Had she just watched her soul mate walk out of her life? She sat in her family attorney’s office with her stomach drawn in knots. In her heart, she knew that if he left, she’d be missing out on something, possibly the one thing she’d dreamed of having.

She closed her eyes and reflected on their moments together. It seemed to be almost like a fairy tale. Depending on where her thoughts took her, a range of emotions swarmed through her. One minute she wanted to laugh when she thought of the mess he’d made the first night he’d stayed in the guesthouse. The next, she wanted to cry when she asked him about Lady, and he said she’d be going back with him. He believed Lady would be wherever he was going but Abby knew differently, especially since they’d left her in the stables.

Feeling the onset of tears, she stood up abruptly.

"Excuse me, I’m just going to the ladies’ room."

The receptionist smiled and nodded. “Here’s the key.”

“Thank you.”

If she didn't think her legs would give out from under her, she'd have taken off running. She hugged her stomach and collapsed on the bathroom tile, just in time to vomit. Mostly she just knelt, gagging, sobbing, and rocking back and forth.

Why would the fates play such a terrible joke on her, giving her Jesse, only to take him away, leaving her heartbroken? What could she have possibly done in life to deserve such pain?

"Dr. Simmons, are you okay?"

The receptionist voice startled her. She hadn't heard her enter, probably because all she could think about was Jesse.

Abby straightened herself up, thankful she'd been lucky enough to have her breakdown in one of the cleanest bathrooms she'd ever been in.

"I'm fine. Just give me about five minutes and I’ll be out."

"You sure I can't get you anything, honey? A glass of water maybe?"

"Really, I’m good. Last night's dinner just didn't sit well with me," Abby said, slowly standing, and dusting herself off before leaning against the shut door.

"Okay then. I'll just tell Mr. Landry you'll be out in about ten minutes. That'll give you a little extra time to do your lady stuff."

"Thank you."

"No problem, hon. I've been there."

Once she was sure she was alone, she came out of the stall, grabbed a handful of paper towels, turned on the water, and splashed her face. Then she straightened her clothes and used her fingers to fix her hair.

It was time for her to do what she’d come to do—handle her family’s affairs and say good-bye to Heartsbridge, Texas.

“Thanks for coming in today, Abby. I know I extended my condolences the last time you were here, but I just want to tell you again how very sorry I am for your loss.”

She shook his hand before sitting in the seat he’d pulled out for her. Mr. Landry stood about two inches above her five feet. He was a thin, fragile looking man who wore glasses thicker than they needed to be. He’d been a family friend since she could remember and was around her father’s age. And just as her father had been, he was set in his ways. Even if he’d been given a pair of contacts he probably wouldn’t use them, despite looking like a character out of a cartoon book. Which at times like these, certainly added some amusement to an uncomfortable situation.

“Thanks for seeing me on such short notice. It’s just that I only received the letters yesterday and per my father’s wishes, I was supposed to contact you when I got them.”

“Yes, yes, that’s correct. I know your father’s wishes well as we discussed them in detail right before he passed.”

Abby watched attentively as he rummaged through papers inside an open folder on his desk.

“Sorry, I remember words better than I remember placement of things. Oh yeah, one second.”

He rose out of his seat and went to a filing cabinet where he pulled out a thick, brown manila envelope.

“Here it is,” he said, holding it in the air and taking a seat back at his desk.

He unraveled the tie. “Your father wanted to make sure you were clear minded when I went over this with you, so that’s why he put in the three-month stipulation.”

“What is it?” Abby scooted to the edge of her seat.

“A lot, Abby. But I’ll try to make this quick. I’m sure you have other things you need to do.”

How she’d wished that was the case.

“So, you already know your dad had some properties set aside for your brother. Once he follows through with your father’s request, you’re to give him these.” He slid over a smaller envelope from the larger one.

“And for you, your father left this,” he said, handing her another envelope. “It’s for a property over on First Street.”

“This is where old man Murphy’s chiropractic office used to be.”

Mr. Landry nodded. “Yes, it is. But since it’s been vacant, and as per your father’s request, I’ve been leasing it six months per year to a tax company. But the contract is on a yearly basis so you’re free to do what you want with it. He was hoping you’d open the children’s clinic you’ve always wanted. The rent proceeds have been going to this account and here’s a printout of that.”

Abby gasped. Had she not been sitting, she would have probably hit the floor. Her father had been nowhere near broke. Feeling hot, she started to fan herself with one of the envelopes.

“Are you okay, Abby? I know it’s a lot.”

“It is a lot but I’m fine.” How could her father have had all this, and she’d not known about it?

“Do you need a glass of water or should I go on?”

“You mean there’s more?”

“Yes, and this is perhaps the most important part. It comes with detailed instructions, so let me know when you’re ready.”

“I’m ready.”

“There’s an empty house located on the edge of town, here’s a picture of it.”

Abby looked down at the photo. “The couple who lived here were close friends with your family. Before they died, they gave your great-grandfather paperwork and a sum of money to keep up taxes on the house. In exchange, they would give your great-grandfather the deed to the property old man Murphy rented for his practice free and clear. All they asked was that when or if any relatives of theirs ever came, they signed the land over to their kin. You see for years they tried to have kids, only to find out much later the wife was barren. They suspected her brother would eventually come along or even his kids or their kids, and by then, the property would be worth much more and could be passed on. Each generation of your family has committed to fulfilling this promise, and I know you will do the same.”

“I’m sorry but I want to make sure I understand. My great-grandfather paid taxes on this property, and so did my grandfather, and then my dad…is that right?”

“Absolutely. And you’re to do the same. You see, your family have always been noble, and this couple trusted your family to do right by them when the time came.”

“So, if someone comes to claim the land, how will I know if they’re really the rightful owners?”

Mr. Landry chuckled. “That’s the easy part. It’s public record. And since your family never claimed the land as their own, it’s still under the original owners last name.”

Abby sat back in her chair. “You’re right. That’s a great deal of information and responsibility.”

“I’ll make it simple for you. Do as your father and his father did. Get yourself a lock box, and place this information inside. And give the key to your attorney.”

“Well, you’re my attorney.”

“True. And being so is my absolute pleasure,” he said sliding her another envelope.

“Now, what’s this?”

“The final thing I need to share. This is a picture of the lovely couple. They wanted this to be given to whomever made claim on the property?”

“Thank you,” Abby said, standing to her feet and looking at the photo she’d just been handed.

Her eyes widened and she stared intensely as her hand flew to her mouth.

“Oh my God!” Abby gasped, falling back into the chair she’d just left.