Chapter 47 #2
Wade slid one of the papers toward her, elbowing Kipp out of the way.
“That’s right. Nora inherited it from her father.
It was never developed, just a single tract roughly thirty acres wide.
She paid the taxes faithfully up until her death.
After that… well, the paperwork got messy.
It wasn’t something you knew about, so you didn’t file for the deed.
Milton’s name was never on it, but he figured he could claim it since he’s her son.
The thing is — Nora’s will clearly names you as her heir.
The state attorney confirmed that her will is legitimate.
Milton has no claim. You do. That land belongs to you, Lila. ”
She just stared at the document, color draining from her cheeks. “I didn’t even know it existed.”
“Most people wouldn’t,” Wade said gently.
“There’s a lot of property in Wildwood Meadows that doesn’t change hands often.
He must’ve realized you didn’t know about it and thought he could scare you into leaving — then file a retroactive claim before the county could process the transfer.
The transfer documents required a death certificate, which Milton requested, but was sent to your house instead.
I think he probably panicked, and things started escalating. ”
Chloe’s hand flew to her chest. “He set that fire hoping to drive her out?”
I realized my whole family was listening in, which wasn’t surprising.
Wade’s jaw tightened. “That’s our working theory.
He had someone scout the property lines.
We found maps and survey notes in his truck.
If you’d abandoned the cottage or moved out of the county permanently, he might’ve gotten away with it.
As for Derek—” he flipped another page, “turns out that was a coincidence. Derek was working the same ridge for a local grower, and they crossed paths. Milton fed him stories about easy money, and Derek jumped in to help. Two scumbags with aligned motives.”
Lila’s voice was small. “So it wasn’t even about me. Not really. It was about this piece of property that they wanted.”
I turned to her, cupping the back of her neck. “Hey. Don’t do that.” Tears started to fill her eyes, and I could guess how she felt.
She and I had talked about her father and how he had left.
Lila had blamed herself for over a decade, wondering if it was her fault.
It took her until adulthood to finally let go of that burden.
Now that he was back in the picture, she was second-guessing herself all over again.
The idea that he was just there for the money—I wasn’t sure if that made things worse or better.
“You’re the best there is. He had nothing to do with that. It’s his loss that all he’s interested in is a quick buck,” I said.
She swallowed hard, nodding. “What happens now?”
Wade exhaled. “The land’s yours to claim officially.
You’ll need to sign a few documents, and the county clerk will record the transfer.
I already contacted a surveyor to obtain a clean map for you.
It’s good property — a mix of timber and open field.
Could be worth something if you ever decide to develop or lease it. ”
Sage let out a low whistle. “From almost losing everything to inheriting more. Guess that’s what they call karma. What about Milton and Derek? They’re getting charged, right?”
“Yeah, they’re getting charged. Arson charges will stick for Milton.
We found all the material at the place he was squatting that matches what was used at the cottage.
That, along with what he said when we picked him up, is more than enough.
We also got him on falsifying documents and breaking and entering.
He copped to that,” Wade gave me an apologetic look.
“He’s not very bright. He basically confessed to everything.
And he violated parole. We have Derek as an accessory.
He sent the note. We won’t charge him with much, but he’ll probably get a few years.
Rhodes got him on some charges that should stick. ”
“They’re going to jail. That’s good enough.
I just wanted them out of my life and locked up.
Thank you, Wade.” Lila gave my brother a relieved smile.
She’d been bracing for bad news, and this was hardly that.
I doubted she was thinking she’d be getting more property, but I’d be happy to help her develop it if she wanted.
Maggie reached across the table, resting her hand over Lila’s. “Honey, your grandmother would be proud. She fought hard for what she had, and she’d want you to keep it.”
Lila smiled faintly, though her eyes looked wet. “She loved this town. I think she’d like knowing I’m still here.”
Kipp leaned back, rubbing his jaw. “You planning to keep it or sell it?”
Lila glanced at me, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I don’t know yet. Maybe I’ll talk to East about it. We could go out there and see what it looks like. Maybe it’s got potential for… something.”
“You got it.” I squeezed her hand. “Whatever you want.”
“You could do a book club retreat spot. People would lose their minds for that.” Sage said immediately.
“Easy.” I laughed softly, shaking my head. Sometimes my family got ahead of themselves. Poor Lila was looking a little shellshocked.
Wade smirked. “Actually, that might not be a bad idea. If you develop it under Chapter & Crumb’s brand, it could qualify for a small-business revitalization grant. I could put you in touch with the county office.”
Maggie beamed. “There you go! See? Out of all this ugliness comes something good.”
“Y’all are sweet, but I need to think on it. East and I will go out there, but I have to sit with it for a while. Things at work are so busy, and East has his business here—he’s trying to get it off the ground.”
I eased Lila against me and wrapped my arms around her. She breathed a soft sigh and leaned into me, her head resting on my shoulder, and for once, I let myself relax completely. She wasn’t wrong. Holt Construction was just in its infancy here, but I’d accommodate whatever she wanted.
The evening stretched as we relaxed around the couches, the conversation lighter now — plans, ideas, laughter threading through the room like music. I tucked a blanket around Lila, and she had her feet over on my lap, a glass of wine in her hand as she laughed at Chloe.
“I’m telling you, Lila, it was amazing. The guy’s from up around Seattle. Total jerk. Apparently, he thinks his shit doesn’t stink because he’s a doctor. I hope he steps on all the LEGOs.” She snorted and took another drink just as the door swung open.
We all looked up when the front door opened. “Hey, everyone. Sorry to crash your party.”
Our youngest and most rebellious sister, Delphina, pulled her suitcase to a stop at the entryway. She looked completely exhausted. We all exchanged glances, silently asking the same question. Did you know about this? It was clear that nobody did.
“Phiny!” Sage squealed, jumping up from her spot. “You’re home. Oh my God.”
Kipp, Wade, and I all squinted at her as I carefully untangled myself from Lila so I could get up and greet her. Phiny was pale, and it looked like she’d slept in her clothes.
“Yep. I decided that the big city wasn’t for me after all. Apparently, I couldn’t hack it.” She sniffed a little and drooped into Sage’s arms, promptly dissolving into tears.
“Let’s hear all about it, Phiny,” Chloe prompted, tugging her closer.
“Tomorrow. Let me just be glad that I’m home.” She gave a watery smile. My sister tipped her head back against the couch cushions and closed her eyes. “I can only take so much, ya know.”