The Unorthodox Billionaire and His Wife

When I arrived at Grandpa's home and entered his library.I saw my older brother sitting in one of grandpa's leather chairs in front of his large walnut colored desk. It's been over a year since I visited my grandfather's library. Instantly memories of him surround me from when I was a kid

Chance shook his head at me. We are alike in so many ways, we both are over six feet tall, with dark features, but we are also vastly different. Chance is wearing his usual attire, a suit, and tie, looking spiffy! Staring at me as if I have been rolling around in hay or something. I ignored him and stood beside my chair, waiting for the lawyer to appear.

My brother remarked. "I see you didn't even have the decency to dress up for this meeting. For heaven Sakes Chandler! This is reading Grandpa's Will! Not some photo shoot, for number one cowboy of the year!"

"I'll take that as a compliment, my brother. Besides, I wore a suit for the funeral, that should be enough. I'm not putting on that contraption you seem to love wearing every chance you get. That explains why our parents named you Chance." Chandler rebutted, smirking at his brother.

I fight back laughter as I look at my brother's clean-cut, handsome face as he stares at my slightly rugged, rebellious one. His features are dark and chiseled, holding a stern expression. As his eyes of disdain for my navy blue and red plaid shirt, dark blue jeans, and boots reminded him of the hard work, I do on the ranch. I stood with my thumb clasping my belt loop. I looked at my grandfather's library, thinking I would miss him.

That's when a distinguished man with close-cut silver hair and pale green eyes walks into their grandfather's library and sits. "Good morning, you young men have my condolences. Your grandfather was a long-time friend and client of minds for years. I'm going to miss him."

"We will, too," Chandler replied, still mourning his loss.

"Sir, I don't mean to rush you, but I work in the city and need to be to work in an hour," Chance says abruptly.

"Well, let's get right to it, shall we?" The lawyer reviewed the document's legal terms first and what they meant. He also clarified to the family the definition of a will and that it is a legal and binding document.

"A Will goes into effect after a person or persons has died. In this case, Thorn Jordan has passed away." The lawyer states.

The lawyer tells the two young men in the room. "Mr. Thorn came to my law firm after the passing of your boy's parents a few years ago. He had a new living Will drawn up at that time. And as Mr. Thorn Jordan's legal representative, he asked if I would agree to conduct the reading of the Will for him at his home two days after his funeral. So here we are on this sad occasion. The legal document expresses Thorn Jordan's explicit directions on who will receive what of any property, material items, and funds. I have been appointed as his legal representative to carry out all his wiIs in this document regarding his land, property, business, and money."

Chandler and Chance sat up and looked at one another.

"Chance Jordan, since you are his eldest grandson, he starts with you. "Son, I was going to split the business and ranch between you and your brother. But since you turned your back on the ranch abandoning it by moving to the city, that option is gone. So I, Thorn Jordan, relinquish your care. T.J. Corporation. You are now the owner and CEO of a multibillion-dollar company. As CEO, your starting salary will be $500 million a year. And every year after, the company is audited and receives rave reviews and profits. Your salary will be increased by 100 million. If the company loses profits, your salary will be decreased by 100 million."

Chance let out a gasp. "He's such a tightwad!" The lawyer proceeds.

"Chandler Jordan, son, they say apples don't fall too far from the tree. And you are just like your Paw and me. What a combination! A lover and a fighter! I tolerated your father all my life. All your dad ever wanted was to be in love and work hard with his hands. I loved my son and will join him and your lovely mother. But Chandler, a word of caution and advice to you. Being a stubborn lover won't make you successful, nor being a fighter, son! You are my last hope! I realized your brother Chance is only 10% like your dad, and Chandler, you are a chip off the old block! And because of that. I will leave everything else I have to you."

The list reads:

Jewelry valued at a million-dollar.

Two imported luxury cars, two trucks, 1 top of line Tundra truck, and 1 top of the line Mercedes SUV

Two ranch homes. The 2000 sq. ft home you reside in. And then there's my 4000 sq. ft home.

Sixteen acres of Whispering Creek ranch, equipment, and your beloved horses.

Also, next to your brother, you will have the following amount of the most significant shares in TJ Corporation. A billion dollars will be deposited into your personal account to run Whispering Creek ranch.

"Wow!!!!" Chance utters out loud. "So he's making you an instant billionaire!"

"That's great!" Chandler excitedly states, thinking about all the improvements he could make at the ranch.

"Excuse me, gentleman, but I haven't finished the Will proceedings yet. I'll continue.

So, my youngest and tenacious grandson! I know your ears must have perked up. Good, because for you to have access to your inheritance, I put before you a wager.

Chandler hung his head, shaking it as he continued to listen.

I'm giving you exactly 90 days to show me you can handle it all, first, by working at headquarters with your brother during this time and by finding a pretty sweet thing willing to marry you and live at Whispering Creek. There are a lot of qualified gals at headquarters with pretty faces and tight waists for you to choose from. Once you find her, I want to abide by your mother's wiIs and get married at Whispering creek."

"Wait a minute! So that means I must get married here at Whispering Creek?"

The lawyer replies that's what his Will states. I'll reread it if you need me to."

"No, I heard you the first time."

"Then I will continue."

"There's more?"

"Yes, your grandfather is a comprehensive man. I quote. "Yes. A real wedding a Whispering Creek! Not some citified shing-ding like your brother Chance's wedding. Chandler, you don't know that a smart and hardworking woman is why most men succeed. And your grandmother and mom were the best. So it would be best to learn how to work smart and not hard. You must also learn how to use those hands to skillfully love up on your lady. A little paperwork will help you to be at thinking ability. So Chandler, find yourself a good wife! Good Lord, man! You are almost thirty! It's not good for a man to be alone for too long. I know right now you think this isn't fair. But, I'm being fair; three months is all you need to achieve what I require of you."

I can't go to the city. I don't have time for this. I have too much to do at Whispering Creek. But the lawyer kept on reading his grandfather's wiIs.

"I know you think I'm a little old fart. But, I tell you what, I'm raising the stakes. Suppose you accomplish this in the allotted time. Then, I will give you one billion dollars to invest in Whispering Creek and do what you like with it, no strings attached."

The lawyer raises a check already signed for one million dollars.

"It will make it easy for you to get a wife at headquarters once I know you have money to wine, dine, and treat her to the finer things. It'll make your offer to marry and live here at Whispering Creek more appealing. A woman wants to know you can take care of her."

"This is a ridiculous proposition!" Chandler stood pacing agitatedly.

"Son, if you feel the stipulations are too hard. Then you don't have to take it. You can do like your older brother and walk away from everything: the farm, my money, and this proposition. But if you are smart, like I know you are, you'll think about it because all the arrangements are ready for you to go. So you have only 24 hours to come to your senses and let my lawyer know your decision."

"This concludes the reading of the Will," The Lawyer states.

Chance stood and began laughing. "Better you than me. I'll happily take my inheritance over yours. I'm so glad granddad gave this old run-down ranch to you, Chandler. Even though I doubt if you can keep it, little brother." He said, patting his brother on his shoulder as he left the library, still chuckling.

Chandler was stressed! I can't believe my grandfather would do something like this to me. I don't like it, but one thing his granddaddy knew about me was that I never let a challenge get the better of me. I have no plans to lose the ranch I love. Sure, granddaddy, you got me over a barrel, but not for long! Now I just have to find someone to follow this crazy idea.

I've been dealing with a lot. I lost my parents in that car accident last year, and then my brother got up and left everything on me to get married. And now grandpa Thorn has passed away, leaving me with all this while challenging me from his grave! Waves of agony assaulted me, draining what little energy I had left. To conserve my strength, I gritted my teeth and swallowed the groans. I felt trapped, twisting my face toward the sun. Finally, I got in my red and royal blue ford truck and drove away.

Once I returned to my ranch house, I could finally breathe. I thought about my mother, who always told me my name was not just a name. I named Chandler because I had never backed down from a challenge, even as a little boy. I sighed, seeking the sun's warmth, stretching toward the light. I thought hard and long while holding a mug filled with coffee I had made earlier that I had left in my truck. I looked out over the vastness of Whispering Creek. Three months didn't leave me with much time for romantic nonsense. I had to think of the most direct route to prove I could do it. And it wasn't a bad idea that I would get my hands on a million dollars to get started.

Boy! The things I could accomplish with that money! All the things my dad dreamed about having here on Whispering Creek!

Okay, I was willing to admit I wasn't a smooth talker like my brother Chance. I was more of the slow but sure and steady but ready type of guy. But I was on a tight schedule, and I knew what kind of girl I was attracted to; I had someone in mind that would find my proposition interesting.

I sigh. I hopped in my truck to meet with the lawyer. I had a brilliant plan and couldn't wait to tell him face-to-face. I accepted my grandfather's challenge!

(Narrated) Life before moving to the city to find a wife.

Chandler rose at dawn's first light and pulled on a pair of worn denim jeans by the side of his bed. He had so many things he needed to do with the few days he had left before heading to the City.

"Come," he said to his dog Milo, Chandler scratching his bare abdomen and head simultaneously, drowsily walking down the long hallway. His work around the ranch made his body lean and hard. He padded down the hall of the large, white, gray, and red ranch house and into the kitchen.

There was something sticky under his foot on the linoleum, but since the fluorescent bulbs overhead were out, he couldn't see. He sleepily made a note of it and thought. "Now, I know why Chase got married. No more cleaning house and trying to take care of the ranch simultaneously."

He studied the row of buttons on the modern contraption that some would call a coffee machine a pain. It was a gift from his sister-in-law when she was dating Chase. She gave it as a gift to them, even though she was the only one who knew how to operate it when she came over from time to time. So Chandler never quite figured out how to use it correctly.

He punched a few buttons, and the machine sounded like a locomotive steam engine. He turned away and almost tripped over his black lab. Milo always sneaked up on him, appearing under his foot and wagging. Chandler never knew a happier dog; he'd had quite a few. His dog was hungry, so he opened a sack of dog food he kept in a large bucket next to the dingy kitchen wall.

After feeding his dog a chow bowl, he returned to his bedroom and found a shirt in his pile of unfolded clothes. "Ah, darn it! Do I have to fold clothes too? I'll tackle that, too, along with that broken fence. He dressed, pulling on his boots, brushing his teeth, and running his fingers through his thick hair.

The ladder half of the day on Sundays is his only relaxation time. So he figured he would wash his clothes in that old harvest yellow washer, and he might also wash a few things around the house. He couldn't remember ever mopping the floor here, and he knew Chase didn't clean a thing before packing his bags and getting out of here like a runaway freight train. So Chandler figured, after a year, it was as good a time as any to mop if he wasn't too tired after his other daily chores.

Chandler has lived alone for almost a year since Chase left home and married. It meant he was taking all the ranch responsibilities to himself. As a result, he hasn't been able to do much with himself or the house. He never thought he'd see the day he didn't shave and keep his haircut.

He'd always been a clean-cut kind of guy before his world collapsed. So when Chase first announced he had a girlfriend, Chandler was happy for him. Thinking Chase's girlfriend would be more help at Whispering Creek. But then it felt like Chase dropped a pile of horse manure on him when he announced he was getting married and moving to Halifax.

Since then, he hasn't been able to do much upkeep of himself. But it was okay because he only saw his neighbors occasionally and a few other farmers on the other side of the fence from time to time that live about a half mile away.

His faraway neighbors certainly didn't care what he looked like. He didn't have anyone to impress, and his dog Milo would like him no matter what, even if he walked him naked. He'd done that before after too many beers late one evening. Chandler chuckled, thinking how he would like to walk Milo again that way, but next time with his girl, both completely naked! He grinned from ear to ear at the thought.

Chandler returned to the kitchen. The coffeemaker now showed all green lights, so he poured himself a cup and sat down at the kitchen table, shoving aside salt and pepper and a stack of paper napkins beside a stack of paper plates. And his laptop, his only real connection to the outside world. Oh, he had a television hooked up to some rabbit ears so he could watch the one channel he could catch that showed a good movie maybe once a month.

He looked outside through the kitchen window. Then he looked at the stove. Wishing he could have a hot cooked breakfast. But instead, he grabbed a slice of bread and headed to the barn to start his chores for the day while the weather was excellent and the wind was still.

Smiling as he took and dunked his bread in his sweet coffee, he listened to the sound of the morning birds before it got too warm for them, and they disappeared into the brush. "Are you ready, Milo, to get our day started?"

He opened the back screen door. Milo took off, racing across the field with his nose to the ground-a coffee cup in one hand and a slice of bread in the other. Chandler moseyed on down to the barn putting his coffee cup on a shelf next to three other half-filled coffee cups from previous days. He opened the back fence and turned to his horses one at a time, swatting their rumps and sending them trotting to stretch their legs.

The horse he saddled, who he called by an American name from the movie "Troy." When he climbed on top and whistled for Milo, the dog raced out of the brush and ran alongside Troy as Chandler rode out into uncut land smiling. His ranch was huge, with a lot of fences to mend. He worked and thought about how lonely it had been the past few months, and now he realized how his brother must have felt to be without companionship.

But now all that has changed for Chase, he will have companionship for life. That made Chandler happy for his brother. The happiness he hopes to experience one day too.

Chandler had one more thing he needed to do. He thought it was time to go to a new world by making a living and getting his hands on that billion dollars. When the taxi picked him up to take him to the airport, he stopped at the cemetery. Chandler stared at the three Urns that contained the name, date, and relevant details of his parents and grandmother. He looked around as tears came to his eyes. He knew a man shouldn't weep, so he held it in as best he could.

All around him, people who once were alive and full of life are now gone, the next-door neighbor who helped him and Chase when they lost their parents a year ago and their grandmother, who was like a second mother they lost at the tender ages of 11 and 16.

He looked up at the heavens asking himself. "What happened to them all?" After that, no one left mattered to him except for Chase, Milo, and his horses. Oh, and his bothersome grandpa Thorn, who has managed to turn his life upside down. But Chandler knew he would turn it right side up again. And he'll be back one day to live in the Countryside of Whispering Creek.

Chandler left the ranch, Milo, and his horses with a man he respected and who was like his family. After their parents passed away, though, the boys were now grown. Mr. Chuck gave him and Chase love and helped them finish the work their father had left behind. Growing up as a country boy with parental guidance comes more from watching his parents and listening to the few essential things his parents taught him before passing.

He only knew a little about life outside of the Countryside of Nova Scotia. Then, in his teens, he went to school and got excellent grades; he went to the local college and learned about computers and technology. After that, he could fix almost anything, like that broken television he had back home.

When he was still in high school, Chandler would search the internet to see what other people worldwide were watching and listening to. It's been years since he's surfed the internet. But Last year was his first time seeing a Chris Brown music video and a Taylor Swift concert. He was behind on what was happening worldwide, but Chandler found it exciting and intriguing. He had heard about Michael Jackson years ago, that he came to Halifax, Canada, for a show. But Chandler was just a young boy then and had missed his opportunity to see him in person.

Then, a horn blew, disrupting his thoughts.

The taxi came, he looked back one last time, and off he went. Finally, he arrived at Nova Scotia airport, and Chandler had only a few minutes to get to the plane. He was motivated to go, his adrenaline was high, and he was excited about branching out, reaching his goal, and returning home to Whispering Creek one day soon with new prospects and a new life and wife.

According to Chandler Jordan's standard, he was impeccably dressed when he noticed the casual attire of other passengers on the flight to the City of Sydney. The City has a population of about 30,000 people. As the largest urban area on Cape Breton as the island's historical capital, Sydney is the perfect mix of metropolitan charm and down-home hospitality.

As a native of Nova Scotia, Chandler knew very little about the City of Sydney. It's a place that's popular for its incredible waterfront. But then, he read the brochure that encourages its tourist. On a warm summer evening, it's a great place to go for a walk, stop to watch a busker, and watch ships in the harbor. Along the way, be sure to get your photo taken beside the world's largest fiddle, built in recognition of Cape Breton's musical talent.

"Interesting, being that I don't have much time for romance, this brochure might be handy for quick references."

He tried to sit back and relax. He read over the apartment amenities. He would be staying in a new apartment building in Sydney that his grandfather owned. 'Now, this is a place you bring a young lady to.' Chandler thought, browsing over the pictures.

'I don't know how I will convince Erin to come home with me to live at Whispering Creek ranch.' He thought. You see, Chandler and Erin never officially dated. He was friendly with her, and she was with him. He kept a safe distance because he never felt he had much to offer to a girl like her. Even though he knew he had caught her attention as she had caught him, Chandler never asked her to be his lady.

Chandler figured she would be interested in something other than his country lifestyle. Even her parent's home in Nova Scotia was pristine. She came from wealth and was used to modern conveniences, having what she wanted or needed at her fingertips.

What did he have to offer someone accustomed to so much more when he didn't even have running water sometimes? He wanted to improve his lot in life. Chandler figured when he started making enough money. He would change the ranch house too.

His new wife would have everything she needed a Whispering Creek. He was willing to change things for the right girl to make her happy. But, of course, her happiness would be his happiness.

~~~~~

Once the plane was in the air, Chandler relaxed as flight attendants worked quickly and efficiently to ensure everyone was comfortable. He put away the brochure in his portfolio and closed his eyes. His mind returned to everything he didn't see coming this past year. Shortly after getting over the shocking death of his parents, he had to shift his mind to something that was supposed to be a happy occasion. A few months later, he was getting out of his blue pickup truck from making the 3-hour trip to Halifax. He arrived just in time as he heard the bells outside the chapel announcing the start of the celebration. He ran a finger inside his shirt collar, suddenly feeling as stuffed as a rolled-up hay barrel.

A suit and dress clothes are something he rarely ever wears. Chandler stares for a moment at this contraption that's called a tuxedo. This was his first time putting on one of these. "Why are there so many parts to this thing?" Chandler asked himself, aggravated, fixing something called a cummerbund.

Chandler wasn't the type to shy away from new things or occasions. He rarely goes anywhere fancy. The last recreational event he attended was a barn dance about a year ago to shake a leg. But today is an exception, especially since his older and only brother was getting married. Chase made a lot of sacrifices before making the long-awaited trip to the altar to get that kiss.

So now that they both are grown men, Chandler wondered when he was going to find him, someone, to kiss. He closed the door to his truck, thinking. 'With all the hours I'm putting in at the ranch, especially since Chase is gone.

It doesn't seem like I'll ever have time for any kissing anyway,' he said, chuckling. 'I'm not in a rush. Let me get inside to enjoy watching Chase struggle kissing his girl in front of all those people.' Chandler laughed as he opened the door and entered the groom's dressing room.

"Hey, you made it!" Chase said, visibly excited, which Chandler rarely saw on his face.

Chandler came into the dressing room with a miniature plastic football and tossed it to his big brother, who caught it like an expert. "Of course, I made it. I wouldn't miss you about to kiss a girl for nothing in the world." Chandler said, smiling watching his brother's face get bashful.

"You're dumb! That's what you are. I'm getting married. This is not some kissing extravaganza." Chase said as the two of them laughed together.

"I know that! But make sure your lips are not crusty and chapped." Chandler said, getting close to Chase's face as he pushed him away.

Chandler walked quickly over to the hall door and peeked out to see if it was time for them to take their places. He stood there momentarily, watching the usher escort the beautiful guest down the aisle on his arm. That's when he saw Grandpa Thorn. You couldn't miss him with his cowboy hat, three-piece suit, and expression that showed his utter disapproval.

"Boy! This is some swell place you got here. Wow! Those are some fancy decorations, too, come over here and see Chase. So many people are coming to see you and get your first kiss. All this is swell, but I can't believe you rejected Grandpa's offer to stay on at Whispering Creek."

"Come on, get away from the door. You're making me nervous about my decision. But I know I don't want to be owned."

Chandler turned around. "Really? I don't think he wants to own us. I tell you what. I won't be nervous when my turn comes. I told you to get married on the ranch at Whispering Creek. That's where I want to get married. Right in my backyard."

Chase shook his head at his little brother. "First of all, what girl on this earth are you going to convince to marry you? And on top of that, marry you on a horse farm? I can't wait to see that day." Chase chuckled, still shaking his head at Chandler as he threw the small football back across the room to Chandler.

Chandler laughed as he caught the ball. "Don't you worry about that? You'll see. Prepare your nervous lips to say those vows and kiss your pretty bride."

"Oh, I'm ready! That's the best part. Kissing the bride." Chase replied, puckering his lips and teasing Chandler.

The guys got their cue to march out. Chandler says, "Don't you wish Maw and Paw were here too?"

Chase wrapped his arms around Chandler's shoulders. "Yeah, they would be proud of us. But I'm proud of you, Chandler." Chase said warmly, smiling at his little brother, who had become a full-grown man.

"I'm proud of you too, Chase, and I'm going to miss seeing your face back home on the farm." Chandler smiled at his big brother. The wedding ceremony started, and now the two tall, handsome young men stood in front of the altar in their black and white tuxedos. As the audience sighed happily, watching the bride go down the aisle. Chandler glanced at Chase with the biggest smile.

Sharon raised her blue eyes and met Chase's dark brown ones. Her smile seemed to hold so much love. The air whooshed from Chase's lungs as his wife so beautifully approached, leaving him with a burning need for oxygen. But when Chase studied her intently, gazing at her white dress and a veil that covered her face. He gave her a smile that was so full of love and happy he chose her over Whispering Creek.

And finally, when the word came, "You may kiss your bride."

Chandler's face lit up with joy in laughter as he clapped, watching his brother kiss his beautiful Canadian bride.

I was sitting on the plane almost a year later, thinking about that day. "I can't believe I will ask someone to marry me. I, sure enough, didn't see this day coming back then." Chandler mumbled under his breath.

But had he sold his soul to the devil in the form of Granpa Thorn? Chandler shook his head no. He thought he loved what his parents left for him and Chase as an inheritance, and he was willing to do what it took to keep Whispering Creek. Chandler had graduated, getting his Bachelor's degree in engineering and electronics. He knew he could sit behind a desk and bark orders at workers. But he wasn't his nature. He was a country boy at heart. He loved the land he grew up on, and he loved his horses like a man loves a wife and kids.

They were his family, and now he had to fight to keep them if he wanted to stay in the countryside of Nova Scotia on his land. He loved everything about his life here: it was just the opposite for his older brother Chase. He wanted no part of Grandpa Thorn telling him what to do or country life any longer after their parents died. But Chandler loved how his parents were with one another, despite how difficult his grandfather Thorn made it financially for his dad and family.

His parents gave their two sons the best life ever! Even though they struggled for years to make ends meet to keep the land. Grandfather Thorn made it very clear to his son and grandsons. If you can't live by his rules and follow his directions, you can't have any part of his wealth! So his father had to do without a lot if they didn't turn a profit by selling thoroughbreds, and sometimes they didn't. The family had to go without running water, electricity, TV, an internet connection, or any modern conveniences most people took for granted for months.

But his parents made those difficult days fun for him and his brother. The family took bathed in the cool creek on warm summer evenings. They learned how to plant and grow their vegetables, and mom was the best cook in Nova Scotia! Chandler was happily content with his lifestyle. It had become expected that hard times would come occasionally, but it was a way of life. He lived that way all his life and didn't mind if he could continue. But now that Grandfather thorn is forcing him to find a wife. Chandler thought.

"What modern woman would be willing to live without these comforts?"

He needed to think about those things quickly and find that girl, or else he could lose everything.