Hope Redeemed--A Spanish Novella by Jenny Wheeler

Hope Redeemed--A Spanish Novella by Jenny Wheeler

Author:Jenny Wheeler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Happy Families Ltd
Published: 2019-11-13T16:00:00+00:00


19

“It’s not an attractive picture, Josefa. It makes me feel even more concerned that your inheritance should be covered in a separate contract, rather than be included as communal conjugal property which Leo can use however he wants. It would give you and your baby maximum protection.”

Caleb’s eyes were tender, a hatch of worry lines shadowing their corners. He was older, and graver, than the brother Josefa was used to provoking to exasperation. Her heart spiked in alarm. Everything, everyone, seemed to be changing so fast.

“Just go over it again, so I’ve got the complete picture.”

They were sitting on the sunny side of the hacienda, soaking up the late-morning sun, backs against the warm adobe wall. Josefa had sought Caleb out in the stables, keen to hear all the details of Santiago’s report, and they’d settled here to talk.

“He’s deeply in debt. Santiago suspects far beyond what he can meet out of the resources he has at his disposal. And he’s angling for a partnership in the firm he works at.” He cracked his knuckles, as if steeling himself for opposition.

“Those top firms usually expect partners to buy in. They don’t just hand a share to them on a silver platter.” His eyes flicked to the fields beyond the house, his expression distant.

“I hear he’s got some money coming from his grandfather’s estate. You know, old General Valaquez.” He tapped the desk with his pencil, as if snapping back from a daydream.

“They’ve taken their time settling that business, but actually Josefa, I think you might also be a beneficiary there. Or rather, your child is. I gather the old General left a quarter-share to each of his four daughters, or their descendants. So Dominga’s share will probably be coming to you, the mother of the old man’s coming great-grandchild. That’s what Santiago says Benecio told him, anyway.”

Josefa laid her hand over her middle suddenly feeling protective. “Really? I didn’t know. I’d never have thought . . . It’s as if—” She stopped herself, uncertain how to express what she was feeling. She gave a deep sigh. “I’m realizing more than ever that I’m the guardian of Rory’s line. He may not be here, but his child still needs someone to watch over him or her, don’t they? I mean, it’s not going to be Leo’s child. It’s still going to be Rory’s son or daughter and Leo gets to help raise it.”

“That’s right,” said Caleb. “And I wonder if he fully appreciates that.”

Josefa got up and paced slowly in front of the bench where they’d been sitting. “It always helps me to move while I’m thinking.” She grinned. “If that legacy’s confirmed, that’s another thing that really needs to be safeguarded as separate property. It’s not even really mine. It belongs to Rory’s child.”

Her eyes appealed for understanding, and Caleb nodded. “Strictly speaking, that’s right.”

“Ah, there you are! And what’s right?” Leo’s handsome form loomed from the direction of the stables, his eyes squinting in the sun’s glare, lips curved in an affectionate smile that revealed straight white teeth.



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