by Zoe Matthews
“Don’t be rude, Sadie,” Stella admonished her older sister. “Maybe there will be something.”
“Your father insisted that things be handled in this way,” Mr. Anderson broke in before Sadie could say anything else. “If you will allow me to proceed, you will understand in a moment.”
The attorney looked around the room as if daring anyone to comment and smiled slightly when they were all silent. He stood and handed each one of them a letter. When Sierra received hers, she saw her name written in her father’s hurried handwriting.
“Your father has requested that you each read your letters when you are alone. Please do not open them here.
“Now for the reading of the will. I will not read it directly, but you will each get a copy and if you need help understanding any of it, please make an appointment with me and allow me to explain it to you. Please save any questions you may have until I am finished.
“I will summarize the main part of the will. To each of Richard Collingsworth’s living children, Sheridan, Sierra, Stephanie, Sadie, Stella and Spencer, he is leaving the amount of $500,000 each.”
Sierra narrowed her eyes at the attorney, wondering if she had heard the amount correctly. She heard gasps around the room. Everyone was surprised at hearing that the estate had this much money to be given to each of them.
Mr. Anderson cleared his throat and continued. “In order to receive your inheritance, each of you will need to agree to spend a period of six months on the Majestic Mountain Ranch. All of you must agree on the six months and live there together during the same period of time. After the six months are up, if any of you wish to leave and go back to your previous lives, you will be free to do so. The six months must be accomplished within a year of your father’s death.
“If any of you choose to not spend the six months on the ranch, your share of the inheritance will be given to a charity that your father has specified. None of the inheritance you will be given will need to be used to run the ranch. Money has been set aside for this purpose.
“Jed and Kathy Wilson, the caretakers of the ranch, will be given some money as well. They also are given the option of staying in the home they have been living in on the ranch until they choose to leave.
“Now, do any of you have any questions?”
Link to “Colorado Dreams”
Also by Zoe Matthews
Have you read these books?
Majestic Mountain Ranch Romance Series
Six siblings come together at their family ranch after their father’s death. They work together to convert their ranch into a dude ranch. Along the way, each of them finds true love.
Colorado Dreams
Colorado Secrets
Colorado Destiny
Colorado Dawn
Colorado Skies
Colorado Promises
Colorado Christmas
Majestic Mountain Ranch Series, Books 1 through 7
Mail-Order Brides of America Series
After the death of their infant daughter, Mary, Elizabeth and Thomas decide to open their large plantation home to orphan girls who need a second chance. They name their new home “Mary’s Home for Girls.” Each book features one of these girls, how they came to Mary’s Home, and the decision they make as adults to become a mail-order bride. Each book is set in a different state.
Southern Belle, Prequel
Iowa Destiny
Texas Hearts
Montana Legacy
Nebraska Promise
Mail-Order Brides/Time Travel Romance Series
Written by Zoe Matthews and Jade Jensen, a mother/daughter team
This series is based in modern times, as well as in the late 1800s. Nicki and her friends find themselves swept up in the past when Nicki reads an ad in her local newspaper, advertising for a mail-order bride. Curious, she answers the ad and is soon sent back in time to meet Patrick, a man who owns a large ranch deep in the Rocky Mountains, and his siblings. Nicki’s friends soon become involved and what happens next changes their lives forever.
Touched By Time
Secrets of Time
River of Time
Winds of Time
Mail-Order Brides/Time Travel Romances, Books 1 through 4
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/CONTACT INFORMATION
Zoe started writing as a young teenager and has kept that passion alive throughout her life. At any one time she can be found relaxing and devouring a good western romance novel or gathering information for one of her own future books.
She loves living in the high mountain deserts of the western United States. Her hobbies include photographing desert landscapes and her adorable grandchildren as well as dabbling in watercolors.
Her perfect summer days would be spent up at the family cabin writing, painting, hiking and associating with family.
Zoe Matthews is the author of the “Orphan Train”, Majestic Mountain Ranch,” Mail-Order Brides of America,” and Mail-Order Brides/Time Travel” series.
She makes her online home at www.zoematthewsromances.com and on facebook. You can also send her an email at [email protected] if you wish.
