dad shrugged. “City kids.” He said it as an excuse. The Fords’ family were all born and raised on the ranch. Values, morals, and professionalism were taught at a young age.
Growing up in Montana under Edward Fords’ roof, when someone called, you answered. His mom and dad ruled their house with a stern authoritativeness. If you messed up in the Fords’ house, you learned your lesson, usually from a belt on your backside. His mama didn’t have it in her to use the belt. She favored the wooden spoon to the hand; less painful, but still effective.
“Do we have any idea when she might start answering her calls?” Grey questioned, shaking his head in disgust. Typical spoiled city brat. She thought the world revolved around her. No sense of responsibility. The mere thought of this girl boiled Grey’s blood. She stood to inherit the land that had been in his family for decades, and she couldn’t return a simple call?
“Mr. Lancaster will call me tomorrow with an update. Hopefully, he will have gotten in touch with her by then. He said he believed she’d be interested in selling. She’s a college kid, she’ll take the money.” Edward snorted. “Probably wind up blowing it all on shoes and handbags, or whatever women spend their money on these days.”
“I believe the new kick for girls is plastic surgery, Dad.” Jasper raised his eyebrows, smirking.
“None of our concern how she spends it as long as we get our land back.” His dad turned away, walking out of the barn.
Grey watched his dad exit and saw his youngest brother smirk at him.
Tripp snorted. “If she g
ets new tits, we should at least be able to see where our money went, don’t you think?”
Of course, Tripp’s mind would go there. The boy had his priorities screwed up and was led by his dick. The only thing that ever concerned Tripp Fords was which girl he’d have warming his bed at night.
Grey laughed. “Maybe you can ask her to send you a picture, Tripp.” He led Bullet into his stall, clasping the rope behind him.
Since the news of Cal Forrester’s passing, his father had been eager to find out more information on the beneficiary of the land. The ranch itself, Whisper Point, formerly Gracie Point, wasn’t anything special. With less than two thousand acres and only a handful of livestock, it was productive but certainly not lucrative. The majority of money came from hay sales.
To any other rancher, the purchase would seem worthless, especially considering the property was surrounded by the Triple R on all sides. But for Grey and his family, this land was a gem. A lost piece of their heritage, and with any luck, they’d have it back in their possession very soon.
“Well, I’m out of here.” Tripp clapped his hands together, turning toward the barn doors.
“Where in the hell do you think you’re going, we aren’t done here,” Grey snapped. Tripp was always trying to do the least amount of work possible, which annoyed the shit out of Grey. Hard work was what kept their ranch thriving, something Tripp rarely contributed to.
Pulling out his phone from his pocket, he looked down and then raised his eyes to Grey, who was scowling at him.
“What? I got a date. Just ’cause you two will be jacking yourselves tonight doesn’t mean you got to cock block me.” He chuckled and spread out his arms, stepping backward. “Brittany’s waiting on me boys, see ya.”
“Jesus Christ, Tripp Asa, you get back here. Now!” Grey shouted, but Tripp had already left the barn. Grey charged to the door but halted at the hand on his arm. His glare turned to Jasper.
“Grey, you really think he’ll listen? Come on, we’ll get this done quicker without him and all his talking bullshit.”
Grey took a deep calming breath. He knew Jasper was right. He was still furious with his youngest brother, but they would get it all done, faster and more efficiently, without the help of Tripp. Through the years, Tripp’s reluctance to take on more responsibility on the ranch had been a source of contention between the brothers. It grated on Grey. This was their legacy.
Grey muttered as he grabbed a rake from the wall. “Lazy little shit.”
“Since the day he was born.” Jasper snickered, prompting Grey to shake his head and laugh.
Chapter Two
Britt looked up at the light through her dirty windshield. “Come on, change already.”
She had been sitting at the light for what seemed like minutes. She tapped her foot against the floor of her Honda, glancing down at the clock. “Shit,” she muttered.
She was two minutes away from Mr. Lancaster’s office, which wouldn’t be so bad if she weren’t already seven minutes late. The light changed to green and she took off down the road.
She pulled into a small lot outside his building. His office was in an older strip mall. She walked up to his glass door, noticing the letter of his name was peeling off. Swinging the door wide, she walked in, glancing at the large clock above the reception desk. Damn. She rolled her eyes, thinking of what her dad would say. “Never show up late for a meeting, it says a lot about you and none of it’s good.” Britt released a long breath and walked up to the receptionist, an older woman in her fifties.
The other woman looked up and smiled. “Good morning. How can I help you?” she sweetly asked.
“Hi. I have an appointment with Mr. Lancaster. My name is Britt Montgomery.” She smiled awkwardly and mumbled, “I’m a little late.”
“Of course, Miss Montgomery, follow me.” She stood up from her desk and walked around to lead her down a short hallway. “He’s waiting for you.”
Great. She was holding up a will reading. Her dad was probably shaking his head from the grave. Dammit!
The secretary knocked lightly on the door before opening and ushering her in. Britt looked around as she entered the room. The office was small and looked old and dated. No fancy furniture or art on the walls. Not at all what she expected from a lawyer.
There were three chairs in front of a wooden desk. There were two bookshelves filled with big, thick law books and metal filing cabinets on the back wall.
Mr. Lancaster greeted her with a friendly smile. “Miss Montgomery, so nice to finally meet you.” He reached out his hand. Britt wiped her sweaty palm on her leg before shaking his hand. This whole situation had her out of sorts.
Stepping back from her, he gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Please have a seat. Would you like something to drink? Coffee, tea, water?”
Britt shook her head. “Uh, no thanks, I’m good.”
He nodded and walked to his desk, taking his seat. She’d pegged him on the phone as being older, and she was right. Harold Lancaster was probably well into his seventies. He was tall and thin, glasses propped on the tip of his nose.
“Okay, well, if you’re ready then, we’ll begin.” He started to sift through papers and adjusted his glasses.
Britt sat up in her chair. “Shouldn’t we wait for everyone else to get here?” She looked around the room.
He took his glasses off. “There is no one else, Miss Montgomery. You are the only person named in his will.”
“What?”
Her eyes widened and she was rendered speechless. She was it? He didn’t have anyone else? She knew he didn’t have much family and his work became his life, but he must have had someone besides her in his will. A relative, friend, or colleague, someone, anyone, other than her. Was she really it? All Cal had was her?
“He left a large portion of his estate to several charities, but you’re Cal’s sole heir to his estate.”
Oh my God. The sole heir to his estate? That is crazy. She felt a rush of sorrow for Cal. He didn’t have any family or friends. She didn’t have a lot of family anymore, either, but she had an aunt and a few cousins, and although technically they weren’t family, Britt had friends who felt like family. She bit her lip, feeling the sadness course through her.
“He didn’t have anyone?” She stared at Mr. Lancaster, slumping down in her chair.
Harold looked up at her from his file and gave a sad smile and shook his head. “He had you.”
He had her.
“If you are ready, I’ll start the reading.”
Britt tried to take a deep breath, but her chest was constricted by a lump in her throat. I was all he had.
“Ms. Montgomery?” His voice sounded far away, though she was staring at him sitting only four feet across from her. She nodded and tried once again to swallow.
“If at any time, you need me to explain a section you don’t quite understand, please let me know. His will is simple and straight forward but please don’t hesitate to ask questions.” He cautiously smiled. She could only imagine what he saw, looking at her. She was beyond confused. None of this made any sense. How could she be his sole heir when really, they barely knew each other?
“Okay.” Her voice cracked.
“Let’s get started. ‘I, Callahan Forrester, a resident of the state of Pennsylvania, declare that this is my will. I revoke all wills and…’” His voice trailed off as he spoke. She should have been paying attention, but her mind was stuck on Callahan Forrester. She didn’t even know his full name. This was the first she’d heard the name Callahan. He was Cal to her. Why would he leave someone his entire estate who didn’t even know his full name?
He had her.
Her attention snapped back when the lawyer cleared his throat. “I leave my residuary estate to Britt Montgomery, less the charitable donations listed below.”
He had left his entire estate to charities and her. No other family or friends. The irony of her sitting in the hard backed, uncomfortable seat wa
s like a stab to her heart. He had no one else. She was it. Rambling chatter on her coffee breaks had made her the most important person in Cal’s life. Somehow it didn’t seem like enough.
“I direct that all estate and inheritance taxes and debt assessed against property of estate or against my beneficiaries to be paid…”
Britt sat up, leaning forward. “Wait.”
Mr. Lancaster looked up from the desk, adjusting his glasses, which had slipped to the edge of his nose. “All the legal speak just means, you won’t incur any debt and any and all monies pertaining to the estate will be paid by the estate.” He mistook her interruption for confusion. She shook her head. She was confused but not by the will, which she was only half paying attention to.
“No, umm…I’m just confused.” She paused, trying to make sense of this. “He left me everything. The ranch, his money, he left it all to me?”
“Yes.”
“But why?”
Mr. Lancaster widened his eyes. “Why?”
“Here’s the thing. I didn’t really know Cal. I mean, I didn’t even know his real name until today. I never saw him outside of the café. Aside from our talks, we had no other relationship. This seems wrong for him to leave me everything.”
He sat back into his chair, his gaze fixed on Britt.
“It’s what he wanted, Ms. Montgomery. Obviously, those talks were quite special to him, as were you.”
“But I don’t deserve this,” she whispered.
Mr. Lancaster chuckled. “This is the first time in all my years of reading wills I’ve ever had the beneficiary disputing their worth.” He set the papers on the desk and folded his hands. “Usually, when a will is disputed, someone feels they are entitled to more, not less.” He smiled, pausing for a brief second. “Cal was of sound mind when he had this will drawn up naming you as the sole heir to his estate. Maybe he saw something in you that you don’t quite see for yourself.”
Britt sunk into the chair. She was a twenty-three-year old student mounted under a pile of debt with a part-time job who lived paycheck-to-paycheck. Pitiful? Maybe that’s what he saw.
