Page 25 of The Romance Adventure

“What about Chip?” Ryan asks.

“I’m sorry, I don’t have any refreshments, but when we’re done, you can head over to the Plundering Pelican. If I recall, they have nachos.”

“Our grandfather, Carlos ‘Chip’ Almeida,” Royal says.

My attempt at a sunny expression falters. “I’m sorry. We’re here to read his Last Will and Testament.”

Magnus smacks his thigh with his palm. Ryan gazes at the window. CJ looks at me like this is sad but old news.

Royal leaps out of his chair and gets in my face, accusing me of trickery. “What is the meaning of this? Who are you? Do you think this is funny? Some kind of joke?”

Before the last word is out of his mouth, three pairs of hands draw him back and shove him into the chair.

Magnus remains on his feet, standing guard.

Ryan’s eyes are damp.

Drawing on my own losses, I say, “I’m sorry to be the one to deliver this tragic news. I wish I could tell you otherwise.” I want to add about how hard and confusing death can be. How prayer can help. But I remain seated, quiet, and let the brothers handle Royal’s outburst.

“I had a feeling this wasn’t a birthday party,” Magnus says.

“Should’ve read the card,” CJ adds.

“You knew?” Ryan asks.

CJ nods and his mostly sunny expression shadows with a combination of sadness and something else. Magnus catches it and watches his brother carefully as if trying to solve a puzzle.

“Miss, we’re sorry for being out of sorts, aren’t we, Royal?” Magnus says.

“It’s understandable. Receiving shocking and unexpected news is never easy.”

Magnus grunts.

Royal glares.

Ryan looks lost in the clouds.

CJ, the guy who dusted sand all over Mr. Edmonton’s desk when he kicked his feet up, sits surprisingly still as if he knows what’s coming.

Magnus lowers into the chair and says, “Please proceed.”

I read the cover page and all the formalities before I get to the section that’s unique to the brothers. Clearing my throat, I say, “To the eldest, Magnus, I leave my father’s pocket knife and a pillow.”

Pausing, I see all eyes are on him.

He shrugs. “Don’t sleep well.”

Continuing, I say, “To Twin Royal, I leave the family Bible and a book of matches.”

“Don’t you dare burn that thing,” Ryan says.

Royal looks like he’s about to deck his twin. “I would never.”

“To Twin Ryan, I leave my journal and a pen.”

Ryan frowns. “A pen?”

“Maybe it’s a magic pen,” CJ says. “It’s the one with the plume.”