by Elsie Davis
“Mine was the easy job. Everyone else is bringing the food. You’ll have more than you know what to do with for weeks on end. The people of Hallbrook loved your mother, and if there’s anything you need, I’m sure they’ll be there to help. And I’ll be here if you need me, all you have to do is ask.”
“That sounds awesome.” It would be hard for the residents of Hallbrook to help once Garrett was back in the city, but after April’s reaction about him taking the kids there, he wasn’t about to say a word to anyone else.
He started for the stairs, but Sandy cried out and chased after him as fast as her short legs would let her as she tried to catch up. She raised her arms, her fingers clenching together, a signal he’d come to recognize. He lifted her up in his arms, resigned to the fact he’d have to deal with her and the others at the same time.
“Never mind. I’ll take her with me.” He stopped at Melanie’s room first and entered. “Melanie, you need to wake up. You need to get ready for the celebration today, and we still need to clean the house.” Garrett still couldn’t get used to calling today’s get together a celebration. He understood, but it was different. His mother’s life would be celebrated, not mourned.
Melanie groaned and rolled over away from him. “I’m tired,” she muttered, pulling the covers over her head.
“If you’d gone to bed at your proper bedtime, we wouldn’t have this problem.”
She rolled over and stared back at him, a guilty expression on her face. “But it’s Saturday. Grams let us sleep in.”
“I’m not Grams, and we have stuff to do.” Garrett remembered April’s advice. “You need to do what you’re told.” There, that ought to do it. Firm and in control.
“Fine.” Mission accomplished. One down, and one to go.
He knocked on Bryan’s door and entered. When he pushed the door open, however, it was to discover Bryan in his beanbag chair in the corner. The kid looked up and then went straight back to what he was doing.
“I didn’t know you were awake. You need to get dressed and come downstairs. Get some breakfast, and then we need to clean before people start showing up today.” Bryan didn’t budge or give him the courtesy of a response. He just kept playing his game.
“There are donuts downstairs courtesy of April.” It worked. Well, somewhat. He had the kid’s attention, but the boy still didn’t budge. “Unless you want me to take your tablet away for the rest of the day, I suggest you do as you’re told.”
A look of shock crossed Bryan’s face. But he did toss his tablet to the side and push himself up off the beanbag. Garrett decided it was safe to leave him to get dressed alone, having made his point. He didn’t want to be hard on the kid, but he didn’t know what else to do. Garrett remembered the tactic his own mother had used on him frequently to make sure chores got done. Only back when he was a kid, his Achilles heel wasn’t a tablet, it was hanging with his friends and playing outside.
He stopped at Melanie’s room and knocked. No answer. He poked his head in the door to discover she hadn’t moved. Didn’t anybody around here do what they were told?
“Melanie, get moving.” He hadn’t found anything to use for leverage with her yet, and short of calling April for advice, had no idea what to do next.
“Fine,” she grumbled from across the room, but this time she shoved back the covers, swung her legs over the edge of the bed, and rubbed her eyes.
He let out a breath of relief and closed the door. “I’m glad you’re not this difficult, Sandy.”
She reached out to touch his face, her finger poking his eye.
“Hmmm, try to miss the eyes. I rather enjoy being able to see. Thank you.” He grinned and headed down the stairs.
Ten minutes past before the kids managed to drag themselves downstairs. Much to their credit, they were dressed, their hair was combed, and they were presentable. It was a favorable start to the day and encouraging.
His positive attitude changed by the time people started arriving for the celebration. The children did what they were told but had no problem expressing their displeasure in the form of silence. Sandy, on the other hand, didn’t speak anyway, but she also wouldn’t let him out of her sight. Jessica was in and around, using every opportunity to flirt.
And he still hadn’t heard from his sister. The uncertainty of knowing how long things would remain the way they were was unsettling. Garrett was used to his employees following his orders, but these children didn’t have the same motivated desire.
Ever since Charlie had called him with the news of his mother’s death, Garrett hadn’t had a chance to slow down and absorb the impact. At first, he was too busy at the office getting ready to leave, and then from the second he’d gotten to Hallbrook, it had been a nuthouse. What he wanted to do was take a stroll and escape to his mother’s favorite spot just to breathe. But with kids, even that wasn’t possible.
People started arriving, and soon, the driveway was filled with cars all the way back to the street. They brought casseroles, desserts, and salads, filling every inch of counter space in the kitchen and on the table. Jessica had been right about the food. It was more than he could possibly imagine needing in a month.
Everyone either stopped to say hello or introduce themselves. They were all cheerful—not something he’d expected. His mother had been firm in her wishes, at least according to the pastor when Garrett had called him about funeral arrangements. No crying. No tears. No sadness. A celebration of her life was her wish. She’d planned for everything, right down to how she wanted her ashes spread on her favorite spot of the estate. The place overlooked miles and miles of countryside, frequently capturing the beauty of an evening sunset, her favorite time of the day.
Garrett continued to mingle; in awe of the footprint his mother had left on the community. He waved at the mayor when he spotted him across the room. His mother and Mr. Tucker had spent lots of time together in the name of research, his mother determined to keep the town’s traditions and history alive.
His mother had been loved by the entire town and everyone she’d met. Everyone, it would seem, except his own father. A man more dedicated to his work than his family. When he had focused on family, it always ended badly. He hadn’t even bothered coming to the celebration of life or to acknowledge the loss.
The man was a savvy attorney, and Garrett had chosen to follow in his footsteps, with the sole purpose of being better than him. They talked about once a month because some things never changed—he still wasn’t a family man. He hadn’t even bothered to contact Garrett to acknowledge their recent loss.
Garrett spotted Rufus running in the front yard as he gazed out the window. One of the kids must have let the dog out because he’d personally seen to locking the beast up for today’s celebration. The oversized four-legged dog who thought he was a human would wreak havoc if turned loose inside the house with everyone, not to mention in the kitchen with all the food.
He headed outside, hoping to find a way to round the dog up. He was more than a little surprised to see the kids out front. Garrett had forgotten about them—proof he was terrible at being responsible for kids. Monday morning, he wouldn’t be sending his sister a regular message, it would be more like a SOS signal.
“What are you kids doing out here? You should be inside talking to people,” Garrett said, his voice coming out harsher than he liked.
“It’s boring inside. And I’m keeping an eye on them,” Bryan scoffed.
“But I’m the one in charge. No one asked me, and I didn’t even know you were outside.”
“Chill. Grams let me watch them all the time. I’m nine and quite responsible, you know.” Bryan talked to him as if he were the child.
“Yeah, well, I’m thirty-three and have my own share of responsibilities. And right now, that includes you three. I want you inside, therefore, you should do it. End of discussion.” April told him to take control and being direct was the only way he knew how to communicate.
“You’re no fun.” Brya
n scowled.
“Welcome to my world, kid.” Sandy ran up to him and took his hand. Together, they returned to the house, Garrett expecting the other two to follow.
He took Sandy over to the toybox in the living room. “Why don’t you play here for a minute.” She nodded. At least she didn’t give him a hard time.
Garrett stood next to the fireplace, finding the only spot in the room where there wasn’t a body. A place for him to stop and breathe. He gazed at his mother’s photograph perched on the mantel, remembering the time it was taken. She had just opened her boutique and they’d had a grand-opening party. His mother had been in her element as people from all over New Hampshire stopped in to check out the artisan arts and crafts, handmade furniture, and housewares she proudly displayed in the boutique. It had been the beginning of what turned out to be a huge success.
Sarah Bradley had been a beautiful woman. The smile she wore in the photograph was one of his favorites. Her special-occasion smile as he liked to think of it. One he and Angelica would see whenever they did something noteworthy while growing up. Always proud and full of praise, that was his mother. But it was a smile that only started to happen after his parent’s divorce. The divorce he’d caused. Him and his big mouth, begging for a dog.
It was the last fight they’d had before they’d called it quits, and it was a night he’d never forgotten. He’d been a handful as a kid, and apparently, more than his parents could deal with. Angelica, on the other hand, followed true to her name and was the angel of the family. But in the end, even the angel had had to deal with the split-up of her parents. Just one more thing for him to feel guilty about.
“Hey, Garrett, it’s good to see you. I wish it were under better circumstances.” Fred Kritzer clapped him on the back. His high school science teacher had been a fixture at Turlington High for well over thirty years.
“Me, too. Thanks for coming.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. I rather enjoy this new thing of a celebration. Wakes are so somber, and your mother wanted no part in that tradition. She was always so full of joy.” Years of well-worn lines deepened on the old man’s face as he recalled his friend with fondness.
“I agree. She loved it when family and friends found any reason to get together.” His mother believed relationships required time and effort if one wanted to enjoy the fruit. Something he’d lost sight of when it came to visiting his mother.
“Are you staying in town for long? With the kids? It’s a shame those kids lost their folks in a car crash. They were a wonderful couple and filled with love for their children. Your mother was a saint taking the kids in, giving them a chance to stay together. The whole community was relieved. Not many people would take in three kids and a dog.”
You could say that again. “I’m not sure what’s happening quite yet. There’s sure to be an adjustment period. The kids are doing okay, but they are still up and down emotionally, which is understandable. Each one’s reaction is so different, so it’s hard to say.” Each time he was reminded of what they’d been through, it made him feel more guilty for not being more understanding.
Charlie Wilcox approached him. The two men shook hands. “Charlie.”
“Sorry about your mom. Lovely lady. Biggest heart I know.” The older man’s eyes glistened, leaving Garrett to wonder if the solicitor might have had a soft spot for his mom.
“Big heart, but apparently not in working order from what I understand.” Garrett couldn’t help but keep the harshness out of his voice.
“Hey, Fred, if you’ll excuse us. I need to talk to Garrett for a couple of minutes.” Charlie wasn’t hinting. His direct comment showed he expected his request to be honored.
“Sure thing.” Fred left to join another group of people nearby that were deep in conversation.
“This may not be the best time, but I got your message last night. It was too late to call you back. I knew you’d have questions, and I decided it would be better for a man in your position to have those answers right away. No reason to wait for Monday.”
“I appreciate that. So, what is going on? April tells me my mother adopted these children. Is that true? And what does that mean to Angelica and me? Have you heard from her?”
Charlie reached out and lightly touched the photo of Sarah, letting out a deep sigh. “Slow down, and I’ll explain. First, your mom was friends with the kids’ mom, Carrie Williams. They attended church together and were in a Bible study group together. Carrie was also a crafter and did a lot of business with your mom. Your mother loved those children and watched them grow and play for years. She was even at the hospital when Sandy was born. It nearly broke her heart when Carrie and Alex died. The kids were immediately placed in foster care, which is when April St. James entered the picture. Your mother couldn’t stand the idea of the children being separated or sent away, knowing not many people around here would be able to take in three kids. Or the dog for that matter.”
Garrett winced. He wasn’t planning on separating the children, but he was planning on taking them away from here. He couldn’t help but think his mother wouldn’t approve. “I thought as much myself. Continue.” Her compassion for the Williams family was understandable. But it was still crazy for an older, single woman in her golden years to adopt. That’s the part he was struggling with, more so, because his mother hadn’t thought to include him or Angelica in on the decision making.
“That’s where I come in. And you, for that matter. Your mom approached me and told me she wanted to adopt the kids. Her heart was in the right place, and she insisted you and your sister not be told what she was doing until it was a done deal. She knew you’d try and stop her and considered herself quite capable of making her own decisions. She figured when you came to visit, you’d meet the kids and fall in love with them the same way she did. That was three months ago. But then the unthinkable happened.” Charlie looked uncomfortable delivering the news.
“So not telling us was intentional? Of course, because it was a crazy idea. Why didn’t you try to talk her out of it?” Garrett tried to calm down. Letting his emotions overrule common sense wouldn’t help him, and emotions were something he’d long ago put on lockdown. After years of running on common sense, any emotion left in him couldn’t be trusted.
“Because your mom had a lot of love to give, and those kids needed her. But there’s more to this you need to know. Your mother had clear ideas about the children’s future. She loved you and your sister more than anything, and she was extremely proud of you both. She also knew there was nothing you needed from her if anything ever happened to her, but the kids are a different story. They were left with nothing after their parents passed away. Sarah was determined to provide for their futures. At the time of the adoption, she had me draw up a new will and make several changes.” Charlie’s voice had dropped as he delivered the shocking news.
“A new will? This just keeps getting better and better. I can’t believe I wasn’t called, or that she didn’t discuss any of this with the family beforehand.” Garrett stared hard at his mother’s picture, willing her to give him the answers he needed to help him understand.
“Your mother was a determined woman. There’s no easy way to tell you this, so I’m just going to come right out and say it. She made you their sole legal guardian in the event anything happened to her.”
“That’s ludicrous. You’re telling me I’m the legal guardian of these three kids? I’ve never even met them before. How is this possible? What about Angelica?” He spun away and stared out the window, trying to maintain control.
“It’s what your mother wanted.” Charlie delivered the final strike as if it explained everything. What about what he wanted?
He turned back to Charlie. “What happened to feminine nurturing and motherly instincts? Clearly, Angelica’s the better choice for this responsibility.” There had to be some mistake.
“Your sister is in the Navy and gone on deployment for extended periods of time. Your mother didn’t wan
t to ask her to give up her entire career and life to take on the children.”
“But my mother was aware I never wanted a family or children.”
“Maybe this is a case of mother knows best, or she thought she did anyway. You can provide stability, which is what they need most. You must realize, she never actually intended for this happen. It was a back-up plan.”
“What about the will? You mentioned she made changes to care of the kids. What kind of changes?” He might as well know it all now.
“As you know, the settlement from your father when they divorced was quite considerable. Since then she’s been quite successful with her financial growth. We decided on a plan of action for the children’s futures if anything were to happen to her. Otherwise, she would have seen to it personally.”
“What exactly are the terms of the will?”
“The estate can’t be sold until the youngest turns twenty-five. If at that time, if any of them want to live here and continue to operate the shop, they can, and it will be shared. If not, it will be sold and divided three ways. She’s tasked you with keeping it running and in the family, to keep it safe for them. She’s provided trust funds for the operation of the estate with you as executor over the business and her affairs going forward outside of the reading of her will. She’s also set aside a large trust fund for each child’s college fund. She wanted to make sure each one was provided for.”
His mother had never been prone to such wild and nonsensical ideas, and he’d give anything to figure out why she would do such a thing. He didn’t care about the money. He had plenty of his own. But keeping the estate running until Sandy was twenty-five? That was another story. Twenty-two years was a long time.
“This wasn’t thought through completely. I live in a high-rise apartment in Manhattan and work eighty hours a week. What kind of a life is that for kids, especially ones used to the freedom associated with living in the country? I can’t just quit my business and become a daddy.”
“That’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself. I can’t advise you on what to do next, but I can tell you they are your responsibility, and it’s up to you to provide for their care. Your mother knew you could provide them with stability. She always held out hope one day you’d get tired of city life and return to Hallbrook.”
