He hated that she felt like they weren’t allowed to be together, or she needed to protect him from her family.But he needed to let her manage them on her own terms or she was going to go running back to Atlanta and he’d never get a chance to see her or figure out why he couldn’t seem to get enough of her.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Shelby
Nothing Breaks Like a Heart
The Shaw lawoffice sign hung next to the door on the right side of the cute Victorian home on Main Street.And the door opened before she got the nerve to knock.Declan Shaw was even bigger than she remembered, but unlike in high school he wasn’t in a jersey.He wore navy dress pants, a stiff baby blue long-sleeve button-down, and a blue tie.He was polished, handsome, with a kind smile and pity in his eyes.
“Ms.Shepherd, I’m so sorry for your loss.Your grandfather was a great man.”Declan’s baritone voice sounded like a soothing balm to her frayed emotions.
“He really was—thank you for seeing me so soon,” she said, meeting him on the porch and extending her hand.His big hand was gentle as he shook hers.
“I try to keep my mornings open for appointments because when there is an emergency need for a lawyer, it’s usually before nine a.m.”He ushered inside his home office.
“That makes sense—you probably find yourself in court most of those mornings.”
He smiled.“On occasion, though in family law that is never a good sign.”
“No, I guess not.”He walked through what looked like a small sitting room back through another door into an office, with a big desk and bookshelves along every wall framing large windows.“Please have a seat.I’ve pulled up your grandfather’s last will.”
“Has my father been in touch with you yet, if you’re allowed to say.”
Declan grimaced.“I doubt your father would expect me to be your grandfather’s lawyer.So time may be on our side for a little longer.”
“What do you mean?”
Declan handed over a thick, sealed, manila envelope with Pops’s handwriting on the front.Her name was written across the smooth brown paper in his distinctive handwriting.
“I’d like you to read that first and then we can talk about the rest of your grandfather’s arrangements,” Declan said.He set a box of tissues on the edge of his desk, and she could see the green folder that readShepherdon the tab.
A nervous tremble had her hand shaking as she smoothed the top of the envelope on her lap before she gently opened it.She pulled out a stack of documents but found a handwritten letter from her grandfather on top.Grabbing a tissue, she prepared herself for her grandfather’s last letter to her.
Dearest Shelby,
If you’re reading this, then the day has come for me to leave you and this world behind.I’m sorry I won’t be there for your next book launch, or to see your face when you find out what I’ve done.But there are some things we have to do alone in this life.Now wipe your tears and do me one last favor.I want you to think very hard before you answer this question.If you could spend the day anywhere in the world, and do anything you’d like, where would you be and what would you do?
That, my dear girl, is what I wish for you.
And I think I know your answer.You have always been my pride and joy, and my last request is for you to find exactly what you want in life.To trust yourself and your instincts.You’re a Shepherd through and through—adventurous, tenacious, and brave.
You’re also an amazing talent, and I have loved every day watching you grow into an exceptional author.The world needs your stories, and you deserve every success.Follow your heart and chase all your dreams because they will lead you exactly where you belong.
Love, Pops
Shelby wiped her eyes and moved the letter to the bottom of the pile of papers.The next piece was the deed to Pops’s house, then a bank statement, and then more deeds for the boathouse where Pops taught her to sail, and several boats she’d assumed he’d sold.
“I don’t understand.Why all of these deeds and banking records?”
Declan sat with his hands folded on his desk, his brow furrowed.
“Your grandfather left you the house, the boathouse, the boats, and all his wealth.You are his sole heir,” Declan said.
“What?That’s insane.”
“I assure you, Mr.Shepherd was of sound mind, and we even had two physicians conduct mental acuity and physicals of him before he signed the documents in front of two healthcare notaries.You have inherited quite a lot of wealth, which will have some tax ramifications, but he also has you set up with his CPA.We expect to receive some attempts to fight the will, but it is ironclad.It has been for twelve years.”
“Twelve years?He knew he was going to do this for twelve years?”
