Page 182 of Mountain Grump

“Yeah… I…” I take a breath. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with it.”

“Anything you want, dear.”

“But, I mean… Like, do I have to pay taxes on it? Or… I don’t know.” My voice loses some of its volume. “I just don’t know.”

Richard gives a hum of understanding. “Ah, right. That’s my bad. We got a little derailed during the reading with, well, the whole wedding thing. I’m sorry about that.” He clears his throat. “Jack has other money set aside for taxes. You just let me know if you end up working or get income from somewhere else, and we’ll factor that into the taxes when we file them for you.”

“He…” I shake my head.

How in the freaking hell did Uncle Jack have this much money? Not just the two million.Plus the twenty thousand. But enough to also cover four years of taxes.

“Jack didn’t want to burden you with anything,” Richard says gently. “And if you’d like me to, I can arrange to move a portion of these funds into an investment account. Jack already set them up for you. And the money will still be easily accessible if you need it, but even a small amount of interest adds up when we’re talking about these sorts of sums.”

I feel slightly dizzy. “Um, yes, please.”

“I’ll email over some documents for you to digitally sign.” He reads an email address to me. “That one still correct?”

“It is.”

There’s a clacking on the other end as Richard types something. “Do you have any other questions?”

I swallow. “Um, the, uh, marriage part of the contract… Does it say anywhere that I have to be married to the same person for all four years? Or do I just need to be married? Not that I, we, plan to get divorced. But… in case…” I don’t bother finishing the sentence.

“Good question.” There’s some clicking on Richard’s end. “It doesn’t specify… So, as the executor of this contract, I read it as married, to whomever.”

“Okay.” I nod to myself, not sure how to feel about that but glad to have an answer. “Thank you.”

“Of course. I’ll send you that email before the end of the day. But if you ever need anything, you can text this number. Day or night.”

There’s nothing lecherous in his tone. Just compassion.

And it makes me miss Uncle Jack so much that my voice cracks. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Because Jack was my friend. And you’re his little Matty. And Stephen and I both pinkie swore to look after you.” His tone is so genuine… My throat tightens, making it impossible for me to tell him that I don’t know who Stephen is. “Now, go enjoy your birthday. And use some of your money for something frivolous. Jack would want you to.”

Chapter 96

Ethan

I holdthe sparkly gift bag—that got glitter all over my fucking truck—in one hand. And I knock on the door with the other.

Standing on the front step, I can look through the living room windows and see the TV as it plays another animated movie. And since the windows are open, I hear it as well. The volume isn’t super loud, but it must be loud enough that Matilda didn’t hear me driving up the driveway.

I knock again.

When she still doesn’t answer, I lean off the edge of the step and press my face to the glass.

The sun is setting, sending golden rays through the back wall of windows, outlining Matilda where she stands on the deck.

I’m tempted to try the door handle, but even if she left it unlocked, I don’t want to freak her out by just walking in. So, I head around the side of her house.

Chapter 97

Tilda

“Matilda.”

I scream, losing my grip on my hot chocolate and dropping the mug over the deck railing.