Colette was still in her robe when he read the first line.

The property had a new owner.

W and P Bait and Tackle LLC.

Then he reached the signature page.

Marjorie Kellerman, Trustee.

His face went completely still.

“Mom?”

I took one last sip of coffee.

“Yes.”

Colette grabbed the letter from him. The new terms were simple. Their month-to-month rental arrangement was ending under the required notice period, and if they wanted to remain afterward, they would need to apply for a new lease at the current market rate.

Then Preston noticed my suitcase.

“You bought this house?”

“Ten months ago.”

“With what money?”

I smiled.

“The birthday card.”

Neither of them laughed.

I finally told them the scratch ticket had won fourteen million dollars. After taxes and careful planning, I had invested most of it, purchased my own home, and made sure I would never again depend on anyone who considered me a burden.

Colette stared at me.

“So you let us think you had nothing?”

“You treated me badly when you thought I had nothing. That told me everything I needed to know.”

My cab pulled into the driveway.

Preston asked where I was going.

“Home.”

I picked up my suitcase.

They had bought me a two-dollar joke because they thought that was all I deserved.

It turned out to be the most valuable gift they ever gave me.