Once Mated Twice Shy(36)

“We weren’t sure what to do. He didn’t have any kin and I decided that since I could order and write payroll we would continue until someone told us to stop.”

“Who would tell you that?” He grinned and stepped into the break room.

“I expect that you will.” Lettie sat beside Jordan across the white Formica table from Mike. “Isn’t that why you’re here?”

“No. I am here to carry out Earl’s last wishes. I checked on him once I heard. I wasn’t notified like I should’ve been but I understand why that is now.” He grimaced. “You see, Earl didn’t have any family but he loved you like a daughter. If you’d gone into his office, you would’ve found a letter addressed to you saying to contact me. I understand that you buried Earl in your family plot?” Lettie nodded and eased closer to Jordan. “That’s fine. Um, Earl had a massive coronary, he knew his heart was bad and that’s why he didn’t bother to retire. There was no point because he was dying. We had a talk when you offered to buy the store so that he could move to Florida. He sat in my office and cried because he couldn’t give you what you wanted but he knew that you wouldn’t have to wait long. I advised him that it was best to wait and not to sell.” Jordan growled. “You see, legally, all of his decisions for the past year could’ve come into question by the state. Since the will was written several years ago they have no right to question.”

“I don’t understand. What are you trying to say Mike?” Jordan was getting suspicious. This man was talking in circles and Jordan was not patient with anyone but Lettie.

“I’m trying to say that Earl left you everything Missus Giroux. Under the conditions of the will, if the store stays open, you must manage it for as long as you are able. The house on Elm, the land behind the store and all of his liquid assets are yours. I need you to sign some things but it’s all yours. I had to be sure that there was no foul play which is why I know what he died of but I can see from your faces that this was unexpected?” Lettie and Jordan both nodded. Mike chuckled. “That’s just like him. He loved to surprise people and I see that he got to do it once more.”

“What do you mean?” Lettie asked softly.

“When I graduated law school he gave me the money to open my office. You see, I grew up next door to that sweet old man. He was like a grandpa to me and he said that if it weren’t for you he would’ve left me his estate. I never wanted all that though. He did leave me the chess set. We played often. He taught me when I was six. I’ve already removed it from the house and I’ve cleaned out the perishables from the refrigerator so you don’t have to worry about that, I’m sure that it’s a little overwhelming being Summerville’s newest millionaires.” Jordan choked.

“What? What do you mean millionaires? Mister Thompson had a million dollars, or the land is worth a million dollars?”

“I mean the liquid assets come out to three point four million, the land is worth five and the store is well, he always said that the store is priceless.” Jordan’s face dropped. “Because that’s where Lettie is. You can’t begin to imagine how special he thought you were. You delighted him every day and he wanted to repay that.”

“What did you do Lettie?” Jordan murmured in her ear. She shrugged.

“He said that just listening to her stories and talking to her brightened his day. He never had a harder worker or a more diligent one. She expected nothing but gave everything. He appreciated that, he said that you deserved a bonus and he’s finally given it to you.” Mike smiled and pushed papers toward them. “I need you both to sign these.” Lettie picked up the pen and scrawled her name on the line. She could hardly see because of the tears. Jordan signed after her and pulled her close. “Oh one more thing, a request only, you are not obligated in anyway. Earl would like you to name one of your many pups after him.” Lettie gasped. “Yes, I know. I loved Missus Thompson and she taught me things.” He grinned. “Well folks, that’s about it. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call me.” He pushed a business card across the table. “You’ll need to take these papers to the county attorney and to the bank but if you have any problems call me and I will help you through it.” Mike stood. “I’ll see myself out. You have plenty to discuss.” Lettie burst into tears as soon as he left the room and Mike stuck his head back inside. “He said you’d do that. He said that most people would jump up and down laughing at newfound wealth but my Lettie will cry. She’s so sentimental. I lost that bet so I guess I owe the estate five hundred bucks.” He grinned and left. Jordan wrapped her safely in his arms.