Page 47 of Toxic Apple Turnovers
A swirl of incandescent light fills the space to my right and slowly Nell forms before me. She offers an affable smile. The look of knowing is sharp in her eyes.
“How is the bride?” she muses playfully, and I shoot her a look that saysnot funny—but my cheeks are blushing because I rather like the idea. “I take it I haven’t missed much. Will still looks reasonably happy.” Her own expression sours at the thought of it.
The judge clears her throat, and you could hear a pin drop. “It’s matters like these I wish would never reach my courtroom.” Her crimson lips pull down hard. “I’ve seen this scenario play out many times. I have dismantled estates against the deceased’s wishes. I’ve seen family homes forced to go to market—despite the fact the widow still resides there—just to please a disenfranchised child. However, I do have a heart for disenfranchised children.” She glowers over at Will a moment. “Ms. Lemon.” Her head snaps my way. “You were newly grafted into the family, I see. I understand that’s why Mr. Sawyer saw fit to fight you on the terms of his mother’s will.” She peruses the papers before her once again. “Mr. Sawyer, it seems your mother left you and your siblings, your children and theirs, a sizable amount that would allow you to live very comfortably.” Her lips twist as she scans the document further. “And to you, Carlotta Kenzie Lemon, she has left the Honey Pot Diner, the land under the Cutie Pie Bakery and Cakery, and all of her remaining real estate holdings, which include her primary residence in Honey Hollow, her summer home in Nantucket, as well as her beloved cat, Waffles.”
Nell’s entire person brightens like a star at the mention of that wily Himalayan.
“I have Waffles,” I say it low, and the judge glances my way, clearly unimpressed with the questionable outburst.
“Good,” she muses. “Because I’m awarding you the rest of the things your grandmother desired to give you. Motion to dissolve the will, denied.” She slams her gavel over the granite, and my uncle Will jumps up in protest.
“This can’t be the end,” he cries after her as she rises from her seat.
“I assure you it is,” she says as she disappears down the stairs and out the door on the side of the room.
The attorney next to me offers a handshake, and soon we’re all on our feet and everyone is showering me in congratulations.
Carlotta smacks me on the arm. “Now that Nell’s house is free and clear, you’re going to let me live in it, right?”
My mother waves her off. “Don’t you dare, Lottie.” She winks my way. “Carlotta is a treasure at the B&B.”
Becca shakes her head. “I trust you’ll listen to wise counsel. If I were you, I wouldn’t make a move in any direction for at least a year.” That’s exactly the advice Everett gave me. “And we should all discuss this together.”
Keelie scoffs at her own mother. “Lottie doesn’t have to run a thing by anybody. She’s a businesswoman. She has a level head. It’s not like she’s going to up and sell the Honey Pot. Right, Lottie?Right?” She sharpens her eyes over me, and I shudder.
“No, heavens no.” I look to Nell, and she nods my way before disappearing in a sparkle of miniature stars.
Will bounds over, his three sulking daughters flanking him from behind.
“Becca, Carlotta, I hope you’re happy.” Judging by his tight lips and that pomegranate hue taking over his face, he’s certainly not. “I’ll have you know our father and mother worked very hard for every nickel they had, and you’ve up and turned it over to a virtual stranger.”
Everett steps in. “They didn’t turn it over to her. Nell did.” His voice is low and curt and has every female’s undivided attention. “And she’s not a virtual stranger. She’s blood. But even if she were a stranger, your mother would have retained the right to do so. If I were you, I would be very pleased with the outcome, because your mother could have legally given it all away to virtual strangers if she pleased.”
Will stiffens before charging to the exit, and his girls follow along in a fury like three angry ducks.
Becca sniffs. “There’s that. How about lunch, ladies?”
We give a wild cheer as my mother and Carlotta lead the way out of the room.
Naomi leans my way. “Don’t think this is going to change how I feel about you.”
“I should hope not,” I say as she takes off to catch up with the rest of them.
“I’ll be right there.” It’s just Everett, the bailiff, and me left in this dark cavernous room.
“Congratulations, Lemon.” He wraps his arms around me and warms me with his body.
“Come to lunch with us,” I say, locking my wrists behind his neck. “And just so you know, I will be relying heavily on your sound counsel to get me through this real estate bonanza I seemed to have acquired.”
“I will give you whatever counsel you desire, but I can’t do lunch. I’ve got a case in just a bit. Rain check?”
“You bet.”
“How about I come over tonight? I’ll bring champagne.”
“Ooh! I’ll bring apple turnovers.” I shrug up at him. “I have a serious surplus.”
“Sounds delicious.” He leans in and steals a kiss from my lips. “Just like you.”