As we set it up, he gestured to a box in the corner. “Your grandfather always used these old ornaments. They’re probably still there.”
Curious, I opened the box and sifted through the ornaments, each one a piece of my childhood. Then, tucked beneath a layer of tinsel, I found a folded piece of paper tied with a ribbon. My heart raced as I opened it.
It was my grandfather’s will! Beneath it, there was a note in his handwriting:
My dearest Elizabeth,
I knew you’d find this, just as I knew you’d be the one to keep the heart of this family alive. The farm is yours, as it should be.
I also know Jeremy. He means well, but he’s not strong enough to hold onto this place. You are.
Elizabeth, I ask you to be wise and patient. Help Jeremy. He may not make it easy, but he’s family. And family is what makes this place worth fighting for.
Take care of each other. That’s my last wish.
With love, Grandfather
The note slipped from my fingers, and tears streamed down my face.
“Elizabeth?” Richard’s voice broke my thoughts.
I wiped my eyes and held up the note. “He knew Jeremy couldn’t handle this alone. And he trusted me to help him.”
I read it aloud again. “He wanted the farm to be a place where we could heal.”
Richard nodded. “That sounds like your grandfather.”
I glanced at the will and the note. “I don’t know if Jeremy will see it that way. The farm was in foreclosure. He paid the debt, and I don’t have the money to repay him.”
Richard placed a steady hand on my shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. If you need help, I’m here.”
The next day, Jeremy arrived, slamming his truck door as he marched toward the house. The envelope of money in my pocket felt heavy—more than I owed. Richard had been generous, and I’d added my own savings to ease my conscience.
Jeremy stepped inside, his icy footprints trailing behind him. His gaze lingered on the decorated Christmas tree.
“Oh, I hate Christmas,” he muttered.
“Here,” I said, handing him the envelope. “This should cover everything.”
He flipped through the cash, a flicker of relief in his eyes before it turned to anger.
“What’s this?” he demanded, picking up the will I had placed on the table.
“It’s Grandfather’s will. I found it with the Christmas decorations. The farm belongs to me.”
His jaw clenched. “So, that’s why you’re paying me off? You think this changes anything?”
“It’s not about changing things,” I said, my voice trembling. “It’s about family.”
“Family?” He laughed bitterly. “You’ve been gone for years while I’ve been drowning. My business is gone. A partner took everything. The farm is all I have left. I needed to sell it to survive.”
“Sell it?” I was stunned. “Jeremy, this farm isn’t about money!”
He threw the envelope on the table, scattering cash everywhere.
“You think money erases the fact that I saved this place while you played house in the city? The debts were paid through my account. I’ll take you to court if I have to.”
He stormed off. Unable to stay inside, I grabbed my coat and wandered down the icy road, tears streaming.
“Elizabeth!” Richard’s voice called out as his truck pulled up beside me. He jumped out, rushing over. “Are you okay?”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Jeremy wants to sell the farm. He says he’ll take me to court. I don’t know what to do.”
“Hey,” Richard said gently, “you’re not going to lose it. The will is valid, and I can prove it. I’m a lawyer, by the way.”
“Really?”
He chuckled. “Selling trees is just my Christmas hobby. Trust me. Jeremy won’t win.”
“Thank you,” I exhaled, feeling a flicker of hope.
“Of course.”