Suddenly, there was a lot of shouting as five police officers rushed into the barn, guns aimed at Wilbert and Willy.
“Wilbur.” Nick snapped his fingers and the pig turned away from his uncle and went back into his pen. “Good boy.” He grabbed an apple from a bucket and gave it to the pig. Nick turned to Kara, who had handed his uncle’s gun over to Kyle. “Like I said, best present ever,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her.
“I love you,” Kara said in a shaky tone.
“I love you too.”
Then, to his surprise, she walked over to Willy, who was writhing in pain, and yanked the ring and bracelet from his hands. Then she stepped over Willy and put both of them back into his hands. “Give them to me again. This time, I promise I’ll never let anyone take them from me again.”
He smiled as he slid first the bracelet and then the ring back on her.
“Marry me?” he asked again.
“Yes,” she said and kissed him.
“You are one incredible woman.” He took her hand in his.
“He was going to shoot you. I’m sure that once all the adrenaline wears off, I’ll freak out. But for now, I know I did the right thing.”
Nick nodded. “I agree.” He turned to Kyle. “I assume Stephen called you?”
“He didn’t have to. Daryl spotted your uncle and Willy sneaking onto the property and called it in. Stephen’s up at the house though, waiting for you. Why don’t you head on up, and we’ll clean this mess up.”
From what they could see, Kara had shot Willy in the leg. They didn’t even care if both bullets had hit him or if he was going to be okay.
They made their way back to the house, where Daryl and Stephen were waiting in the living room.
“Are the two of you all right?” Daryl asked, rushing to them.
“Yes,” Nick answered and hugged the man. “Thanks to you.”
Daryl nodded. “Just… doing my job.”
Nick laughed. “Daryl, we both know you’re more than just an employee. You’re family.” He hugged him again. Then Kara walked over and gave the man a hug too.
“Good, everyone is here,” Stephen said, getting their attention. “I think it’s time we got this done.” He walked over to sit at the table. The three of them sat down as well.
“I won’t bore you with the boring stuff,” Stephen said over his glasses as he pulled out a folder. Then he handed an envelope to each of them. “Personalized letters to each of you from Nicholas.”
Kara frowned down at her envelope. “I have one too?”
Stephen nodded. He motioned to her left hand. “I see that you’ve completed the last requirement placed by your father before his death, which means…”—he put the folder back in his briefcase and pulled out another one—“this is the will I’ll be reading tonight.”
“Wait.” Nick held up his hands as he looked between every face there. “Seriously? My father had two wills. If I hadn’t asked Kara to marry me, I wouldn’t have gotten the farm?”
“No, not all of it.” Stephen sat back. “If you two had not gotten engaged, you would have gotten half, and Kara would have gotten the other half.” Stephen smiled.
“So…” he said slowly, “my uncle wouldn’t have gotten it either way?”
“Nope.” Stephen shook his head. “Daryl still gets his land, no matter what.” He motioned to Daryl. “The ranch house and five acres, including the barn, are all yours.” He slid over a thick envelope. “The deed, free and clear.”
Daryl smiled and held the envelope to his heart. “Bless that fool.” He shook his head. “Thank you.”
“For you two.” Stephen slid them another thick envelope. “Once it’s official, you can change the name on the deed. For now, this place is yours. Congratulations, by the way.” He motioned to the ring on Kara’s finger. “We, your father and I, knew the two of you had it coming.” He chuckled. “We just doubted if you’d do it on your own without a little nudge.” He stood up. “Now, I’m going to go home and eat the rest of my turkey dinner. Merry Christmas.” He slapped Daryl on the shoulder. “Walk me out?”
The pair walked out the front door just as Kyle knocked on the back one. All three dogs happily barked and danced around as the man gave them his attention briefly.
“Well?” Nick asked.