involved in that, but will be available to assist you with anything you don’t understand pertaining to your role in the founder’s seat.”
Heavy lies the crown, they say. Except, in this instance, the thought of even sitting in my grandfather’s seat before a gaggle of sharp-dressed executives makes my stomach twist.
I nod, swallowing hard, pretending it’ll be just dandy.
He leans back in his seat. “As I told your father earlier, his position with the company won’t change, and neither will his income. Jonah saw no need to modify his usual compensation.”
Fair. Dad barely does anything to warrant his six-figure salary, but I know my parents would be ten times as irate losing it.
Gramps inherited North Earhart Oil when it was small. His father was a wildcatter way back when, and the company had always been prosperous, but when the oil boom hit North Dakota with Gramps at the helm, North Earhart did exceptionally well. Practically the only thing about Gramps that Mom was extremely proud to talk about.
“I know this is a lot for you to take in. For someone as young as you to take on, but I’m here to help. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Just call.” A smile curves the edges of his lips. “Jonah was very specific about his wishes, and how they ought to be overseen. I gave him my solemn word I’d help ensure every detail gets executed to the letter of the law.”
I nod again. What else can I do? It’s sink or swim, and I can barely doggy paddle.
Still, I can’t let that show.
He pushes a pile of papers toward me. “I’ll need you to sign these, please. Two copies of what we discussed here today.”
I pick up a pen and sign my name mechanically next to the little red Sign Here stickers.
“Have you been out to the ranch yet?” he asks.
“No. As soon as I got the call, I packed up and drove straight here,” I say, signing the second copy. “I arrived yesterday and went straight to the funeral home. I stayed at the hotel last night, with the service today and then this meeting.”
He collects both copies. “I understand. Do you have a house key?”
“Absolutely.” Truly, it’s never left my keychain since the day Gramps gave it to me when I was twelve.
I don’t share that. To some, it’d be insignificant. To me, that key symbolized belonging somewhere.
“Would you like your copy, or do you want me to keep it?” Sheridan’s smile holds sympathy. “We can go over it again, in a few days, if you’d like, after it’s not such a shock to the system.”
I think of my parents, and until they’ve left, everything is safer out of their reach. “Go ahead and hang on to it. I’ll get my copy then.”
“Perfect. Before you leave, there’s one more thing...”
I look up, almost afraid. My fingers flex before reaching out to take the white envelope he’s holding.
“It’s from your grandfather. A personal message.”
Nodding, I close my eyes for a moment, and then draw a deep breath before unsealing the flap.
I can’t help but smile, even as tears sting my eyes like hornets at the sight of the tan Post-it note with JONAH REED printed across the top of it.
Gramps adored those little sticky notes. They were tucked inside every card, every gift he ever sent me.
I pull out the three-inch square slip of paper and blink back more tears at the familiar handwriting.
Bella, you followed your head to California.
I know who put those thoughts in your head, so this time, I want you to follow your heart.
Trust me.
Love, Gramps
Want to read more? Get Accidental Knight HERE.
About Nicole Snow
Nicole Snow is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. She found her love of writing by hashing out love scenes on lunch breaks and plotting her great escape from boardrooms. Her work roared onto the indie romance scene in 2014 with her Grizzlies MC series.
Since then Snow aims for the very best in growly, heart-of-gold alpha heroes, unbelievable suspense, and swoon storms aplenty.
Already hooked on her stuff? Sign up for her newsletter here for exclusive offers and more from your favorite characters!
Follow her on Bookbub here for new release updates.
Her website is nicolesnowbooks.com
Got a question or comment on her work? Reach her anytime at [email protected]
Thanks for reading. And please remember to leave an honest review! Nothing helps an author more.