He sat beside me.
After a while, he asked: “Did Linda at least give you the keys?”
“What keys?”
“To the country house.”
“Why would she? That house belongs to my parents.”
I only learned yesterday he died.
“No, Nora. Your grandmother left it to Richard. It was his alone.”
I stared at him. “Dad used to talk about turning the barn into our workshop. But I thought he was just dreaming.”
Walter shook his head.
“Sounds like someone’s been keeping you in the dark. You need to speak to his attorney.”
I suddenly remembered the letter in my pocket.
Did Linda at least give you the keys?
I pulled it out, found the attorney’s number, and called before I could lose my nerve.
“Mr. Bennett? This is Nora, Richard’s daughter.”
“Nora! Finally. I’ve been waiting to hear from you.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve been sick.”
“Yes, your mother explained. She said you were too ill to handle any legal matters.”
You need to speak to his attorney.
I frowned. “I wanted to ask about Dad’s country house.”
“Your father left it to you. He wanted you to establish a woodworking studio there.”
“He WHAT?”
“Probate is still underway, so the property hasn’t been formally transferred yet.”
“Then who controls it?”
Dad’s country house.
“The estate’s executor is responsible for it until the process is complete.”
“And Mom knows all this?”
“She received a copy of the will over a month ago. She told us she’d informed you.”
“She didn’t.”
And something told me Mom hadn’t just kept the will from me.
I thanked him and hung up.
Your father left it to you.
***
Then I drove straight to the country house.
Paige’s SUV sat outside.
Cardboard boxes covered the porch. Two contractors were carrying flooring into the living room.
Paige emerged holding paint samples.
“Nora? What are you doing here?”
She’d informed you.
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“We’re renovating.”
“Why?”
“Michael and I are moving in with the kids.”
I stared at her. “Who gave you permission?”
Cardboard boxes covered the porch.
“Mom.”
“This is my house.”
Paige laughed nervously. “What?”
“Dad left it to me.”
Her smile disappeared. “No. Mom said Dad wanted whoever needed it most to have it.”
We’re renovating.
“Have you read his will?”
“No.”
“I have spoken to his attorney.”
Paige looked toward the contractors. “Can we discuss this privately?”
“Stop the renovation first.”
This is my house.
“Nora, we’ve already paid deposits!”
“Then call Mom.”
I dialed her myself.
“Get to the country house. Now.”
***
Twenty minutes later, Mom arrived.
Paige immediately confronted her. “You said Dad wanted us to have it!”
Stop the renovation first.
Mom glanced at me. “Nora, we need to discuss this calmly.”
“Did Dad leave me the house?”
“Your father loved all his children. I’m sure he would’ve wanted Paige’s family to have a proper home.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“Your sister has two children. You already have a successful business and your own apartment.”
We need to discuss this calmly.
