Free A Time To Love (A Mill Creek Crossing Romance) by Angelina Rose

feet and looked at Eva who was a few feet in front of her.
     
    “Clayton Emory?”
     
    “The attorney. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but it had to look totally legitimate or the money would have been donated.”
     
    “You’re serious about this? You’re giving me two million dollars?”
     
    “Yes. All I ask is you give me just enough to start over. And that Brice considers giving me my job back…” she said smiling down at him.
     
    “Eva, I don’t want two million dollars. I want us to split it. That’s only fair…” Gracie said.
     
    “No. I truly don’t want it. If there’s something I’ve learned about myself recently, it’s that I need to have goals and structure. I need to strive for something and work for the things I get. Plus, our mother spent her life choosing me over you, and it wasn’t right. You wanted a real family, and this money can help you get just that.”
     
    “This is the most amazing news I’ve ever heard!” Gracie said, finally realizing what this meant. “I’m going to be a mommy!” she shouted as she embraced Eva. Both of them were sobbing when Randy and Brice joined in the group hug.
     
    “Do you trust me now?” Eva asked as she pulled back and looked at Gracie.
     
    “Yes, I do. I can clearly see you aren’t the same Eva who did those awful things years ago. You deserve a second chance too. What I don’t understand is why our mother did this to either one of us…”
     
    “Oh, I almost forgot! Clayton gave me a letter that was to be read by me to you upon receiving this money.” Eva pulled the letter from her purse and opened it.
     
    To my daughters:
     
    You might be wondering what the point of this whole exercise was with my money. You might also be wondering where this money came from in the first place.
     
    The money was my inheritance from my grandparents, but I didn’t have access to it until I was forty years old. I decided to hold onto it and pass it along to you girls when I was gone.
     
    Gracie - I’ve been hard on you over the years. Being on my deathbed, I see things a lot more clearly now than ever. I guess death does that to a person. I’m sorry for the times I’ve been unkind to you. Looking at you always reminded me of your father who I miss, even now, more than life itself. I could never allow myself to love you fully because I was always afraid of losing you like I lost him. Makes no sense when I say it now, but it is what it is.
     
    I am leaving Eva the $300,000 for one reason. She needs to see what she’s made of. I know you, Gracie can fend for yourself, but Eva hasn’t had to grow up yet. I want her to see if she can become something bigger than she is. My fear is she will blow the money and need more, which is where the two million comes in.
     
    I’ve decided in order to get this money, she has to change. She has to make amends and depend on you for emotional support. She has to work hard to get the money, and in the process, I hope she will change. I created a spoiled brat, but maybe I can fix it in death. Who knows?
     
    Either way, if you’re reading this letter, my wish is you girls will hold tight to each other and find a way to use my money for good. And, Eva, my intention is for you to give Gracie at least half of the money.
     
    Love,
    Mom
     
    “See? She wanted you to have some of the money, Gracie. She did love you in her own warped way,” Eva said with a smile.
     
    “Unbelievable. Well, it all worked out, so maybe she did know something we didn’t,” Gracie said smiling over at Randy.
     
    “Can I have my job back?” Eva finally asked Brice through her tears.
     
    “We’ll see… I might need to look over your resume again,” he said with a sly grin.
     
    “Very funny…”
     
     

Chapter 9
     
    Christmas had always been Eva’s favorite time of the year, and this year was no different. She’d been with Brice for over a year, and their love was unlike anything she’d ever experienced in her life.