Across the paper band, he had written:
**LEAH, WHEN THEY COME ASKING.**
I brought it outside and broke the seal.
The first sentence made me laugh.
“If you’re reading this, sweetheart, they finally discovered arithmetic.”
That was Thomas.
Even Jared almost smiled.
But then I found maps.
Property records.
Conservation documents.
Forestry agreements.
And I discovered the cabin wasn’t sitting on twelve acres as I had always believed.
The twelve acres surrounding the house were only part of it.
Attached to the same deed were another 186 acres.
Protected forest.
Creek frontage.
A small lake.
And a conservation agreement Thomas had completed before his death.
The property couldn’t become a giant resort or subdivision.
But approved forestry, recreation, and conservation programs were allowed.
And Thomas had already arranged everything with a local cooperative.
Then I found the annual stewardship payment.
Approximately $78,000.
Jared read the number aloud.
Vanessa’s eyes widened.
