If you’re reading this, it means you did exactly what I always believed you would—you stayed. You fought. You proved, not to me, but to yourself, that you are far stronger than anyone ever acknowledged.
I wanted nothing more than to leave this home to you outright, but I knew I wouldn’t get the chance. Synthia would never allow it. To her, family has always been about blood. But you and I—we know better.
I didn’t have time to make this will official, but I knew exactly where to place it—somewhere only you would think to look. I hid it inside the one thing Synthia detests most, something she would never even lay a finger on. I trusted that if you chose to stay and fight for this place, you would earn what has always rightfully been yours.
Adele, this house is more than just wood and stone. It’s a promise. A promise that you would always have a place where you truly belong.
So as my final wish, I leave everything to you. The house, the land, the beekeeping estate—it’s all yours now. Make it your home. Build your future here.
With all my love,
Dad“
The house had always been mine. It was never hers to take.
I turned to Synthia and held out the will.
“You can stay,” I told her, watching as surprise flickered across her face. “But we run this place together. We either figure out how to be a family, or we don’t live here at all.”
Synthia raised an eyebrow, setting the will aside. “You’re actually serious?”
“Completely.”
She studied me for a long moment before finally leaning back in her chair, releasing a slow, exasperated chuckle.
“Fine,” she muttered. “But I’m not going near the damn bees.”
I smiled. “Deal.”
As the days went by, life gradually found its rhythm. I sold my first jars of honey, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction as my efforts finally bore fruit. Synthia kept our home warm and organized, making sure everything ran smoothly while I devoted my time to the bees.
And Greg? He became more than just a neighbor—he was a companion, someone to sit with on the porch as the sun dipped below the horizon, sharing stories and enjoying the peaceful quiet of the evening.
