Declan smiled.“Yes, he was one of my first clients, and he even had several other attorneys at the time.I met him the week you moved to Atlanta, and he was insistent this was what he wanted.He was very proud of you, and vocal about his disappointment in your parents not supporting your dreams.”
“But what about my father, my uncle, my brother, and my cousins?”
“Your father received a large inheritance when your grandmother passed.That was her wish, to leave both her sons something, but your grandfather felt differently.I warned him this could hurt your relationship with your family.But he was steadfast.”
“Because he knew my relationship with my family is basically nonexistent.I’ve always been the black sheep.”
Declan nodded.“He also made the funeral arrangements and asked that his will be read before his burial.If you agree, I’ll notify the rest of the family to be here tomorrow at ten a.m.”
Shelby nodded.“Before the funeral?Isn’t that considered inappropriate?”
“Your grandfather didn’t want anyone attending his funeral out of obligation or a formality while they waited to inherit.”
She couldn’t help but laugh.“That sounds like something he would say.”
“As the executor of your grandfather’s estate, I’ve sent the locksmith to his home to have the locks changed.”Declan slid over a new set of keys.“Per his direction.”
“Wow, he really thought this through.”
“We met every year to review any changes that needed to be made, and his wishes never wavered.He wanted to make sure you were well looked after.He said you would know what to do with everything.”
She sat staring at the documents.
“The house is in your name, so you’re free to stay there as soon as you’re ready.”
“Thank you, for being good to my grandfather and helping him.”
“To be clear, I’m your lawyer now too, Ms.Shepherd.Your grandfather said I should be prepared for a fight and I’m ready.We have the law, and documentation on our side.Your grandfather paid in advance for any legal fees for you so don’t hesitate to use them.Also if you prefer I work with your own lawyers that is fine too.”
“That won’t be necessary.If my grandfather trusted you, then I do too.”
Declan smiled.“Good.Your grandfather may have been the most unique client I’ve ever had, but he was also the kindest.He would sit and tell my boys stories about his great adventures at sea, and after my wife passed, he had a bench dedicated to her in the park, in front of her favorite roses.”
Shelby sniffled.“That sounds about right.”
“Do you have any questions?”
“How long will the legal battle go on with my family?”
“That’s hard to say.Unlike you, I expect the legal fees for fighting us will discourage your father or uncle from dragging it out for too long.In the meantime you can move into the house or rent it out as a vacation home.My advice would be not to sell it right away.”
“No, I won’t be selling it, ever.All my fondest memories are in that house.”
“Good, I know your grandfather pictured you in his library, writing your next bestselling series.”
“He told you?”
Declan smiled again.“I’m not exaggerating about how much he spoke about you, how proud he was.He believed you were cut from the same cloth as him, starting with nothing and building your own empire.”
“Well after a childhood of hearing his adventures I had no choice but to write them down.”
“The last time we spoke he said you were getting started on your next adventure series, and you’d be needing that library for some added inspiration.”
Her breath caught in her throat.“When was that?”
“Last week.He said I should be ready for the fight and that you’d be staying in town for a while.”
She gasped and wondered if Pops had known his death was near.
