Chapter 3 Jovie
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” I asked.
The coffee mug froze mid-air in my hand as my eyes darted between Rig and my grandfather's lawyer. I must have heard him wrong because the bombshell of news that Mr. Martin just dropped didn’t make any sense.
“I understand this might be surprising to you, but here is the paperwork your grandfather put in place six years ago when he reached out to me to update his will last.”
My eyes dropped to the document that O'Dell Martin had passed across the small table.
I glanced at the date on the top, June 8th, 2019. A wave of realization washed over me. That was exactly two weeks after I had last seen my grandpa when he'd come to my MBA graduation at Texas State. We’d spoken several times on the phone since then, but he’d never alluded to updating his will or including me in it.
There, in bold letters, were the words confirming what Mr. Martin had just stated.
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF CLARENCE ASHWOOD
I, CLARENCE ASHWOOD of 1624 BLUESKY RANCH ROAD, LONESTAR JUNCTION, TX hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, revoking all prior wills and codicils.
1. BEQUEATHAL OF RANCH:
I bequeath my entire ranch, known as BLUESKY RANCH, including all real property, improvements, and appurtenances thereto, to my granddaughter, JOVIE VECTOR, herein referred to as the “Recipient,” under the following terms and conditions.
2. CONDITION OF OCCUPANCY AND WORK:
The Recipient is entitled to ownership of the aforementioned ranch on the condition that she resides on the property and actively engages in learning and working on the ranch for a continuous period of one (1) year from the date of my passing.
3. RIGHT OF ASSUMPTION:
In the event that the Recipient voluntarily ceases to reside on and work the ranch before completing the stipulated one (1) year period, ownership of the ranch shall transfer to my neighbor, RIG CAMERON OF CAMERON RANCH, LONESTAR JUNCTION, TX, herein referred to as the “Assuming Party,” who shall assume full ownership and control of the property.
4. OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE:
If the Recipient successfully fulfills the one-year residency and work requirement, and subsequently decides to sell the property, the Assuming Party shall be granted the first opportunity to purchase the ranch under terms mutually agreed upon by both parties.
5. ALTERNATIVE BENEFICIARIES:
In the event that the Assuming Party is unable or unwilling to assume ownership as outlined in Section 3, or declines the opportunity to purchase the property as outlined in Section 4, alternate provisions for the sale of the ranch shall be determined by my executor, O'Dell Martin, in conjunction with the Recipient, or, if unavailable, by a court of competent jurisdiction.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed and signed this Last Will and Testament on JUNE 8, 2019
Clarence Ashwood
JUNE 8, 2019
Witnessed by:
1. O’Dell Martin
Law Offices of Martin & Associates
JUNE 8, 2019
2. Rig Cameron
Cameron Ranch, Lonestar Junction, TX
JUNE 8, 2019
***
“I’m not sure what to say,” I responded after re-reading the statements in my grandfather’s will five more times. “You knew about this?” I asked Rig Cameron.
Rig nodded and then leaned across the table hesitantly. “Look, I’m sure this is shocking for you, Jovie, and you might need some time to process this news. Your grandfather was like a second father to me in many ways. We used to go to Fort Worth and bet on bull riding competitions together, shoot the breeze on the weekends and share ranch hands. We looked out for each other, and I know he wanted me to look out for you, too.
"About six months before he passed, he confided in me about his cancer diagnosis. He asked if I would assist in familiarizing you with the ranch operations, get you acquainted with the ins and outs, and give you the opportunity to take things over. That is, if you decided to relocate and accepted his offer. While there are several full-time ranch hands on the property to ensure its day-to-day operations, there's a significant amount of administrative work required for a ranch to run smoothly. I've been managing all of that since his passing, but I'm more than willing to honor his wishes and guide you through the workings of the ranch on a limited basis, if you decide to move to Ashwood Ranch.”
I nodded my head, taking in the words this stranger was speaking. “Thank you, that’s very generous of you.”
He smiled, “It’s the least I can do for Clarence. That and, well, I have selfish motives too. If I didn’t help, the ranch would fall apart, and there wouldn’t be much left for me to take over when you bail.”
I gritted my teeth, my gratitude turned into frustration now that I realized Rig Cameron already doubted me. But I supposed he was right in his doubts. I still didn’t know what I was going to do, and it made sense that he’d want to make sure things continued to run smoothly if he were to inherit the ranch in my absence.
“Can I have some time to decide?”
Mr. Martin pushed his glasses up his nose nervously again. “The will states that this goes into effect immediately upon your grandfathers passing, which means, it’s in effect now.”
“As in I have to move to Lonestar Junction today, or I lose the property?” I exclaimed, panicked.
Rig leaned forward again. “I’ll give you an extra week to decide, Jovie. I get that this is a big decision, and you have the whole life that you've built here. Think about your future and what you want. If you decide to move down, I’ll be there to support you and train you on Ashwood ranch for the next few months. And if you decide not to, we’ll make sure the transfer of ownership is smooth from his estate to mine, and you'll always be welcome to come back and visit your grandfather’s property.”
I nodded my head again, thoughts raced through my mind about what this meant for me and my future.
I was frustrated and bewildered that my grandfather put me in this position and unsure what to do. I had a whole life here in Houston but the thought of willingly handing over my grandfather’s ranch, a place my mom grew up in and I loved to visit, unnerved me.
“Thank you,” I responded. “I’ll have a decision for you in five days.”