“Now, Elijah, I’ve learned about your situation. As I understand it, you are hoping to change their minds on the stipulations of the inheritance?”
“Yes I am. I need to try at least. I know Seb and Summer don’t understand any of this, but you and Alex do.”
“We understand, and we’re not here to sway your decision or tell you what you should do. That is your burden alone. However, I can tell you why they will allow none of the things you want.”
I sit and listen as Steven tells me about my dad, what happened with him growing up, and his broken engagement. He was never a dutiful son and always had an abusive streak.
“Your mother was a complete surprise and an embarrassment to them. Around a year after enlistment, your father showed up during leave, already married. Your grandparents knew she was a gold digger as soon as they met her. Your father refused to get a divorce quietly, and since there was no prenup, she could’ve caused a scandal. They’ve spent a lot of time and, I’m guessing, money covering up all your father’s choices, Elijah. Between being set in their ways and all the scandals, they won’t allow the same to happen with you. I’m afraid it really is a choice between your inheritance or your own life.”
Leaning forward, I run my fingers through my hair. What am I going to do? Alex pats my shoulder in support. “I am sorry, E. Your choice is between your relationships or your inheritance. You cannot have both.”
“You could have an independent lawyer access the terms of the inheritance, Elijah, but if your grandparents have full control as I suspect, they can do as they wish,” Steven adds.
“Okay. I’ll have a lawyer check it out. Thanks, both of you.”
“Come on. We will go up to the apartment so you can think,” Alex offers.
I get up and blindly follow. Flopping down onto the couch, Alex joins me. “So it’s really my inheritance or Seb and Summer.”
“Yes, I believe so. You will have to marry a woman and choose a career they want, but it would be prudent to discuss your inheritance with a lawyer before you make a final decision.”
“Does Mr. MacLeod handle that kind of thing?”
“It is not his specialty, but I am sure he can recommend someone. Why not call him now?”
I grab my phone and dial the number Alex gives me. Mr. MacLeod suggests a lawyer from another firm, assuring me she's excellent. I make an appointment for after school tomorrow, paying the retainer over the phone so she can request a copy of the inheritance papers first thing in the morning. My grandparents will be thrilled when they find out, but I’m not going to bother mentioning it to them tonight. I thank Alex and tell him to thank his dad for me before heading home for the night.
Chapter 37
Summer
Alex and his dad came through for us a few days later. Through Steven’s business contacts, we have a small plane that can accommodate medical needs. Holly’s mom put us in contact with a nurse who has experience with medical flights, and Zander has offered to fly the plane. Steven and Alex insisted on covering the flight and nurse fees as a thank you for bringing them back together. I refused their offer, but Steven had already paid, waving me off and telling me it was the least he could do. In return, I baked Alex lemon squares and coconut cake for Steven.
Alex helped me make arrangements for school absences as well. I expect to be back and forth to Charlotte a lot with an unspecified time frame. The guys and Jaxon will gather notes and assignments for me while I’m away, and I’ll email my work to the teachers.
Ceres is done with official bodyguard duty as well. It’s been a few weeks since Nick left, and nothing has happened. George, the peeping photographer arrested at the plantation, received an email that his services were no longer needed. It seems Nick was right about his father leaving us alone once he went back to him.
Zander and I are flying to Virginia on Thursday morning in the borrowed plane. It’s being flown into the Mt. Pleasant airport on Wednesday evening. Seb wanted to come with us, but the nurserecommended no unnecessary passengers, so he and Alex are driving up Saturday morning to Charlotte.
We're up early Thursday morning for our flight. I have a canteen of hot tea with me, as well as my schoolwork and clean clothes. Zander wants to check the plane himself before we fly anywhere. This is my first time seeing the local airport, and it’s pretty tiny with a few hangars and a runway. Zander parks in front of the closest hangar, and I follow him through a side door with my bags. There are several planes and helicopters inside. Zander greets a man in coveralls with a handshake. “Summer, this is Tom, our mechanic.”
“Nice to meet you,” I smile.
“Hello there. I’ve heard a lot about you,” he smiles. “Z, the plane looks good. I went over every inch last night and fueled it up. Had it cleaned last night and stocked this morning.” He leads us to a sleek-looking plane parked on the far side of the hangar. It’s metallic cream in color with black stripes. Zander whistles when he sees it.
“That’s a beauty,” he says before climbing the steps to go inside. I follow him up to check it out. The interior features glossy wood walls that smell of fresh polish, black carpet underfoot, and a cream ceiling that mirrors the outside. Massive, inviting cream-colored leather chairs sit on either side of the aisle, offering a comfortable place to watch the televisions in front of them. Zander drops his bag on one with a thud, so I do the same on the other. On the left, behind the chairs, a built-in desk and chair balance a sofa resting on the right. A short hallway extends past that point. On the left side is a full washroom, and the right side features a kitchen area. A door in the middle of the hall opens into a bedroom. On the right, a peculiar area features anchors embedded in the floor, instruments hanging on the wall, and a solitary bed across the room. “This is completely custom,” Zander comments.
“It’s really nice,” I say.
Zander smiles at me. “That’s an understatement, darling. The customizations alone are worth millions.” He opens various compartments in the kitchen, and I spot coffee, soda, water, snacks, and full lunches.
“Um, where did the food come from?”
“Tom’s wife. She has a small catering company, and we always use her for flights. Trust me, everything will be excellent and homemade. Come on, let’s check out the cockpit.”
I follow along behind Zander into the front of the plane. There are two pilot seats and a dizzying array of instruments. Zander tells me to sit in the right chair, and I comply, my eyes following him as he methodically inspects everything. “Are all planes the same up here? How do you know how to fly any small plane?”
“They’re basically the same. There’s only a small number of manufacturers in the world. Each can be slightly different, but not enough to affect a pilot’s ability to fly,” he tells me, taking his own seat. Once he’s satisfied with everything, we go back out into the hangar. Zander needs to do other checks, so he shows me to a lounge area where I can hang out.
