"Are you serious, Landon? Out of his billions, your uncle left you that? And not one thin dime?!?!" the attractive young lady exclaimed in disgust. She flipped her long, golden blonde hair for emphasis.
"Chalia, Uncle Stuart and I always went camping. Twice a year, we went to some wild, remote spot. Our last time was six months ago. He was 97."
"You're joking! How on Earth does a 97 year old man survive in the wilderness?"
"He hired a chopper, and we were dropped off right at our chosen location. And it was a doozy! A tropical island out in the South Pacific. Completely uninhabited, except for the birds, lizards, and a species of wildcat. I don't think science has discovered it yet. It looks exactly like a tiger, but it's no larger than a Golden Retriever. And not much more aggressive than one either."
"Ok... I guess I wouldn't mind going out to some tropical island. But really? You can't tell me that you used that ratty old gear."
"Yes, he bought it when he was sixteen, long before he made his first million - or even his first five thousand. He worked for two years at odd jobs to get this. At the time, it was top of the line, the best that money could buy."
"Well it stinks! Either get rid of it, or put it in the garage. That is if you still want me to bring over the rest of my things before the lease is due for renewal?" she said quietly, with a growl that would surely cause a Kodiak Bear to think twice about messing with her.
"I'll put it in the garage..." Landon said, in a resigned voice.
"It's your choice. I don't see why you want it though." she said, crossing her arms. She obviously expected to see it in the trash bin well before the wedding.
"Uh, Chalia... There was one more thing that he left me." he said, hesitantly.
Her vivid blue eyes lit up with hope. Had this whole thing about camping gear older than her grandfather been a joke?
"He left me a trip for two. It's a three month trip, Honey. To a spot we didn't manage to explore thoroughly before he became too... Delicate. I hope you will come with me." he said, but he didn't sound hopeful.
"Where is it?" asked Chalia, skepticism creeping into her voice.
"India. And into the Himalayan mountains."
"And the accommodations?" she asked, tapping her foot. As she did, Landon noted the designer high heels.
"Right here." he admitted, gesturing towards the antique gear.
"No thank you! And you may deliver my things to my apartment at your convenience." she announced, before striding away on her long, elegant legs.
"Hello, my name is Wendy Laramie. I'll be your guide for the entire journey, Sir." announced an attractive twenty something blonde as he departed the small chartered plane.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Laramie. Where to first?" Landon replied, smiling.
"Do you have your gear with you?" she asked, curiously.
Yes Ma'am, right here!" he replied proudly, beginning to gather his belongings.
"Can I see it first, please?" she asked, suddenly serious.
"Sure... But I have everything that I need. Uncle Stuart made sure of that." he told her, somewhat puzzled, as he began unpacking right on the tarmac.
She took out a large folder, and seemed to be comparing the items with its contents. Once he had all of the camping gear out, he eyed a duffle bag.
"Do you need to see my boxers too?" Landon asked, only half joking.
Wendy smiled. "Only if you want to show me."
The way she said it made him blush. To cover his embarrassment, he asked "Does my gear meet your approval?"
"Yes, it's perfect in fact. Our first destination will be The United Bank Of Northern India."
"What? Why? I thought the trip was completely covered." he stammered, confused and a little worried. Was there some sort of misunderstanding? Was he destined to be stranded in India until he could somehow make arrangements to return home?
"Oh, it is. I just need for you to sign some papers, and meet with Mr. McManus."
"Uncle Stuart's lawyer? Why is he in India?" Landon asked, confused but somewhat calmer. At least he wasn't going to be stranded.
"He's here to officially sign your uncle's fortune over to you. Sir, your uncle wanted to make sure that you really treasured the same things he did. So he had you think that his estate was going to charity. And it would have, if you hadn't arrived with the inheritance that he initially left you."
Landon grinned. "This gear is still the best thing he could have left me. Where to after the bank?"
"First on the agenda is a photographic safari. We will be riding elephants through an untouched jungle."
"This is my kind of vacation!" he exclaimed, not even thinking about his former fiance.
Cover image made in Canva using their gallery