Where There's a Will (Whiskey River Book 1) by Katherine Garbera, Eve Gaddy Page A

the Blues. “Trey and Wyatt Kelly, meet Nicholas and Xander Blue. Your brothers. Boots made provisions for all of you in his will.”
    “What the hell?” Trey stood up and stalked over to Ryder, where he stood at the front of the conference room.
    Ryder stood his ground, obviously not intimidated by his cousin. Nicholas and Xander both glanced at each other but revealed nothing else.
    “First we’ve heard of it,” Nicholas said.
    “Nevertheless, it’s true,” Ryder said. “Sit down, Trey.”
    “Hell, Ryder, why didn’t you say something? When did you find out about our…brothers?” Wyatt asked as Trey went back to his seat.
    “Client confidentiality,” Ryder said. “Any more questions or do you want to hear the terms of the will?”
    “One more,” Xander said. “Does our mom know we were named in this will?”
    “I’m not sure what Aunt Paloma or Lorna know,” Ryder said. “Those are conversations for you to have.” He glanced at Addison and she knew they were both thinking the same thing. Thank God Paloma Kelly had bailed on the reading of the will. Now her sons could deal with the fallout.
    Xander and Nicholas exchanged a long look. Addison looked over at Ryder and only because she knew him so well could see that he was slightly amused to see these men clearly perplexed by the situation. But also concerned.
    “Addison, please hand each man a copy of the will,” Ryder said.
    She did as he asked and then sat back down, pulling her laptop toward her to take notes as Ryder spoke. He went over the will line by line. Trey Kelly, the eldest son, ran the Kelly ranch and various businesses but his main interest was in Kelly’s Champs—the World Champion cutting horses he bred and sold.
    Wyatt Kelly was currently the CEO of Kelly Boots and had expanded the upscale boot company to a global brand. Addison realized this next part was going to be especially difficult for the Kelly brothers.
    “Boots has left all of his property and the businesses to the four of you. He has stipulated that you cannot buy each other out for at least one year. He wanted you to work together as brothers in the business and live together on the ranch. He suggests that Trey and Wyatt keep their roles in each of the existing business ventures but make room for Xander and Nicholas within them. Boots left a letter.”
    “This is bullshit,” Wyatt said, turning to his half brothers. “Do you two even know anything about running a business?”
    Nicholas and Xander were silent, but Addison sensed there was a private, unspoken communication going on between them. “If we agree to this,” Nicholas said, “Xander is an IT trouble-shooter for businesses around the world. I’m sure he’ll be able to work the business side of things.”
    “And you’re a PBR champ,” Trey said. “A pro bull rider. Aren’t you?”
    “Yeah, I am. Figured I’ll take the ranch side,” Nicholas said.
    Wyatt cursed under his breath and leaned back in his chair. “Damned if this isn’t typical of the old man. Where is his letter?”
    “I’ll read it to you,” Ryder said.
Sons,
You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to tell y’all about each other. But Lorna forbade it. It chaffed, but I respected her wishes on this. You know how women can be.
Nicholas and Xander, I’m sorry you grew up without a father. I provided an income to your mother to pay for your schooling but she wouldn’t let me do anything else. I realize that putting you in my will and naming you as my sons after my death isn’t going to make up for all those years but know in my heart I always thought of you as my sons.
Trey and Wyatt—this is damned awkward, boys. You know how much I have loved being your father. I couldn’t be prouder of you both.
I know my will is a big shock to all of my boys but I hope that one day in the future you will see yourselves as brothers.
Love,
Dad
    As Ryder finished reading the letter she noticed the men were all standing tensely around the