“And now I suspect he was a man, just like us—except he didn’t realize what being a man actually meant until death was staring him in the face.”
Another silence. Then Jake let out a breath.
“Maybe you’re right. It’s a long story, but this last thing he did—”
“Enrique?”
“Yeah. Enrique. Our father,” he said, testing the words for the first time. “The last thing he did—what he set out for me in that will—is what led me to my wife. So I suppose—I suppose I owe him something for that.”
His brothers nodded. “The same here,” Nick said, and Anton quickly agreed.
“Still…” Jake said carefully, because even though they’d discovered so many shared convictions he didn’t know how they’d feel about the money their father had left them. “Still,” he said, “I don’t want his money. If you guys do, that’s okay, but—”
“I’ve already told Estes what he can do with my third,” Anton said.
“Graphically, I hope,” Nick added, and the three men laughed.
Jake raised a hand and signaled for another round.
“Actually, my wife will get my share,” Anton said. “It’s a long story, but Enrique set things up so that if I refuse the money Cristina inherits it instead.” His smile broadened. “And she’s going to put it to good use. She has a ranch, and there’s a forest that needs protecting…” He shook his head. “Another tale that’s too long to tell just now, but trust me, the money will be well-spent.”
“So will my share,” Nick said. “Tess suggested we donate it to an orphanage. I think that’s perfect.”
“Yeah,” Jake said, “it’s a great idea.”
“And what about you?” Anton asked.
Jake frowned. “I never got much further than figuring I’d dump the money in the sea. But listening to the two of you gives me an idea. I mean, it’s not the money that’s tainted, it’s how our father tried to use it.” He paused until the bartender had served their drinks. “My Catarina had a tough childhood, shut away in a boarding school about as welcoming as a mausoleum.” Smiling, he raised his glass. “Gentlemen, here’s to the fund that will establish the Catarina Elena Teresa Mendes-Ramirez School for Girls—Girls, not Young Ladies!”
His brothers and he touched glasses again and tossed back their drinks. Then Nick looked at his watch.
“Jake. Anton. It’s almost time.”
Jake nodded. “Then let’s do it.”
“First, though,” Nick said, “I want to call Tess. She was, uh, she was a little concerned about how this would go.”
“Yes,” Anton said, with a smile, “Cristina was, too.”
“Add Cat to the list.” Jake took out a cell phone. So did his brothers. “Uh, Anton? Nick?” He spoke carefully, because even though things had gone well—better than well—you never knew. “Before we call our wives…”
His brothers raised their eyebrows. “What?”
“Well, I was thinking…There’s this terrific restaurant a couple of blocks from where Cat and I are staying. Nothing flashy or trendy, just the kind of place where we could get a table for six and spend the evening getting to know each other.”
Neither man answered. Jake flushed.
“No problem,” he said briskly. “I understand.”
“You don’t,” Nick said, a little thickly. “I was just—I was just having—you know—a little trouble getting the words out.”
“Same here.” Anton’s voice was husky. “I think your idea is great.”
“Great,” Nick echoed. “So, come on, man. Tell us the name of the restaurant.”
The three men smiled. Then each dialed a number. Each turned away and spoke softly to the woman he adored—the women their father had somehow arranged for them to meet.
Moments later, the three Ramirez brothers walked out into the sunshine—together.
Together for all time.
ISBN: 978-1-55254-901-8
Copyright © 2007 Harlequin Books S.A.
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