Deadly Inheritance (completed)

Chapter 34

As I walked up Ryan met me with tears in his own eyes, arms stretched out ready to take me into his embrace. My emotions mixed seeing his face I understood why it came from the doctor and not him. He couldn't say the words.

I folded my arms around my husband and cried just as hard and deep as he did. He's just as heartbroken at losing his sister as I am. Pops can't look at me or speak his tears are falling as well. It's only then I noticed that Jose was in the drivers seat of the truck. None of us are in any shape to drive.

So we head away in silence and prepare for our goodbyes.

Everyone was at the hospital first thing in the morning. Dressed in our best for her, we each held hands and cried. Even the nurses joined us. Ryan didn't leave my side. His hand in mine as we entered Nat's room. Pops Jose, Baxter and all of the ranch hands who watched her grow up stood here. We stood in silence for a bit no one knowing what to say or do before I stepped forward and took Natalie's hand in mine as I do every day. It's cold today, there's no heat to her touch. The machines are silent but she looks at peace laying there.

"I'm gonna miss you. You were a sister and friend to me. I will never forget you." I can't say much more it's all caught around the tears.

Stepping back I bury my face in Ryan's chest. I can't see this. It's too hard. One by one each of us say goodbye until Baxter steps to the side of the bed sitting down next to her I can tell by his ashened face this has taken its toll on him.

"I'm so sorry Nat. I know I fucked up with you. I know how much I hurt you. I saw your letter to me. Fuck! I wanted to fix this baby, I wanted you back. You were always the strongest woman. Why couldn't you have been just a little stronger and pull through this? What do I do now without you?" He swipes at the tears streaming down his face.

"I got this for you. I wanted you to have it, to be mine." Baxter took her left hand and slide the ring onto her finger. "You will always have a place in my heart baby. I will always love you and one day I'll see you again. Fuck! I don't want to say goodbye!" His head fell against her stomach and he lost it.

I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him to me and cried with him. I didn't know he wanted to marry Natalie. She would have said yes. I know it. Looking down at her hand in his still, I admired the ring. It was perfect for her.

He shook his head at me when he rose to his feet, bending down and kissing her lips.  Baxter turned to me and kissed my forehead whispering "I can't Char. I just can't."

Baxter turned and pushed his way out of the room. I heard him punch a wall then curse loudly as he left. This was more than he could take. As much as he stayed away I think it was easier for him to believe she was alive and would pull through than have to say goodbye. It was just more than he could do.

We all grieve in our own way. I knew Natalie wouldn't want us mourning her forever but celebrate her spirit and life everyday. In the following week we slowly started putting our world together with an empty hole just for her. It would never be filled.

Baxter left town immediately after seeing Natalie. His heart was so broken he just couldn't keep going here and not see her. Natalie was the love of his life. I'm certain of that. He's working in New York at the Layton office. I've made him CEO there and he has taken the reins to run things there. Bailey has remained on as his assistant. I think she will help him immensely learn the ropes.

Ryan and I are pushing forward at the ranch. We decided to go ahead with the holiday open house party to open the ranch to the public. Natalie would have wanted it. I'm preparing the house and with the help of the ranch hands and their wives I've decorated and setup quite the exhibits for all to enjoy.