nto the car and drove it home with a huge grin on my face.

I would fetch my other car later on. But the Chevy wasn’t all I got from the deal. On my way home, I glanced down and spotted the ashtray’s closed lid.

Smiling faintly, I opened it up for old time’s sake, just to glimpse inside.

It was empty, as I had assumed it would be. But from beneath the ashtray’s removable innards, I saw a white piece of what seemed to be paper jutting out.

I plucked at it, but it was stuck. Eventually, I got to a gas station, parked, and inspected the ashtray properly.

I removed the plastic bowl where ash was meant to be collected, and lying beneath it was an old envelope with my name scrawled on it.

I was astounded. It was Grandpa’s handwriting, and the envelope was slightly yellowed from age. It was quite heavy and lumpy.

I took it out gingerly and tore it at the top.

A note peeked out, which read: Graham, I hope you’ll enjoy this car as much as I did. I’ve taught you how to look after it, so I expect you to keep her shining.

By now, your sisters and mother are probably all ticked off at you, but that doesn’t matter. You’re the only one I consider family.

You see, you’re grandmother always had someone on the side.

She thought I didn’t know about it, but I just kept my mouth shut. Better to not rock the boat, eh? Your mom is the product of that relationship.

I’ve known this from the start.

I don’t have a single legitimate child. But that’s neither here nor there because you have been like a son to me. That’s why I’m leaving you the Chevy and little to anyone else.

They all know about their real granddad.

They kept you out of it because we were so close and you’re the youngest. But you deserve to know that I love you no matter what.

Enjoy the ride, Grandpa. I won’t admit it easily, but I teared up.

It was so touching. I drove the rest of the way home with a huge smile on my face.

Despite the shocking revelation, I knew Grandpa loved me, and now I had the Chevy back with the person it truly belonged with.

I was so happy, I forgot about the envelope. I picked it up from the ashtray just as I stopped at home, a few minutes ago.

I felt something rattle around inside, and when I looked, I saw a huge gem winking at me.

In awe, I flipped the envelope around, and on the back was scrawled, “I had no doubt that you would find the candy.”