I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. For years I felt like I was pretending to be the wife of somebody who didn't love me anymore. I was doing the right thing, trying to keep my vows, even though love had left our home long before the divorce. And now look… it's amazing how all of that was changing right before my very eyes.
"Don't cry. Your family is going to think I said something to upset you."
"Oh, they're all the way over there. They don't know what's going on. Besides, these are happy tears."
"I'll take happy tears any day." He rested his arm around my shoulders.
"Come on, let's go check on the kids."
The kids designed a beautiful sandcastle. Beside it, I caught a glimpse of Aidan's head sticking out of the sand.
"Aunt Payton, come rescue me. They buried me in the sand."
"Oh, boy. Looks like they're playing a game of two against one,” Cole said.
"I wouldn't fall for it. He might be the youngest, but somehow, I think he was a willing participant."
"Good point."
Later that afternoon, Cole headed back home with Emmie, and the rest of us went to my parents' house to eat. Wyatt introduced us to his new barbecue recipe, while Mom made whipped cream from scratch for the strawberry shortcake. It felt like old times sitting around and enjoying each other's company.
"When are we going to get back to our weekly tradition? We can't keep making excuses about how busy we are. If Saturday mornings don't work anymore, how about Sunday afternoon? Everyone is here now without a problem,” Abby said.
Mom gave Abby the thumbs up. "I agree. Having time with my girls is nice, but having everyone over has been a real treat as well. Plus, I think it's good for your father. He needs to be more active and less worried and distracted."
Rebecca gave Mom a squeeze and then sampled the whipped cream. "That applies to you as well, Mom. It's good for both of you not to worry so much."
"Worry is my middle name,” Mom said.
It was obvious where I inherited my habits from.
"Girls, while I have you all here, there's something I've been meaning to share with you."
Mom walked over to the kitchen drawer and pulled out a piece of paper.
"I started to share this with Rebecca the other day because it's rare that we're all together at the same time. However, this pertains to all of you, and I'd like for you to look it over."
"Is this the legal document you were talking about?" Rebecca said.
"Yes. It was years ago that you all had a chance to meet your great uncle on your father's side of the family."
I remember we had a great uncle, but I don't recall us being very close.
"Well, turns out after he passed away, he left his property in Savannah, Georgia to his daughters."
"What does that have to do with us?" I said.
"Hold on. I'm getting to that part. His daughters, unfortunately, couldn’t care less about the property, and don't want to have anything to do with it. From what I understand, it's overgrown and is in dire need of TLC. They want to honor their father's wishes not to sell it and to keep it in the family. At least one of his daughters has continued to pay the taxes so they wouldn't fall behind, but she's ready to pass the place onto someone else."
"Again, I'm confused as to what this has to do with us?" I leaned back on the kitchen counter, feeling a little anxious about the whole thing.
"Payton, you know I don't like to leave out details. Give me a minute. I'm getting to that part now."
Mom held up a document that said quitclaim deed at the top.
“The daughter, who's been keeping the taxes current, recalls that your great uncle was very fond of your father. He used to talk about Will and his three daughters all the time. I'll admit there was some truth to their bond because your father would always make time to talk to Uncle Samuel. And on occasion, he would go out to visit him whenever he could get away from the Inn. Anyway, the daughter remembered their bond and wants to turn the property over to you if you're willing to accept. All of the paperwork, plus a detailed letter explaining everything, is right here. Both sisters are ready to sign off on the property."
"What? No way. Who does that?" I said.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Most people that I know would sell the property for a profit and call it a day.
Rebecca started looking through the papers to verify what Mom was saying.
"Well, I'll be. There may be some truth to this, after all,” she said.
"The property has to be a piece of junk if both of them are willing to give it up so easily. Think about it. Why else wouldn't they have sold it by now or bought the other one out?" Abby rolled her eyes.
I didn't think it was a good idea at all.
"I'm not sure what's going on with the property, but I wouldn't be so quick to sign those papers. The last thing I need is something else major to think about when I have a new store to run,” I said.
"Well, you're not the only one who has to think about it, Payton. All three of our names are on this document. I think it's worth looking into." Rebecca tried to make a case, but I wasn't buying it.
"You can count me out as well. I'm not interested in taking on someone's fixer-upper several miles away,” Abby said.
"Hold on. Don't be so quick to jump the gun on this, Abby. Why don't we start by looking up the property address online? I'm sure one of the realtor websites will have a little information about the potential value. It's
