A Forever Family

by Sandi Lynn

  His face lit up and a wide grin appeared across his face. “Thank you so much, Mr. Black. I would love to work for you, and yes, I can start now.”

  “Awesome. But one thing. Call me Collin.”

  He stood up from his chair as I extended my hand to him. “Thank you, Collin. Thank you again. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

  “You’re welcome, and you have no idea how much this means to me.”

  Walking over to the door, I opened it and looked at my mom.

  “Sorry, Mom, but your time’s up here. You’re free to leave. I’ve hired Ethan and he’s agreed to start right now.”

  “That’s wonderful, Collin. I knew he’d be perfect here.” She smiled.

  She got up from the desk and gave Ethan a light hug. Just a few moments of conversation and they’d already bonded.

  “Congratulations, Ethan. If my son gives you any trouble, you call me. Here’s my number.”

  “Mom. Stop it,” I spoke as I narrowed my eyes at her.

  She laughed as she placed her hand on my face and then headed to my dad’s office.

  “Come with me and I’ll introduce you to my sister.”

  He followed me down the hall and I lightly tapped on Julia’s door.

  “Come in.”

  I walked in proudly and placed my hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Julia, I would like you to meet my new assistant, Ethan. Ethan, this is my sister, Julia Jensen,” I spoke with a wide smile.

  Julia got up from her desk and shook Ethan’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Ethan. I hope you enjoy working here.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Jensen. I know I will.”

  “Please call me Julia. We aren’t very formal around here.”

  “Ethan, why don’t you go back to your desk and get acquainted with the space. I’ll be there in a minute and introduce you to Laurinda, who will show you around.”

  He walked out of the office and Julia grabbed hold of my arm. “Oh my God, he reminds me of Mason.”

  “I know. Get this; he was a personal assistant to Kitty Chambers for a short while until she scheduled oral sex three times a week.”

  “Shut up!” She laughed.

  “I’m dead serious. So now we know the truth about kinky Ms. Chambers.”

  “I’m happy you finally found your dream assistant.”

  “Me too.” I kissed her forehead. “I’ll talk to you later.”

  Chapter 12

  Connor

  As I leaned back in my office chair and stared at the pictures of my wife, children, and grandchild that graced my desk, I smiled at what a lucky man I was to have such a great life. That was until my cell phone rang and I took a call from my mother.

  “Good morning, Mom,” I cheerfully answered.

  “Connor.” Her voice was shaky.

  I sat up in my chair. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

  “It’s...it’s… it’s your father. He passed away this morning.”

  “What?” My heart started to ache and my mouth went dry. “Where are you?”

  “I’m at the house.”

  “I’m on my way.” Click.

  I dialed Ellery.

  “Hi, babe.”

  My lips could barely form the words. “Ellery, my father just passed away.”

  “WHAT?! Oh my God, Connor.”

  “I’m on my way to get you. We need to go to my mom. She’s at the house.”

  “I’ll be ready. I’m so sorry. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  I shut down my computer and sprang up from my chair. Walking out of the office, I headed to Collin’s. “Laurinda, call Julia and tell her to get to Collin’s office immediately. Also call Ralph and tell him I’m coming down.”

  “Sure thing, Connor,” she said with concern.

  My eyes were stinging from the tears that filled them. The minute I walked into Collin’s office, he knew something was wrong.

  “Dad, what is it?”

  Julia came in right after me and shut the door. “What’s going on, Dad?” she asked in a panic.

  “Your grandfather passed away this morning.”

  “Oh no, Daddy.” Julia wrapped her arms around me. Collin walked over and did the same. The three of us were locked in an embrace.

  “I’m sorry, Dad,” Collin whispered.

  I tried to compose myself the best I could. “I need to go get your mom and we need to get over to Grandma’s house right away.”

  “Do you want us to come with you?” Julia asked.

  “No. I need the two of you here. I’ll call you when I know more.” I kissed both of them. “I love you both very much.”

  “We love you too, Dad,” they both replied.

  I walked out and told Laurinda what had happened and that I’d be out of the office for a period of time.

  * * * *

  Ellery was waiting outside the apartment building when Ralph pulled up. She flung open the door, climbed in, and wrapped her arms around me, holding me tight.

  “I’m so sorry, Connor.”

  “I know, baby. I am too.”

  “Did Jenny say what happened?”

  “No. I told her we’d be there as quick as possible. I need to be strong for her, Elle.”

  “You will be, baby. We all will be.”

  The limo pulled up in front of the house and I saw Cassidy standing at the door. The minute we got out, I ran to her and pulled her into an embrace. She was sobbing.

  “I can’t believe it, Connor. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

  “I know, sis. Where’s Mom?”

  “She’s inside, sitting on the couch. I think she’s in shock.”

  Walking inside, I made my way to the living room where I found my mom lying down.

  “Connor,” she spoke as she sat up.

  Sitting down beside her, I pulled her into me and comforted her. “How did he die?”

  “Heart attack. When he got out of bed this morning, he was irritable and not feeling well. He went into the bathroom and when he came out, he was clutching his chest and telling me to call 911. He passed away before they arrived. I screamed for the staff and Juan tried to give him CPR, but it was too late.”

  Ellery sat down on the other side of her and held her hand.

  “Don’t worry, Mom. We’ll take care of everything.”

  “No need, Connor. Your father and I took care of all the arrangements a couple of years ago. Cassidy already called the funeral home. The viewing will take place the day after tomorrow and the funeral will be the next day. After that, all family and guests will come back here to the house for a luncheon.”

  I got up from the couch and walked over to the bar, pouring myself a scotch. First Denny and now my father. He hadn’t been sick but maybe twice in his life.

  “I want my family here for dinner tonight at six o’clock. Call the kids and make sure they cancel whatever plans they may have. This is a time when we all need to be together.”

  “I’ll call them, Connor,” Ellery spoke.

  “I’ll do it, baby.” I pulled my phone from my pocket and did a three-way call with Julia and Collin.

  “Hey, Dad.”

  “Hi, Dad.”

  “Your grandmother wants the family together for dinner tonight. Make sure you’re here at six o’clock.”

  “How is she?” Julia asked.

  “She’s in shock right now.”

  “We’ll be there, Dad. See you later,” Collin spoke.

  Finishing my drink, I walked back over to the couch and sat down.

  “The newspapers have already been called and they’re going to do a feature article on your father for tomorrow’s paper.” She got up and walked into the kitchen.

  I looked at Ellery as she grabbed my hand and pressed her lips against it. “Are you okay?”

  I sighed. “I don’t know. Don’t you think she looked a little robotic?”

  “She’s probably still in shock and it hasn’t hit her yet.”

  “I guess.”
I put my arm around her and pulled her into me as I softly stroked her hair.

  * * * *

  “Damn it,” I yelled as I struggled with my tie.

  Ellery walked over and took my tie in her hands. “Here. Let me help you.”

  “I’m sorry, Elle.”

  “Don’t apologize, sweetheart. This is very difficult for all of us.”

  She tied my tie and reached up and kissed my lips.

  I pulled her into an embrace and held her for a few moments. “I’m still mourning the loss of Denny and now my father.” I broke our embrace and placed my hands on each side of her face. “I’m so happy to have you to go through this with. You’re such a strong woman. I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lost you.”

  Pursing her lips together, which gave way to a small smile, she spoke, “You’re not going to lose me, Connor.” Her lips softly brushed against mine. “We have to go or we’re going to be late.”

  I put on my suitcoat, grabbed my wallet, and we climbed into the limo and headed to the funeral. After the service at the church, where many tears were shed, we went to the cemetery and watched as they lowered my father’s casket into the ground. Sadness overwhelmed me as I held on tight to Ellery and my mother, while my children stood close, wiping the tears that fell from their eyes. As people walked up to us and gave their condolences, my eye caught the attention of a young man standing over by a tree a few feet away. He was the same man who I saw lurking around the funeral home yesterday and the same man I saw sitting in the back of the church this morning. He stared straight at me for a few moments and then turned and walked away. An uneasiness settled inside me and I didn’t know why.

  “Dad, what’s wrong?” Collin asked as he came up next to me.

  “See that guy over there walking away?”

  “Yeah. Who is he?”

  “I don’t know. I saw him at the funeral home yesterday but he didn’t talk to anyone. Just like he didn’t talk to anyone here.” I started to go after him. “Hey,” I yelled as I got closer. He kept walking and didn’t turn around. “Excuse me. Did you know my father?”

  He stopped dead in his tracks and lowered his head. I stopped behind him and waited for him to turn around, but he didn’t. He slowly turned his head to the side and, without looking at me, he spoke, “I met him once and I’m sorry for your loss. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere I have to be.” He continued to walk away.

  “Connor, what are you doing? Come on; we have to get to your mom’s house.”

  “I’m coming,” I spoke as I continued to stare at the man who said he’d met my father once.

  Chapter 13

  Collin

  People were scattered throughout the first level of the house and outside in the back where my grandmother had set up fancy tables, centerpieces, and tents throughout her massive backyard.

  “Is this a funeral luncheon or a party?” Amelia asked as we looked around outside.

  “My grandmother goes over the top with everything. Obviously, funeral luncheons aren’t any different.”

  We walked around and visited with some of the guests that showed up, including Ashley and Ariel Braxton.

  “Wow. Your grandmother sure knows how to put on a funeral luncheon.” Ariel smiled as she gave me a light hug.

  “We were just talking about that. I know I already sent you my congratulations, but now that you’re here, I can give you a real one.” I reached over and gave Ashley a hug. “You looked amazing on the cover of Elle Magazine.”

  “Thanks, Collin. It was a lot of fun.”

  “How’s Alan doing?”

  “We broke up a few weeks ago. I finally realized, after two years of my dad telling me what an asshole he was, that he was. I’m much happier now that he’s out of my life.”

  “And what about you, Ariel? How’s Brandon doing? I heard he just got traded and now he’s playing for the LA Kings.”

  “Yes, and I couldn’t be happier. He’ll finally be back in L.A. where he belongs,” she said with excitement.

  The four of us talked for a while until I looked across the large, manicured yard and saw my dad sitting alone on a bench in the garden.

  “Excuse me ladies. I need to go talk to my dad.”

  I made my way through the crowd of people and took a seat next to him.

  “You okay, Dad?”

  “Yeah, son. I just can’t stop thinking about that guy at the funeral. I don’t know why and I can’t put my finger on it. There was something about him.”

  “I think you’re obsessing too much over this. Maybe Grandpa helped him once and he wanted to pay his respects.”

  “Then why stand back in the crowd and not talk to anyone? Especially the family?”

  “Maybe he’s shy.” I put my arm around him. “Come on, Dad. Let’s get back to the luncheon. There’s a whole lot of people to talk to.”

  He looked at me with a small smile. “You’re right. Let’s go.”

  We walked back to the house and my dad went to find my mom while I stopped and talked to my friend, Liam Wyatt.

  “Liam, my friend. Thanks for coming.” I gave him a light hug.

  “So sorry about your grandfather.”

  “Thanks. I saw you at the funeral, but things have been a little crazy. I’m sorry I haven’t had the chance to talk to you.”

  “Nah. No worries. Oliver and Delilah send their condolences. They’d be here if they could, but they took Sophie to Disney World. Hey, I know this is weird and all, but is something wrong with Hailey?”

  “I don’t know. Why?”

  “I saw her in the house and she was acting weird. It’s like she’s on something.”

  “Julia said the same thing a few days ago. I don’t know and, to be honest, I don’t really care.”

  Amelia walked over to us, holding Brayden. “Hi, Liam.” She smiled.

  “Hi, Amelia. Congratulations on marrying this fool.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  Laughter escaped her lips. “Thank you.”

  As we stood there talking, another good friend of ours walked over to us.

  “Collin. We’re so sorry for your loss,” Max and Emma spoke as they both gave me a light hug.

  “Thank you. I’m glad you guys are here. Hey there, Sarah.” I smiled as she held out her arms and I took her from Max. “You are getting way too big too fast.”

  Amelia and Emma walked away and left us guys to talk.

  “Any kids in your future?” Max asked.

  “Someday. I would like to wait a couple of years.”

  “All my friends are off getting married and having babies, and I’m still trying to find that perfect girl.” Liam pouted.

  Max hooked his arm around him. “I just saw you the other night with that smoking hot chick at the restaurant.”

  Liam rolled his eyes. “Oh, she was hot and she knew it. She spent a majority of the night taking selfies and snap chatting. For a woman who was twenty-four, she acted like she was sixteen. I couldn’t get her home fast enough.”

  Max and I chuckled and Sarah started to fuss and wanted to go back to Max. “I better go find Emma. Sarah’s getting tired.”

  “Thanks again for coming. I appreciate it.” I gave him a pat on the back.

  “No problem, friend. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  Liam and I talked for a few more minutes and then he had to get to the office and take care of a few things since Oliver was out of town. We said goodbye, and when I went to find Amelia, I found her talking to Hailey.

  “Hey.” I wrapped my arm around Amelia’s waist.

  “Hey.” Hailey excused herself, and when she began to walk away, she dropped her purse and the contents spilled onto the floor. I bent down to help her pick it up and saw four prescription bottles full of pills and a small zippered baggie with a white powder in it.

  “What are these?” I asked her as I picked up the bottles.

  “Nothing.” She grabbed them from my hands and nervously shoved everything back in her p
urse. “I’ll talk to you guys later.” She stood up and walked away.

  “Maybe you should talk to her parents,” Amelia spoke.

  “It’s none of our business, Amelia. Please. I don’t want to discuss this again.”

  She wrapped her arms around me and pressed her cheek against my chest. “You always help people, Collin. That is one of the things I love most about you.”

  An anger began to brew inside of me. I was sick and tired of people trying to shove Hailey down my throat. I broke our embrace.

  “Why can’t you leave it alone?! I just lost my grandfather. Hailey is the last fucking person on this Earth I want to talk about!” I spoke in a raised voice.

  I ran my hand through my hair and walked away to get some air. I stepped outside on the porch and sat down on the swing. I felt bad for raising my voice at my wife and, judging from the expression on her face, she was hurt. As I was sitting there thinking of a million ways to apologize to her, my mom came out and sat down next to me, taking hold of my hand.

  “What’s going on, Collin? I saw you storm out and Amelia standing in the middle of the room. Did you two have an argument?”

  I sighed. “No, Mom. It was more of me just being an insensitive asshole.”

  “Tell me what’s going on. You know you can talk to me.”

  “Something’s going on with Hailey and everyone is expecting me to fix it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “She’s doing drugs, Mom.”

  “I see. Do you know that for sure?”

  “Yes. Julia saw her doing coke in the bathroom at Peyton’s birthday party and earlier, she dropped her purse. When I bent down to help her pick her things up, she had four bottles of pills and a baggie with coke in it. Julia and Amelia both want me to talk to her. It’s none of my business. She’s not my concern and I don’t want to get involved.”

  She gave my hand a squeeze. “Between you and me, Peyton expressed her concern about Hailey a couple of days ago. She and Henry don’t like this guy she’s with. I know your history with Hailey isn’t good, considering what you went through, but sometimes, we need to put the past behind us.”

  “So you’re saying you put what happened with Ashlyn behind you?”