“Mom, can’t we play outside?” Tucker asked.
“When we’re finished. It’s supposed to get warm later today. It might be the perfect day for a swim if we get everything done this morning. We can pack a picnic. Of course, it won’t happen if we still have chores and homework unfinished…”
The boys ran for the stairs, making all the men shout, “No running.”
“After Williby finishes the will, I need to run Leslie to her house to pick up a few things. Gunny and a couple of his men will arrive around ten. They’ll need help installing the security system. Can someone watch the boys? Leslie mentioned the attacker ripped her furniture. They must be searching for something. I want to take a peek around without them there.”
“They can stay here with me,” Mason offered. “After the boys finish eating, it’ll take me a bit to dress them, and we’ll take a walk.”
“Stay within hearing distance. Cade can keep an eye on the house, and Dillon can check the trails,” Owen ordered, putting the plates in the dishwasher. “Wyatt, scrape your plate. You’re not five.”
The men got to work and Leslie went upstairs to grab her house keys.
Cade entered the kitchen. “I see you took my advice. Do you plan on staying here?”
“I doubt it,” Owen admitted. “I’ll find a place in town. Let’s see what this mysterious will contains.”
“You’ve wasted ten years. How much more time will you whittle away before you make Leslie yours?” Cade asked, searching Owen’s face.
“It’s not easy, Cade. I hurt her. She needs time to trust me,” he admitted, ashamed. “She deserved an explanation then.”
“It seems to me the feelings are still there on both sides. As you know, life turns in an instant,” Cade said quietly. “Time can be snatched from us in a heartbeat.”
Owen mulled over his brother’s words. On the battlefield, he saw people robbed of their lives. He loved her with all his heart, but he knew their relationship required patience and forgiveness. Both of which, must come from Leslie.
Thirty minutes later,Dillon opened the door, allowing Mr. Williby to enter. They led him to the kitchen and seated him at the head of the table. They all sat around it, waiting for him to pull documents from his briefcase and a large bag sat beside it.
“I’m sure you’re ready to hear your father’s last wishes. I ask you to exercise some patience while I read it in its entirety,” he instructed. “I’ll answer any questions after I’m done reading.” Placing his glasses on his nose, the lawyer began.
“Your father set up a trust. The rest of this pertains to his wishes,” he said.
“We don’t give a crap about his wishes. He never cared about ours,” Wyatt said, earning a smack upside the head by Dillon.
I, Jeremiah Wolfe, being of sound mind, make my final wishes known. First, my son, Conner, will stay in Leslie Wilkins’ custody. I have made provisions for them in my estate in an account in Leslie’s name, payable upon my death. Words can’t express my gratitude for the second chance she’s given me. I love you as a daughter. Thank you for loving my boys, all three of them.
Leslie glanced at Owen, and he stared at her, grateful she gave him a second chance.
To Owen, Cade, Dillon, Mason, Elias, Wyatt, and Conner, I leave each of you a letter I entrusted to my friend Gunny. This mountain represents family, loyalty, and a legacy. My actions destroyed it all.Don’t let my mistakes dictate your future. If you’re listening to this, it means you came home. This will mean more to me than you will ever know. As a man grows older, they tend to review their mistakes in life. Your mother will be my biggest regret. I’m the only person responsible for her death. Do not carry the weight of guilt upon your shoulders. It’s my cross to bear.
I’ve instructed Owen to divide my ashes between all of you. I whittled boxes for them. Let them be a constant reminder of the anger you held for me. Or let them push you to succeed to prove me wrong. Let them act as a steady reminder, even if you didn’t see me, I watched over you and still do. When you’ve healed, go to our spot and release me there.
As for the mountain, I have it held in trust for you. For a period of one year, all of you must live here. You can only be away for three days at a time. I separated you from your brothers. It’s time you got to know each other again. At the end of the year, you can choose to keep our legacy or sell the place. Mr. Williby has the resort’s name and the offer. It’ll give you enough to secure your future. If one of you feels inclined to take Conner, Leslie will retain rights to her inheritance, and Tucker’s. Owen will receive all the documents. All of you must agree to my proposition, or the mountain will be sold, and the proceeds will go to local programs to help people like me from making the same mistakes.
Lastly, instead of a funeral, I want you to hike up to the swimming hole and spend the day together. Recall those days when your parents laughed alongside you, and we were happy.
I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I hope one day, you’ll find a way to freely give it. I love all of you.
Jeremiah Wolfe
The lawyer folded the piece of paper, took out a brown paper bag, and handed it to Leslie.
“Jeremiah said you’d know when to pass these out.” Then he turned to Owen with a binder. “The mountain has a sizable offer on it. You’ll find the details here, along with all the testing done on the land. You’ll have seven days to make your decision. Your time will start the day I receive word from you.”
Mr. Williby snapped his briefcase shut and nodded, making his way out of the house.
Owen slid the paper, reading his father’s last words. He pulled out the binder and reviewed the offer. He rubbed his eyes as he saw the offer.
“How much do we get?” Wyatt asked.
