you later.”
Eric was quelled into silence, shaking in his boots. Magnolia couldn’t help but feel a trace of admiration for her grandfather. Eric had better be scared. Grandfather was not one to cross. And the fact that he’d trusted Eric implicitly added fuel to the fire.
Grandfather turned to Lucas. “Unfortunately, Eric does bring up a good point. How do we know that you’re not here for the money?”
Anger surged through Magnolia. “Seriously? We’re back to this?”
“Benjamin does bring up a good point,” Lillian said.
“Thank you,” Benjamin clipped. “I’m glad someone here has enough sense to see things clearly.”
A large, checkmate smile filled Lillian’s face. “I know it’s tacky to discuss finances,” Lillian said in a chatty tone as she turned to the wedding guests nearest to where she was standing, “but in this case, I believe an exception can be made. Lucas, why don’t you explain to Benjamin why Magnolia’s inheritance is no longer an impediment?” Her eyes burned with determination as she peered over her glasses.
Magnolia turned to Lucas. “What’s going on?”
A sheepish grin moved over his lips. “Well, it would seem that I’m a man of substance.”
“He’s worth two point eight million dollars” Lillian said with a touch of pride.
Magnolia’s jaw dropped. “What? How?”
“Let’s just say that the past few hours have been interesting,” Lucas said.
“Lucas found a valuable treasure.” Lillian smiled at Magnolia and Lucas. “And I’m not talking about just money.”
Benjamin rubbed a hand over his forehead as he looked at Lillian. “Are you talking about that ridiculous treasure that you hide every year?” His voice escalated to a fevered pitch. “The one that you leave clues about on your blog?” He shook his head. “You really are as eccentric as everyone says. The eccentric billionaire who has more money than she knows what to do with.” He grunted. “Howard would roll over in his grave if he knew how you were squandering his money.”
“I like to think that Howard would be proud of the way I’m spending the money.” Lillian enunciated every word. “And for the record, I’d rather be known as eccentric than as a stubborn old curmudgeon who’ll go to his grave friendless. It sickens me to see what you and Carol have done to your granddaughter, with that dastardly trust fund.”
Magnolia’s mind was spinning. She turned to Lucas. “Lillian’s a billionaire?”
“Yep.” He grinned. “Remember how I told you that there was no way that Lillian and Sam were out in the boonies trying to find a Christmas tree?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I was right. They were hiding Lillian’s treasure. That’s what those teenagers were trying to get. Lillian’s treasure has made her famous.”
“Or infamous,” Lillian laughed.
Magnolia’s mind scrambled to catch up. She looked at Lillian. “Why would you hide a treasure and leave clues for people to find it?”
A wistful smile touched Lillian’s lips. “It started as a way to remember Howard. He died suddenly of a heart attack. In a fit of anger, I took every piece of jewelry Howard ever gave me and put it into a box. I buried it, hoping that it would help me bury my pain. Then, something magical happened. The treasure became bigger than me. It became a symbol of love and hope.” Her eyes sparkled with tender emotion. “You see, the treasure has a way of finding people who need it most. And sometimes on rare, wonderful occasions, I’m able to play a small part in getting it to its rightful owners.”
Magnolia turned to Lucas. “You and Lillian dug up her treasure?”
“Yep,” Lucas grinned. “We no longer need your inheritance. We’re free to live our lives as we please.”
Magnolia’s eyes misted. “You’re a millionaire, and you came for me?” she squeaked.
A tender smile touched Lucas’s lips. “I will always come for you, princess,” he said softly. “I’m afraid you’re stuck with this old country bumpkin cowboy.”
Mirth rippled in her throat. “Aren’t we the pair? The cowboy and the princess.”
Lucas motioned with his head. “Let’s get out of here.” His eyes twinkled. “We’ve got a ranch to look at.”
She giggled. “Arthur’s ranch.”
“Soon to be our ranch.”
“But you haven’t even seen it yet?” Magnolia protested.
“Oh, yes he has,” Lillian asserted.
Lucas grinned. “Like I said, the past several hours have been busy.”
They moved to leave, but Grandfather held up his hand. “Wait!” His gaze locked with Magnolia’s. He swallowed as if collecting his thoughts. “It would seem that in my efforts to ensure that you didn’t end up with someone who was after the money, I failed dismally.” He looked