“Then come to land office.”
Her father stepped back.
“Today.”
“Attorney is waiting.”
That was not true.
Yet.
Caleb glanced but said nothing.
Edwin looked between them.
Then left without another word.
Elena’s knees shook after door closed.
Caleb whispered:
“Attorney?”
“I was inspired.”
He smiled.
“Dangerous.”
The attorney’s name was Thomas Avery.
He was sixty-one, narrow as fence post, with spectacles that made him look permanently unimpressed.
His office sat above a feed store.
Elena liked him immediately because when she entered, he did not offer chair until he looked at chairs and realized none were safe.
Then he said:
“One moment.”
He disappeared into next room.
Returned with reinforced bench.
No apology.
No comment.
Just practical.
Elena sat.
Caleb stood.
Avery looked at him.
“You too.”
Caleb sat.
Avery opened file.
“Mrs. Holt—”
“Elena.”
He nodded.
“Elena.”
Good.
“You have recorded deed in your name.”
“Original transfer valid on its face.”
“Your father later filed guardianship representation.”
“Not formal court guardianship.”
“A management affidavit.”
“Very different.”
“Does it give him ownership?”
“No.”
“Can he sell?”
“Not lawfully without your signature.”
“Can he claim mine?”
“If forged, he can claim until challenged.”
Elena looked at Caleb.
“Wonderful.”
Avery continued.
“More important issue: marriage.”
She stiffened.
“Does Caleb own my land now?”
Avery looked at Caleb.
Caleb’s hands stayed still.
The attorney answered carefully.
“Territorial property law is evolving and your deed’s separate-estate language helps considerably.”
“But I do not like ambiguity.”
“So?”
“I prepared this.”
He slid document.
Caleb picked up.
Elena leaned.
A renunciation.
Caleb would disclaim any present or future marital claim to White Pine Basin and associated income.
Elena looked at him.
“You asked for this?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“Before wedding.”
Her eyes widened.
Avery said:
“He insisted.”
Elena stared at Caleb.
“You planned to sign before I knew?”
“Yes.”
“Why not sign already?”
Avery answered:
“Because I told him you should witness once informed.”
Caleb looked almost annoyed.
Avery shrugged.
“I am cautious.”
Elena read.
Every line.
Twice.
Avery smiled slightly.
“Your mother would approve.”
Elena looked.
“You knew her?”
“No.”
“I know her deed.”
Caleb signed.
Then Avery notarized.
Elena watched as any legal avenue for Caleb to profit from marriage disappeared.
Something in her chest hurt.
Not fear.
The opposite.
Avery said:
“Now.”
“We deal with father.”