Chapter 14
My father’s lawyer helped me understand the trust.
The lake house belonged to Lily, but I could live there as her guardian.
Dad had also left money for upkeep, education, and legal protection.
Ryan had known all of it.
He had hidden every letter.
Every notice.
Every document.
We found them in a storage unit under his name.
Boxes of my father’s mail.
Old birthday cards.
A video drive labeled Thomas.
I watched it alone first.
Dad sat in his favorite chair at the lake house, thinner from cancer but still himself.
“Emily,” he said on screen, “if Ryan is standing beside you, tell him I hope he proves me wrong.”
I laughed and cried at once.
Then Dad leaned closer.
“But if he doesn’t, remember this. You were my first home. Lily is yours. Protect each other.”
I showed Lily the gentle parts.
Grandpa waving.
Grandpa singing badly.
Grandpa saying, “Lilybug, this house is for sunshine.”
Lily watched with wide eyes.
“Grandpa nice.”
“Yes.”
“He gave me house?”
“Yes.”
She thought about that.
“Can Mommy live too?”
I pulled her into my arms.
“Always, if you’ll have me.”
May you like
She giggled.
“My house. Mommy allowed.”
