Maureen Child - The Jarrods, Claiming Her Billion-Dollar Birthright (Silhouette Desire #2024)  

and to my youngest child, my daughter Erica Prentice, I bequeath the sixth portion of my estate. Erica, I understand that your inclusion in this document will be a surprise to not only yourself, but to your brothers and sister, as well. It is my deepest wish that you will find a way to become part of the Jarrod family, fractured though it is. I am also leaving you the theater program for the play where I was first so lucky to have met your mother. Ive kept this tattered playbill as a remembrance of your lovely motheras a remembrance of you. It is my hope that, by giving you a place at Jarrod Ridge, Ive also given you a chance to know some part of me, as well.

C hristian Hanford refused to sit in a dead mans chair.

So instead, he walked to the front of Don Jarrods desk and perched uneasily on the edge. The old mans study was in the family living quarters on the top floor of Jarrod Manor. Here at Jarrod Ridge resort, everything was luxurious. Even a study that the public never saw. Paneled walls, thick carpets, original oils on the walls and a massive fireplace built of river stones. Of course, there was no cheerful blaze in the hearth, since summer had settled over Colorado.

He imagined none of the people in the room felt cheerful anyway. How could he blame them? Theyd lost their father only a week before and now, theyd just had the proverbial rug pulled out from under them.

Years ago, each of the Jarrod children had left Jarrod Ridge, the plush resort that had been in their family for generations, to make their own way. Their father had pushed them all so hard to succeed that hed managed to drive them away, one by one. To come back now, when it was too late to mend fences, was a hard thing to accept.

Not to mention the fact that in death, Don had figured out a way to not only bring them all homebut to keep them there. Something he hadnt been able to do in life.

The huge Jarrod estate was to be divided equally among his childrenon the condition that they all move home and take over running their legacy. Each of the Jarrod siblings had been slapped hard and none of them were happy about it. The old man had found a way to control them from the grave.

Which wasnt sitting well.

Christian watched them all, understanding how they must feel, but sworn to abide by his late clients wishes. God knows hed tried to talk Don out of this, but the old man had been nothing if not stubborn.

Blake Jarrod and his brother Guy were the oldest. Though not identical, the twins each carried the stamp of their father. Blake was more the buttoned-down type, while Guy was a bit more easygoing. Gavin was two years younger than the twins, but he and Blake had worked together for quite a while out in Vegas.

Trevor Jarrod was the most laid-back of the bunchor at least that was the demeanor he showed the world. Then there was Melissa. The youngest and the only girl.

Or so she thought.

Christian sent a mental kick out to his now deceased mentor for leaving him in this position. But even in death, Don had wanted to rule the Jarrod clan and no doubt, wherever he was now, he didnt really care that it was Christian getting stuck with the dirty work.

Blake stood up as if he couldnt bear sitting still another minute. Just a week since Don Jarrods death, none of his children had had a chance to come to terms with his passing. And now theyd all been sucker punched.

Theyd left the cemetery just an hour before and after reading through most of the wills bequests, emotions were running high. Well, Christian thought, they were about to go even higher.

Why are we still here, Christian? Guy asked from his seat, bracing his elbows on his knees. Youve read the will, whats left to say?

Theres one more thing to cover.

What havent you covered? Trevor asked, shifting a glance around the room at his brothers and sister. Seems pretty clear to me. Dads arranged things to get us back to Jarrod Ridge. Just like he always wanted.