The Ryland Boys
Chapter 29

“I’m sorry Billy, can you repeat that?” I asked in disbelief as the man across from me informed me on my new balance.

Benson leaned forward too, his eyes focusing on the papers “That’s two million dollars, and a home in Miami that your mom had sold for three million. In total, it’s five million dollars to you.” Billy said smiling over at me.

Okay, so that explains why they’ve been on me so much to get this money!

Benson looked the papers over flipping through the pages “Alright so your dad had about five hundred thousand saved, your grandparents, his parents had passed a while after leaving their entire inheritance to you. That was their one point five million dollars. Then their Miami house which your mom sold for three million.” He flipped a few pages “This states a storage locker as well.” He said staring intently at it.

Billy nodded “Oh yeah, right, so that’s a locker that had been paid for. Apparently it has your grandparents belongings. Prepaid for twenty years.” He said nodding as if he didn’t forget to tell us that.

Benson eyed Billy annoyed and read deeper into the lines “Alright so it says the key is with you.” He said c*****g and eyebrow.

The man Billy nodded “Yes, here it’s right here.” He said holding it out to Benson who took it and handed it to me. “There’s the address. Let’s finish up here and then we’ll go check it out.” He said nodding.

Thank god I brought Benson, I don’t Billy was going to tell me about my grandparents things.

After an hour, we finished and the money was wired to my account followed by phone calls to clear it and let them know it wasn’t from some heist.

I got in the car with Benson and we drove to the storage unit where I unlocked it and pulled the garage up.

My eyes ran over the tubs, each one filled with expensive crap and antiques “Are these comics?” Benson stared down at the box in amazement. His joy clear on his face, I’m guessing he’s a comic fan. “Take them.” I said smiling.

He shook his head “Oh no, I couldn’t. I’ll buy them off you though.” He said c*****g an eyebrow.

I scoffed “You’re not paying me Benson, take them or I’ll just leave them in the house for Lucas.” I said eyeing the car under the grey protective cover.

My mind wondering if this was what I thought it was.

Years ago, I had seen a photo of my grandad when he was in his thirties and he owned a beautiful race car that was numbered thirty four. He won twelve big races in this car.

Pulling the cover off, I smiled and eyed the car, it had been painted over black with a white circle on the two sides, the number thirty four painted on it. He upgraded it.

I laughed and ran my fingers over the car “Oh my god it’s actually here. It’s mine.” I said staring at the car in disbelief.

Benson whistled and ran a hand through his hair before popping the hood “she looks beautiful too.” He smiled “Let me take a look and you can drive it out of here.” He said watching me nod like a damn bobble head in excitement.

He left and came back with some things, and while he began doing work under the hood, adding oil, gasoline and coolant, along with all the other things he bought, I was sorting the boxes.

There was fifteen tubs in total, one consisted of all my grandmas fine bone china and gold trimmed dishes. I would sell those, because honestly I’ll just break them and curse myself for it.

The other tubs had things like photo albums, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, a tub of real fur rugs, guns (mostly all antique Smith and Weston rifles and revolvers.) and a my grandmas insane collection of expensive handbags.

I found them interesting, there was one shaped like an alligator and covered in crystals. Each bag was wrapped in a silk scarf and placed into its own box. Mom told me she used to be a model for big designers, and I didn’t really believe it until now.

Two other tubs where filled with things like

gowns and fur coats. The good thing is, she was my size, so these thousand dollar dresses where going to be my size. Is that weird? Wearing your dead grandmas dresses?

No, right?

The last tub had, to my surprise a ton of signed based balls in their cases. “Damn, Benson how much do you think these are worth?” I asked picking up a few and reading the signatures.

Benson looked up from the hood “Any famous players?” He asked me.

As if I’d know….I eyed the sixty something balls “I don’t know. Got any pawn shops I can take it to for an estimate?” I asked.

He nodded “Oh genius. Yes I do.” He said shutting the hood after giving it a jump with his car.

I put a couple of the tubs in my car and Benson put the others in his car. We drove to a pawn shop and I followed in my new car feeling like a damn badass in it.

“Hello Benny! Long time no see, what can I do for you today?” The man with the glasses behind the counter was smiling wide at Benson.

He smiled back “Hey Winston, this is Norah. A great family friend, she has a couple vintage things she’d like to get priced.” He said watching Winston nod “Absolutely, whatcha got kid?” He asked.

I headed to my car with Benson and we came back with the tub of Baseballs and my grandmas China.

He was looking at the plates first, his face astonished and in love “This is a complete set of one of the most desired China sets. Rarely found in a complete set. Easily priced at three grand. I’ll gladly buy it off you too.” He said smiling at me.

Benson looked down at the China “You sure you don’t want it?” He asked.

I laughed “Have you met me? I’d break all of the plates by the end of the year.” I said watching him smile and nod in agreement.

As he started looking through the baseball tub he started three piles, super rare, rare and common. By the time be finished, I had four super rares. One was that Babe Ruth guy, then some Honus guy, some Paul guy and Mark McGwire. I almost died when the man told me it totaled 12 million dollars.

Benson was eyeing them in disbelief before he gestured to the others.

In the end, my collection brought me to a whopping sixteen million dollars.

Winston gave me a card to a collector with the referral and price amount telling me to take them there.

I thanked him for his time and Benson and I drove to the collectors office address on the card. We got out and headed up to the fifth floor where the man was on the phone, but on his shelves were tons of baseball cards and a few autographed baseballs too.

“Alright they just walked in, thank you Wins.” He said hanging up and smiling widely at me and Benson.

I shook his hand and he eyed the tub in Bensons hands “Is that it?” He asked smiling widely.

Benson shook his hand “That’s the collection.” He said proudly.

Staring at Benson nervously, he smiled at me and looked to the guy “I’m sorry my names Jace, I am an avid collector. Winston told me you have the greatest players in this tub, may I have a look?” He asked.

Benson and I gestured to let him go ahead and he began pulling them out putting them in his own piles. He created two piles, and in the end he stare at the bigger pile for a while “What would you say for fifteen mil for these?” He asked gesturing to them.

I smiled wide because there was still twenty more baseballs that he didn’t want. That meant he was over paying if Winston was correct.

The collector stared at Benson “I know it’s paying the higher price for the collection but I have never seen this many legendary players in one whole collection before. This is mint condition, and you see this ball right here?” He gestured to one of the random ones he wanted.

I eyed it and nodded, he smiled “The rip on the red strings, that right there” he pointed to a tear in the baseball “Means the ball was hit with an insane amount of force. Not many like this.” He said laughing.

He shook his head smiling at the collection.

After fifteen minutes, Benson put the other baseballs in the tub and I received a transaction to my card. I had to call my bank to explain that it was from selling the baseballs.

I mean if I was my bank I’d be worried too, how the f**k am I getting a million here and a million there?

We got back to the cars and Benson was sweet and wanted to take me for a meal, so we ended up at a cute bistro which was actually pretty fancy.

“Now that you’re officially a millionaire, what do you plan on doing first?” He asked taking a drink.

I shrugged “I mean first I’ll probably look for a place.” I said smiling up at him shyly.

He stared at me furrowing his eyebrows “Oh I didn’t mean that in any way, you’re more than welcome to stay.” He said watching me carefully.

I shook my head and laughed leaning back “Trust me, you don’t want me under your roof anymore Benson.” I eyed the menu and then let out a shaky breath “You and Alison have been nothing short of giving and loving toward me, so understanding and wonderful, but I did something that I know you would never approve of.” I said shaking my head.

He eyed me “What do you mean Norah?” He asked leaning forward and staring fatherly at me.

God damn.

I took in and exhaled a couple breaths “I’m pregnant Benson.” I said calmly and low.

He laughed lightly “Oh well that’s nothing to be ashamed of Norah, James was a good kid.” He said taking another drink.

f**k.

Taking a drink of my water, I shook my head “Well uh, he was a good kid. But he’s not the father.” I said staring down at my hands and looking up at Benson who leaned back and stared at me.

I ran a hand through my hair “It was one time, and I honestly didn’t think I’d get pregnant, I mean I just didn’t expect it. Now I am, and I just don’t want to ruin his life. He finally has things in motion, he’s got his fiancé, she’s pregnant, they’re going to get married next month, and he’s at his prime in his fighting career.” I said rambling and then looking to Benson pursing my lips.

He stared at me with a bewildered look, “Jax is the father?” He asked staring down at my stomach.

I followed his eyes and looked down at it, “Yeah, but he isn’t going to know that. Possibly ever.” I said sighing and leaning forward perching my head on my Palm.

Benson took a couple moments before he eyed me “You never wanted anything from him though? You weren’t going to tell him? I mean you found out, then you kept it a secret, and you planned on what? Raising it alone? On what? The possibility you might have enough to not raise the kid in motels?” He asked me and suddenly I felt like he was lecturing me.

I watched him drop his stare “You’re an astonishing young woman Norah. Brave and wise beyond your years.” He said shaking his head and leaning forward.

My confused look was clear, I didn’t understand if he was proud or angry.

He sighed “I was worried one of them would knock you up and then I’d be paying for you and your child the rest of my life.” He said running a hand over his face. “No offense in that, I just thought you’d be one of those woman.”

I laughed “None taken.”

Benson eyed the waiter and he came over “Ready to order?” He asked smiling between us.

I ordered a salad and he got a pastrami sandwich.

“Thank you Norah, I respect you greatly for allowing him the opportunity to keep his life intact. You should know though, that if he hadn’t impregnated Lindsay I would gladly give you my blessing.” He said smiling sweetly.

I felt a smile bloom over my face “You should know Alison isn’t going to let me get away any time soon, so I’ll be around for a while. Even though Lindsay can’t stand it.” I said smirking.

He laughed “Good, maybe you’ll be able to change her, I miss eating meat every night. She drives me insane.” He said shaking his head in annoyance.

The more I sit with him the more I think he reminds me of Alison.

“Does she love him?” He asked me as our food arrived.

I furrowed my eyebrows “I’m sure she does, Jax is a lovable guy.” I said watching him stare at me thoughtfully.

He shook his head “Does Alison love Phillip?” Benson asked shocking me entirely, my heart falling to the floor.

Benson looked up at me “She’s been sleeping with him for a while now, I’m glad she moved on from that young boy, but this guy is a strong love from her past. I always thought they where just friends.” He shrugged.

I eyed him feeling my weight reach my stomach and feet “I’m sorry.” I said shaking my head and sighing.

He smiled softly “It’s okay Norah, I’ve known for a long time. She’s young, she needs the feeling of young passion. I still love her, I’m not mad at her and I don’t blame her. Of course I’d never tell her I know, I hope you don’t either. That would make things between us very weird.” He said laughing.

I leaned back and pushed my salad around with my fork “Are you seeing anyone else?” I asked thoughtfully. Maybe it could be fair if he did, or if he was sleeping around too.

He shook his head “Funny thing, I don’t want or need company. I like to be alone, the love and the passion just isn’t for me anymore. It died long ago.” He said smiling softly at me.

Furrowing my eyebrows I leaned forward “Did you just grow out of it?” I asked him not understanding.

Benson took a bite of his sandwich and then drank it down “I stopped searching for happiness and joy, or anything that made me feel alive the day I lost the only light in my life.” He said nodding.

“Your daughter?” I asked him softly, his eyes moving from his sandwich to me. “You remind me a lot of her. She used to always put everyone before her. Never asked her brothers for anything. On holidays, she would ask for gifts for others, not herself.” He said smiling.

I pushed my salad around and watched him nod “I’m surprised she told you about her, she doesn’t talk about our daughter.” He said quietly.

Shaking my head I stared at him “She didn’t, Jax told me. Well she eventually did, but that was after I brought it up.” I said watching him stare at me with an intense look.

He nodded “You should know, before you arrived, my wife was a very depressed, workaholic with no time for anything. She rarely paid much attention to her boys and usually avoided all games or fights. She didn’t go to any of Carters ceremonies. We hadn’t laid in the same bed for eight years.” He said looking to his sandwich sighing.

I went to say something but he continued “Jax and Mason rarely spoke, and Mason and Carter hadn’t spoken in four years. Our house was full but always quiet.” He shook his head “Then you came and somehow pulled it all together.”

Smiling, I watched him smile back “Would you think about staying for a little while longer? No rent, no paying, and you don’t have to babysit. Just stay.” He said staring at me almost begging.

I c****d an eyebrow “What happen to no moochers?” I asked laughing.

Benson laughed “Stay.” He said while the waiter came to ask how everything was.

We talked a bit more about his business and what he does, and he offered me a job but I just laughed and shook my head.

Now that I’m practically twenty million dollars richer I don’t think I need to work for a while.

When we got home, Benson told me to keep the price on a down low and I had the staff help bring my things up to my room. My car was parked in the garage and Benson and I had a lot of secrets shared today.

Alison came to my room an hour after looking over my bins “Lots of stuff.” She said eyeing it all, “if there’s anything you don’t want, let me know. I’m doing an auction next weekend for the children’s hospital.” She said smiling at me.

I eyed the bin of the rest of the autographed baseballs “Take this one.” I said going to pick it up but she yelled at me not to lift heavy things.

Laughing I lifted my hands in surrender, “I called and set you up for a couple hospital visit at my favorite pediatrician. It’s Wednesday at eleven in the morning. She’ll make sure the pregnancy goes through nice and smooth.” She said winking at me as she walked out carrying the tub.

I nodded and moved to the tub of gowns pulling each one out and hanging them up into my closet. The sound of creaking by my door pulled my attention and I stared over to it smiling at Jax.

“Hey.” I said putting the coats up too.

He eyed the tubs “You finally get your inheritance?” Jax asked placing a hand on one of the tubs.

I nodded and went to pick up one but he picked it up and stared at me daring me to fight him.

He put it on the other tub and I opened it staring at the boxes and boxes filled with jewelry.

Jax didn’t say anything, just watched me carefully “Im sure you’ve got it all handled, and planned but if you need anything, just let me know. I know James walked out, but you have us.” He said giving me a soft smile.

I smiled and dropped my eyes to the black velvety box lifting it and opening it to see a gorgeous diamond cluster ring. Jesus that is beautiful.

He stared down at it, “Don’t sell any of it.” He said looked down at the tub of jewels. I c****d an eyebrow and shut the box putting it in the tub and then pulling out the big satin white box opening it and eyeing the ruby statement necklace, turning it to him “When the hell am I going to wear this?” I asked laughing.

Jax shut the box and placed it into the tub “Don’t sell it, a woman should never have to sell her jewels.” He said staring at the boxes. “Your grandpa must’ve known that rule.” He said smirking.

I smiled down at the box looking back up at him and placing the lid back on the tub. “How about those?” I asked pointing to the tub of handbags.

He eyed it and then lifted it putting it onto another tub and opening it. As he looked inside he picked up one of the boxes, opening it and pulling the goldfish shaped handbag covered in jewels. “You definitely don’t need to keep these.” He said laughing lightly.

I nodded and walked to the box pulling the alligator one out “I wish I knew where my grandma wore these, and what the hell she wore them with because this is just insane.” I said laughing.

He nodded “I mean you could work them, they’re just a bit…dramatic?” His eyes stared in the box probably curious about what the other ones looked like. Honestly I was too.

“Oh” looking to the tubs, I placed the alligator purse on my bed and looked at each tub pointing to the grey one with the blue lid.

Jax moved the tub off it and opened it eyeing the guns inside. “Holy shit.” He said eyeing it.

I smirked “They’re all old too. There’s about twelve cases. So I’m guessing twelve guns if there’s only one per case. You want one?” I asked him c*****g an eyebrow.

He eyed me and furrowed his eyebrows “Keep these, they’ll go up like crazy.” He said eyeing the tub intently.

“Take one.” I said gesturing to the bin.

Jax shook his head “You keep them, in case you ever need the money.” He said nodding.

I sat back into my bed smirking “I’m not going to need money for a while. Your dad swore me to secrecy but honestly I suck at keeping things from you.” I said pushing off the bed and walking to the tub of handbags pulling them out and laying them on my desk.

“What do you mean?” Jax asked pulling the guns out and staring at each one.

Looking back at him I held up the jeweled Pistol purse, “I’ve got almost twenty million dollars from my grandparents.” I said opening the purse and eyeing the red satin inside.

“Norah, that’s amazing.” He said looking at me with a smile.

I nodded “Your dad wants to keep it a secret because he wants me to stay for the rest of the summer.” I said pulling out a few more.

Jax stayed quiet for a while and I managed to put all twenty purses on the desk.

A frog, kissy lips, an old telephone, alligator, goldfish, pistol, a puppy, cactus, rose, car, bee, realistic heart, pineapple, cake slice, snowman, pumpkin, bow, book, butterfly and rabbit.

Ridiculous.

“You’re set then.” He said clearing is throat.

I turned and looked to him watching him eye all the guns he laid out.

Nodding I smiled “Yeah, I’m telling you, take one. I won’t need them all anyways.” I said shrugging.

Jax stared at me, “Are you coming to the wedding?” He asked staring at one gun in particular.

I felt a bit awkward about the question “I might, I mean it depends on if Lindsay’s okay with it.” I said staring at my lame collection of purses.

He nodded low “I understand if you don’t, it’s stupid of me to ask you to.” He sighed.

Smirking, I walked over “It’d be rude if you didn’t ask though.” I said shrugging.

Jax stared at me before putting the guns away and then putting the lid on the tub “What else did you need to put away?” He asked looking over the other tubs.

I eyed them “I got it.” I said watching him stare at me and then I laughed “Alright just put them all on the floor and I promise I won’t lift any.” I said watching him nod and put them all down on the floor leaving a walk path.

He headed out the door running a hand over my hand and then walking out the door shutting it behind him.

This damn man.

Opening the one of the photos and my dads childhood blanket, I smiled and flipped through all six photo albums within an hour. My grandma was so beautiful I realized now that it’s no wonder all these designers gave her specially made handbags.

Many of the photos, my grandma wore the alligator purse, and I wondered if it was her favorite one. It was a cute emerald purse with a simple chain and four feet like a gator. But it was a normal clutch size. I might keep that one.

I put that tub aside beside the one of guns and then opened another which was full of metals and trophies.

Grabbing a thing of post it notes, I began labeling the tubs. Moving the alligator purse to my closet and putting the other ones back in the boxes and away.

Keep: Photo Albums, Christmas Ornaments, Jewelry, Guns, Grandpas Racing suit

Giveaway: Tub of trophies & metals (Lucas) Comics (Benson)

Auction: Fur rugs, designer heels, the purses, movie posters, paintings, stuffed deer heads and then the old wines.

After I finished, Carter called me to come eat and I went downstairs to eat dinner, surprised to see Lindsay at the table and all of the meat on the plates being removed.

Wow.

I eyed Coleen as she tried to take the chicken off my plate, but I picked my fork up poking it into my chicken and c*****g an eyebrow at her.

She grinned and walked out with the tray of chicken breast. “I can’t believe you’re going to eat that.” Lindsay said scowling at me.

Smirking I drank some water, placing my cup back down “I can’t believe you aren’t.” I said watching her cringe.

“Alison I have a couple more tubs upstairs for auction so just let me know where to put them and I’ll put them there.” I said smiling at her.

“I’ll put them. You’re not moving anything.” Jax said not looking up at me.

I laughed lightly “Right, tell me so I can have him move them.” I said to Alison.

Lindsay eyed Jax “Why can’t she move them?” She asked Jax and then Alison. Both of them stared at her taken back and trying to act nonchalant.

Mason was staring around the table, “Oh even dad knows?” He asked Carter looking to Benson who avoided eye contact.

I watched the table get awkward and quiet “I’m pregnant.” I said looking to Mason who eyed me for a while. “You and James…well did he knows about it?” He asked looking to my stomach.

Staring at my stomach I shook my head “Isn’t ever going to either, I prefer being a single mother.” I said shrugging looking to Mason who eyed me confused but nodded.

I began eating my dinner and ignoring Carters weird stare between Jax and I while the wheels in his mind spun.

We caught eyes and he stared at me furrowing his eyebrows “Jax” he mouthed.

I ignored him and watched Lindsay talk about the wedding details, “Alison, you have to make sure they will have the flowers, I will only do orchids.” She said like a spoiled child.

Alison sighed “Don’t worry, I called them ten times to make sure. You’ll have your orchids.” She said hiding her annoyance.

I smirked and tried to avoid Jax’s stare all night, his eyes on me in a longing way that I knew wasn’t right. Especially with his fiancé right beside him.

Finishing, I headed to my room and Carter was right behind, he came inside and shut the door behind me smirking “It’s Jax’s.” He said calmly.

Staring over at him I c****d an eyebrow, “What makes you think I didn’t sleep with James?” I asked.

He shook his head “Nope, it took you two months to sleep with one of us. Two months! You’re not going to just f**k a guy within a couple weeks of knowing him.” He said low.

I eyed him “I should give you more credit.” I said watching him smirk “So it’s Jax’s?” He asked.

Not responding, I stared at the floor and he laughed “You know my mom and I were in the living room talking about my inability to stay loyal to one woman, then we heard Jax m**n and we both thought…Lindsay didn’t come over…” He smirked “Then he kept saying your name, and I wondered how ironic. Even Jax isn’t loyal.” He laughed.

I ran my hand through my hair “You can’t tell Jax, Carter.” I said looking up at him.

Carter scoffed “Why not? He deserves to know the girl he really loves is holding his kid.” He said gesturing to me.

Loves?

“Jax doesn’t love me, he loves Lindsay. You guys all told me, he’ll always go back to her anyways. I don’t want a life of that.” I said shaking my head.

Carter eyed me “Yeah that’s true, but you aren’t like the other girls he’s dated Norah. You’re completely different. You’re what he needs.” He said sounding like some protective older brother who wants to preach about how great his brother is.

I smiled at him “Trust me, he needs this. He needs a family, a set life. Lindsay’s pregnant with his kid and she’ll never leave him alone. I know she won’t. I will, it’s the best option.” I said shrugging.

He sighed “You have no idea how wrong you are. But if you want to keep it a secret, I understand and I respect it.” He said nodding.

Giving him a hug, I pecked his cheek “I hope you find a girl willing to be in a polyamorous marriage with you.” I said laughing

Carter grinned “You willing?” He asked me while gesturing to my body.

I laughed sarcastically and gestured for him to get out. As he walked out I shut the door and stared at the tubs.

Do I owe it to Jax to let him know? No, right?