Single Dad's Holiday Wedding. Patricia Thayer

nodded and gripped her hands in his. “That was a lot of years ago, missy. You were a tiny bit of a thing.” His tired eyes locked on hers. “You’ve turned into a beautiful young lady.” His grip tightened. “I’m so sorry about your father.”

      Before Lori could say anything more, another car pulled up. Paige Larkin stepped out of her SUV. Briefcase in hand, she walked up the steps toward them.

      They shook hands and Paige spoke briefly to Charlie before the man walked off. Paige turned to Jace. “So you’ve been summoned, too.”

      “I got a call from Bradley first thing this morning.”

      Paige frowned. “Dennis must have a reason for wanting you here.” She turned back to her client. “Let’s not speculate until we hear what’s in Lyle’s will.”

      Lori nodded and together they walked up to the large porch, where greenery filled the pots on either side of the wide door with the leaded glass panels.

      She knew that her great-great-grandfather had built this house during the height of the mining era. It was said that Raymond Hutchinson never trusted banks. That was why he didn’t lose much during the Great Depression.

      They went inside the huge entry with high-gloss hardwood floors. A crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling and underneath was a round table adorned with a large vase of fresh-cut flowers. The winding staircase circled up to the second story, the banister of hand-carved oak. Cream and deep maroon brocade wallpaper added a formality to the space.

      Lori released a breath. “Oh, my.”

      She was reminded of Jace’s presence when he let out a low whistle. “Nice.”

      “Do you remember this house?” Paige asked.

      “Not much. I spent most of my time in the sunroom off the kitchen.”

      Paige shook her head. “Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes yours. And then you can go anywhere in it you want.”

      Lori started to tell her she didn’t want any part of this house when a thin woman came rushing into the room. Her gray hair was pulled back into a bun. She looked familiar as she smiled and her hazel eyes sparkled. Lori suddenly recognized her.

      “Maggie?” she managed to say.

      The woman nodded with watery eyes. “Miss Lorelei.”

      “I can’t believe it.” Lori didn’t hesitate, and went and hugged the woman. It felt good to be wrapped in the housekeeper’s arms again. Years ago, Maggie had been her nanny.

      “It’s good to have you home.” The older woman stepped back and her gaze searched Lori’s face. “How pretty you are.”

      Lori felt herself blush. She wasn’t used to all this attention. “Thank you, Maggie.”

      The housekeeper turned sad. “I’m so sorry about your father.” Then squeezed her hands tighter. “I want you to know he went in his sleep. They said a heart attack. Maybe if we would have been there …”

      Lori could only nod. “No. He couldn’t be helped.” She had no idea this would be so hard.

      Dennis Bradley walked down the hall. “Good. You made it.” He turned and nodded toward Jace. “Mr. Yeager, would you mind waiting a few minutes until I’ve gone over the will with Ms. Hutchinson?”

      “Not a problem.” He looked at Maggie and smiled. “I wonder if you could find a cup of coffee for me.”

      “I’ll bring some out.”

      Once she left, the lawyer said, “We should get started.”

      He motioned them down the hall and into an office. Lori paused at the doorway. The walls were a deep green with dark stained wainscoting. The plush carpet was slate-gray. Bradley sat down behind the huge desk that already had a folder open.

      After they were seated, the lawyer began, “I’ll read through Lyle’s requests. His first was that the will be read here at the family home.” He handed Paige and her copies. “We can go over any details later.”

      The lawyer slipped on his glasses. “I don’t know if you knew that Lyle had remarried for a short time about ten years ago.”

      Nothing about her father surprised her. She shook her head.

      “There was a prenuptial agreement, then two years later a divorce.” He glanced down at the paper. “Lyle did have one other relative, a distant cousin who lives back in Ohio.” He read off the generous sum left to Adam Johnson. Also he read the amount given to the household staff, which included Maggie and Charlie.

      “I’m glad my father remembered them,” Lori said.

      Bradley smiled. “They were loyal to him for a lot of years.” He sighed. “Now, let’s move on to the main part of the will.

      “Lyle Hutchinson has bequeathed to his only living child, Lorelei Marie Hutchinson, all his holdings in Hutchinson Corp.” He read off the businesses, including Destiny Community Bank, two silver mines, Sunny Hill and Lucky Day. There were six buildings on First Street, and this house at 100 North Street along with all its contents, the furnishings and artwork.

      Lori was stunned. “Are you sure this is right?” She looked down at Paige’s copy to see the monetary amount stated. “My father was worth this much?”

      Bradley nodded. “Lyle was a shrewd businessman. Maybe it was because your grandfather Billy lost nearly everything with his bad investments and eccentric living. Lyle spent years rebuilding the family name and recouping the money. And he also invested a lot into this town.”

      Bradley looked at her, then at Paige. “Are there any questions?”

      Lori gave a sideways glance to her lawyer.

      “I probably will once we go over everything.”

      Bradley nodded. “Call me whenever you need to. Now, for the rest I think Mr. Yeager should hear this. Do you have any objections, Lorelei?” With her agreement, he went to the door and had Jace come in.

      He sat down in the chair next to Lori.

      Bradley looked at Jace. “Whatever you thought, Mr. Yeager, Lyle went into the Heritage project honestly. The business complex was to promote more jobs and revenue for the town. He wasn’t trying to swindle you. As we all know, his death was sudden and unexpected.”

      Jace nodded. “Of course I understand, but you have to see my side, too. I need to finish this job, get tenants in and paying rent.”

      Bradley nodded and looked at Lori. “And that will happen if Lorelei will agree to the terms.”

      “Of course I’ll agree to finish this project.”

      “There is a stipulation in the will.” Bradley paused. “You are the last living heir in the Hutchinson line, Lorelei. And this town was founded by your great-great-grandfather, Raymond William Hutchinson, after he struck it rich mining gold and silver. But other business has been coming to Destiny and your father invested wisely. He wants you to continue the tradition.”

      “And I will,” she promised. “I plan to release money right away so the work on Mountain Heritage complex can resume.”

      Bradley exchanged a look with Paige, then continued on to say, “Everything your father left you is only yours if you take over as CEO of Hutchinson Corporation … and stay in Destiny for the next year.”