Page 105 of Must Love Bees
“To my nephew, Charles Adam Driver, I leave the entirety of my wealth and investments, the house and property on Lake Champlain.” He paused to look up at Charlie.
“I didn’t know she still had her place on Lake Champlain.” Charlie looked stunned.
But Astrid’s heart was in her throat. Rebecca’s gift was both unexpected and lovely.
“I also leave the four hundred acres in Honey, Texas, to Charles Adam Driver. If, however, Mr. Driver wishes to sell, the Hill family has the first right of refusal before the property can be sold.” George Delaney scanned over the paper, then looked up. “Rebecca didn’t want her property sold, you see.”
Astrid nodded. “She loved the place.”
“Sentimentality aside, it’s time to be reasonable.” Lindsay shook her head. “Charlie, you don’t need or want the place. You said as much. What would you do with four hundred acres? And, no offense, Astrid, but can your family afford to buy the place?” She pulled a brown leather briefcase up and placed it on the table. “I’ve already had the papers drawn up—and an appraisal on the value of the property so you can see, Charlie, we’re giving you a more than generous offer.”
All Astrid could do was stare at the woman.
“You said you’d sell.” Lindsay slid the manila folder across the table. “We talked about this. We agreed, remember? You and the girls will be set and Theo and I can work our magic on Honey.”
Each word made the room shrink. Lindsay was right about buying the place. The money they’d won was needed for the farm as is. Adding another four hundred acres would be expensive—the purchase, the upkeep and the taxes. But...did that mean Charlie would sell Rebecca’s place to Stinson Properties? Her stomach was churning so much she feared she’d be sick. She needed fresh air. And soon. She swallowed and asked, “Is there anything you need from me, Mr. Delaney?”
“I just need a signature.” Mr. Delaney offered her a slight smile. “And you can be on your way.”
Astrid nodded, reaching for the pen and paper he offered her.
“I’m glad you’re not going to argue.” Lindsay sighed. “It’s not like you’re walking away with nothing. I love it when everyone wins.”
Astrid blindly signed the paper but couldn’t look at the woman. Or Charlie. Instead, she fished her phone from her purse and sent a text to Tansy.
“I’ll go make you copies.” Mr. Delaney pushed himself up from his seat and inched his way from the room.
“Lindsay.” Charlie cleared his throat. “We can discuss this—”
“Now,” Lindsay pushed. “We have an agreement.”
Astrid was on the verge of tears. “You do?” Did she really want to know the answer to that question?
Charlie looked at her then, the answer on his face. “We had discussed—”
“Agreed.” Lindsay cut in. “We agreed that this was the right thing to do. Don’t let a pretty face and nice people cloud your decision. I know you’re not used to that, people being nice to you, but there’s a reason. No one is nice without a reason. Ever. You, out of all people, know that.”
Astrid’s throat was so tight it hurt to breathe. The words were horrible. Lindsay was horrible. Worse, from the look on Charlie’s face, he wasn’t immediately dismissing what his sister was saying.
“If they haven’t asked for something from you yet, they will.” Lindsay shot her a look. “It doesn’t even matter, though. Astrid, you can’t afford the land, can you?” She waited for Astrid to shake her head. “And we have a lawyer to help tie up all the loose ends right here and now.”
Astrid’s phone vibrated. She read the text and took a shaky breath. “My ride is here. I’ll leave you to it.” She used the arms of the chair to steady herself.
“Astrid.” Charlie was up. “Hold on.”
She waited, blinking against the tears.
“I...” He swallowed, his jaw muscle working. “I should have told you.”
A million things went round and round in her head. He wasn’t staying. He’d never said otherwise. It was her foolish heart that led her to hope for something different. And the land? She swallowed and stared up into the face she loved. “She’s right, Charlie. I do want something from you. And you know what it is. I’ve told you. You.”
Lindsay’s snort was grating. “And your two homes and money and, what else, the land.”
“Here you go.” Mr. Delaney handed her a manila envelope. “Your ride is out front.”
“Thank you.” She shook the older man’s hand, collected her purse, then hesitated. “I don’t know what’s happened to make you so distrusting.” She met Lindsay’s narrowed gaze. “But I’m sorry for you. There are incredibly good people out there, people that honor their word or do things without ulterior motives. I’m one of them. And so is your brother.” But she couldn’t bring herself to look at Charlie before she left.
She headed out of the conference room, out of the lawyer’s office and straight for Tansy’s truck.
