Page 71 of Delicious Surrender
“Yes, I suppose I do.” Brynne nodded. Now it made sense why she insisted on putting Brynne on the deed of the house not long after she broke her hip.
“Josie left an additional codicil, in her own handwriting, which details her wishes. I’m here to help you with this. Her body is still with the coroner since they recorded it as a suspicious death.”
Brynne nibbled her bottom lip. “Do you have an idea how long that will take?”
“A couple of days at the most. I don’t want you to worry. Josie took care of most of the decisions for you. She prearranged with the funeral home for her cremation, and even booked Geordie Freeman to take you out on his boat to spread her ashes.”
“Wow, she thought of everything, and I’m so grateful for that. You mentioned on the phone about not letting anyone know. How are we going to keep this secret? Everyone in this town knows everyone’s business.”
“That’s the truth. But we will do our best. Only Declan knows, plus the doctor and the coroner. They are all sworn to secrecy.”
“Did she have special wishes about the announcements or the obituary?”
“Oh yes. She wrote them herself and posted them to me a week ago.”
“Of course she did.” Brynne couldn’t help but smile. That was the way her aunt did everything. With precision and good planning.
“She registered her last will and testament here with me. I have a copy for you.” He handed her a sealed envelope, Josie’s clean bold script on the front:For Brynne.“As her sole heir, and favorite niece, she left everything to you.”
Brynne’s mouth dropped open. “Oh my. I knew she wanted me to have the cottage, but do you mean the rest of her assets as well?”
“Yes. It is a substantial estate and will take time to get through probate, but you will be quite a wealthy woman, Brynne.”
She sat back in the chair, holding the unopened envelope in her hands. The shocks just kept coming. “I’m stunned.”
“It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. You were the daughter she never had.”
Brynne’s eyes filled with tears. Josie was her mother in every way except by birth. Remorse filled her because she hadn’t been to the island in over nine months. Now it would never be the same. Her lighthouse keeper, the one who guided her through every storm, had gone dark.
Alistair handed her another envelope with the keys to the cottage and to Josie’s car. “The car runs. Declan took her out in it every week and will continue to do that if you like. I presume you aren’t staying long?”
“I need to get back to London by the weekend, if possible.”
Alistair nodded. “I understand. We don’t have to talk about this now, but if you want to sell, there is keen interest from the owner of the adjacent property.”
“Okay. Good to know. I can’t think of doing that right now but I appreciate knowing it’s an option. Thank you for everything, Alistair.”
“You’re very welcome, dear. I’m here if you have any questions. I’ll call you when I hear from the coroner, and we can proceed. For now, mum’s the word.”
Brynne nodded. She put the unopened copy of the will in her purse and hurried to the car. Ominous rain clouds had rolled into the harbor, mostly dark gray, some edged with silver. Her phone had been buzzing for the last hour, and she had multiple messages to answer. Before anything else, she needed to figure out where to stay the night.
She couldn’t bring herself to sleep at the cottage alone. She needed a hotel, and the obvious choice was just around the corner. Declan was Josie’s closest friend, lover, and often her caregiver. He owned the best inn and restaurant in town. She was tired and hungry and would benefit from his calm presence.
Brynne made it inside before the rain started. She booked a room and went to the inn’s cozy bar and grill. Once seated, she let the hostess know she wanted to say hello to Declan.
He was not due back for about an hour, so Brynne ordered and checked her phone.
Jared:Bree, let me know you reached Skye and that you are okay. J.
Brynne:Hi J. All good. Made it to Portree. Met the lawyer. Going to stay in a hotel tonight. So much to tell you. I’ll call once I’m checked in. xoxo
Gage had texted, which was a nice surprise.
Gage:Let me know you’ve arrived and if there is
anything I can do. Your shifts are covered. G.
Brynne obsessed over her reply, typing and erasing three messages. Finally, she settled on one: