A Cowgirl's Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page B

Court, and the fact that he was only a distant cousin?
    Ren turned to the next page of his notes. Paused to finish his coffee. Then cleared his throat. “The ranch house at the Circle C, including the acre parcel it sits on, is bequeathed to Callan, since it has been the only home she has ever known.”
    Callan’s gaze shot to first Mattie then Dani and finally Sage, and felt intense relief when each of them nodded and smiled at her, making it clear they found this fair and bore no hard feelings. Interesting that her father had chosen to separate the house from the ranch itself, but she appreciated the fact that he had made certain that this house would continue to be her home.
    Ren took a folded square of fabric from his pocket, pressed it to his forehead, then turned to the last page of his notes. “And finally, the remainder of the Circle C Ranch, all its outbuildings and associated assets, including all livestock other than Montana Sapphire, Coffee Girl and Cinnamon Girl—who go to Callan and Sage respectively—are bequeathed to Court McAllister of St. Paul, Minnesota.”
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    C ourt’s fingers tightened around his glass of bourbon as Ren delivered Hawksley’s last and most astounding bequest. He’d hoped the promise of all that money would soften the blow. But the second after his name had been uttered as the sole beneficiary of the Circle C Ranch, Callan jumped up from her chair so abruptly she sent the chair flying backward.
    “The ranch. The entire ranch. To Court?” Hands splayed on her hips, Callan glared from him to the lawyer.
    “I’m sorry for the shock.” Ren was trying to sound calm but it was clear he was feeling emotional, too. “I advised Hawksley to talk to you girls about this, at least.”
    “It’s because we’re female , right? I mean, I always knew Dad would have preferred sons. But damn it! This isn’t Victorian England.” Callan’s voice trembled with her outrage, her eyes shone brightly with tears.
    And then in a flash she was gone, out the door that led to the back patio and gardens.
    Court’s instinct was to go after her. But he was the last person she’d want to see right now.
    Her sisters were exchanging glances, looking concerned.
    “I should go talk to her,” Mattie said, rising from her chair.
    “No. Let her have some time to process,” Dani advised. “We all need time for that, frankly.”
    “No kidding.” Sage was on the edge of the sofa, looking at Ren as if he’d suddenly turned into a monster. “How could you let him do this? I don’t mind that much, and I suspect Dani and Mattie feel the same. But Callan! She’s spent her entire life working with Hawksley on the Circle C and he’s leaving the entire thing to...a stranger?”
    There goes my invitation to the Interment... “I’m not exactly a stranger.”
    “To us, you are,” Sage countered.
    “But I wasn’t to your father, we had an excellent relationship. And he had his reasons for what he did, though you might not agree with them.” Court didn’t know why he was arguing when he could appreciate their outrage. To them the will must seem unfair.  But he didn’t appreciate being treated like dirt under the Carrigan girls’ boots either.
    “Well, I’m happy to hear our father had an excellent relationship with somebody,” Mattie said. “Because he sure didn’t with us. Is this a solid will, Ren? Will it stand up in court?”
    “It’s your legal right to challenge the will, if you choose. But I’d say it’s solid. Some might argue that you girls got the better deal, considering your assets are liquid, while the ranch...”
    “The ranch is Callan’s life,” Mattie replied bluntly. “She could care less about the cash. When did Hawksley write this will, anyway? If it was a spur of the moment thing—”
    “I’m afraid it wasn’t.” Ren’s voice was gentle. “Your father had this will drawn up shortly after your mother died. I