“I know. I was just trying to make you feel guilty. It worked.” She giggled.
My cell started to ring from somewhere in the room. Courtney went in search of it. I gazed at Beth longingly, hoping my daughter needed to leave soon. Finding the phone, Court handed it to me.
It was the realtor. “Good morning,” I said slowly. “Have you heard something back already?”
I sat there in disbelief as she explained that someone had beaten me. Offered cash and of course the owners had accepted. She left me with little hope. If the deal fell through, my offer would be the next one accepted. I thanked her for her work and told her to stay in touch if things changed.
“What is it, Dame? The house?”
“Yeah, someone beat me to it. Offered to pay cash.” I felt like I’d been kicked in the gut.
“Maybe they’ll change their minds,” Court offered.
“I can only hope. Guess I’ll wait and spare Amadeus the news he’s getting strangers as neighbors.”
“Dame? Perhaps now just isn’t the right time. You’ve got an awful lot going on right now.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.”
“Maybe you’re supposed to find your own island or another location where Uncle A lives,” Court added.
“Thank you, ladies. I’m sure you’re both right. Taking on a construction site would be a full time job. Perhaps once the CD drops and things slow down a bit, I can look.”
Chapter Sixteen
In the midst of all the preparation and work being done to ready for launch date, I had almost forgotten my birthday was looming fast. The year before had been a flash.
I was perfectly happy to let this one go on by with little fanfare, but Amadeus and Zara insisted Beth, the girls, and I come over for the day. Zara was going to have salmon and crab, two of my favorites. Who was I to resist?
My first give away that something was up should have been when Britt and Court went on ahead of Beth and me. Their reason being they were helping Zara. Happiness to have time alone with my Bethie was enough for me to dismiss their early departure.
We pulled up in front of Amadeus and Zara’s place a few hours later. The driveway was littered with cars. I recognized most of them as being family.
“It appears it’s a little bigger get together than Amadeus first let on,” I said as we approached the front door.
“So it seems.”
The door swung open just as I was about to knock. Amadeus stood there with a stupid grin on his face. “Come on in. Hope you don’t mind, but Zara and I invited a few extra people.”
“So I see,” I replied, punching him playfully on the shoulder.
I took Beth’s hand and led her into the huge family room. I stood in disbelief as everyone shouted ‘surprise!’ Not only were Angus and his entire family there, but my mother and Peter were standing to one side. I caught Courtney and Ethan out of one eye.
“You didn’t happen to have any part in planning this, did you?”
“Me? No, never. Ethan had a couple days off. Just happened to be at the perfect time.”
I walked around and greeted everyone, making Mother and Peter my last stop. I was curious to see how she would greet Beth.
“Damien,” she started. “This is a long way from where you were ten or twelve years ago. I knew you had the fight in you and you proved it to us.” She hugged me, all teary eyed. I understood what a hard road it had been for her as well.
“I’m so glad you and Peter got to come. You made my day.”
“I insisted she take a break from the triplets,” Peter joked.
“Beth, you remember my mother, Grace. This is her husband, Peter MacNichol. Mother, Peter, Beth Asher, Ethan’s mom.”
Mother jumped in and took over the conversation. She was obviously happy with Beth.
Peter made his way to my side as the two of them chatted. “She’s been nervous about meeting Ethan and Beth, if you can believe that.”
“What does she think of Ethan?”
“Very taken with him. Beth obviously did a fine job with him.”
“Yes, she did.”
“There’s also no denying him either,” Peter whispered.
“Yeah, I know. It’s eerie.”
Though the weather was cooling down, it was still nice enough for the younger ones to go out and play outside. Beth was fitting right in, helping Amadeus referee a volleyball game. I watched from the deck as the game got underway.
Mother joined me, putting on a light jacket as she neared. “I like her. She adores the girls, and appears to have raised quite a nice young man in that son of hers.”
I nodded my head, saying nothing.
“She obviously loves you. Amazing after all these years. It goes without saying that you love her as much as you did back then.”
“More,” I replied.
“What are your plans, if I may ask? Do you want to marry her?”
“Yes, I do. Right now, there’s a lot going on. We’ve discussed it, but agree I need to get through the CD launch. Perhaps in the spring.”
“How long have you two been seeing each other?”
“Don’t you mean how long have we been sleeping together, Mother? Two months, I think. It took a little while for me to get over the shock of what had happened with her all those years ago.”
“I see.” She paused. “Don’t look back at what could have been or happened. Things weren’t meant to be until now.”
“It took me a while, but I finally realized that it won’t change anything.”
“I’ll look forward to her joining our family. Though I doubt you’ll make it to spring to marry.” She patted my arm.
“We’ll see. Right now, I have enough on my plate.”
“I know, but you’re good at staying organized. I think I’m going to see if Zara needs any help with the little ones.”
I knew not to say a thing. She loved helping with everything. Instead, I walked back in the house where it was warmer. I found Angus and Peter discussing some sort of foolishness.
“You’re not going to let him make you part of whatever it is he’s planning are you, Peter?”
“Me? Nooooo. I know better than that. No, we were discussing how it’s too bad you didn’t get the house in the cove. It’s large enough that, between the two, everyone could have comfortably stayed here when we get together.”
“True, but I didn’t. No point in wondering what might have been.”
“I wonder who bought it. Wouldn’t you like to know, Dame?” Angus asked, his eyes filled with mischief.
“No, not really. They won’t be my neighbors, doesn’t affect me one way or another.”
About then Elizabeth came wandering through, jacket in one hand dragging behind her.
“Where you off to?” Peter asked.
“I want to play ball.”
“They’re a little too rough for you to play with, Elizabeth,” I said. “Why don’t you see if Uncle Angus won’t find a ball to toss with you?”
“Go find a ball, Uncle Angus,” she demanded, pointing at him.
“Okay, okay, varmint. Let me see what I can find.”
She clapped her hands, happy she’d won her way. Then, she turned on me. “Uncle Dame, are you going to marry Beth? Is she going to have a baby so Wolfie and I can play with it?”
I heard Angus snickering as he walked out of the room. Peter’s face gave him away.
“Yes, Beth and I will get married someday. You need to ask your mama and daddy about giving you and Wolfie a baby brother or sister, because Beth and I won’t be doing that.”
“Mommy says no way, and Daddy says you and Beth will.”
“Don’t listen to everything your daddy tells you. He likes to tease.”
Angus showed up with a ball, and I helped her get her jacket on.
“Show him who’s the boss, Elizabeth,” I said, watching her try to grab the ball from Angus.
“She’s quite precocious, isn’t she?” Peter laughed.
/> “That she is. I suspect she’ll give her parents a run for their money.”
“Have you given any further thought to a concert on the night of your release, Dame?”
“Yeah. If I can find a venue, I’d love to do it. But it has to be right here in Seattle. Line up some guest artists, some surprises throughout the evening. I think it would be a great way to launch the CD.”
“Times running out, you know.”
“I know. I’ve been speaking with the club Ethan played at a few months back. Before he went on tour. The Register. It’s plenty big enough and security’s awesome. I’m trying to nail them down on the date. It has to be the day it drops.”
“True. Do you have a contingency plan?”
“I do, but I’d rather not use it. It’s an old warehouse they’ve converted into a club. It’s huge, and I’ve heard conflicting stories about how well it’s managed or how well security works.”
“Push the first one. If the fellow is any sort of businessman, he’ll know what he gets will be huge. On another topic, have any of your old band mates approached you since word has gotten out about this solo CD?”
“Indirectly. The chatter is I’ve got an ego of enormous proportions and that I’m going to fall flat on my face with this project. I’m not up to it. Whatever that means.”
“Jealousy, it appears.”
“Yes, I suppose. Julia was involved with them. May still be. Therefore, I don’t take anything coming from any of them seriously. If she’s in the mix, she’ll try to stir things up.”
“Best to keep them at arm’s length then.”
“Always,” I replied.
It appeared the mighty volleyball players were wearing out. Amadeus and Ethan collapsed breathless and sweating on a couple of lounges still out. “It appears the warriors have been overtaken by the women.”
Peter chuckled. “I suppose we’ll be blamed for not joining them and keeping the split a little more even.”
“How about we go find out?”
“You’re mean, Damien. Mean, but smart.”
“Not doing anything Angus wouldn’t.” I started walking toward the slider.
****
After dinner, everyone settled into the family room. My family knew I wasn’t big on gifts and such when it came to my birthday. But you know families-they never listen.
I let Courtney bring me gift bags. Simple gestures, stuff for my boat. Gift cards. Then, Ethan bent over, picking up a smallish package wrapped in newspaper.
Beth, who was sitting to my right, spoke quietly in my ear. “Accept this. He’ll explain to you in private later.”
“Damien, happy birthday.” He passed me the box and sat down to watch.
Once I’d unwrapped the newspaper, I found a keychain with two keys attached. I stared at him, trying to make sense of it.
“They’re the keys to your house in the cove.”
“What? You bought the house? I don’t understand. I can’t accept this, Ethan.”
“Yes, you can,” Beth whispered.
“Seems I can and will,” I corrected myself. “I’m speechless. Thank you.” I stood up, intending on shaking his hand. Instead, we ended up in a hug. “You really didn’t have to do this.”
“I’ll explain later. I didn’t want you to lose your chance at a dream.”
A few minutes later, a bunch of us were walking to the house. Another group would follow in a vehicle. Ethan and Beth were on either side of me.
“Mom told me about the house that day. She was afraid you had more than enough to handle and didn’t need purchasing a house and construction on top of it. So, I made some inquiries, found out they wanted cash, made an offer, and paid for it free and clear.”
“I don’t know what to say, other than thank you.”
“The deed’s in your name. Mom said you’d never accept such a large gift, so I drew up some papers. A loan, if you will. Not the entire amount. The rest is a gift for all you’ve done.”
“I haven’t done anything,” I whispered. I could hear my voice cracking. “All I’ve done is give you a business opportunity to further your career the way you want to.”
“I know, and that means more to me than you’ll ever know. I thought perhaps you could teach me to sail sometime. I recall you saying it relaxed you.”
“I can do that. Wow. Now, to find a contractor.”
“Already done. Got a local guy Amadeus recommended. He’s going to come in and do all the drywall. When he’s finished, you can either have him stay on to finish, or you can find your own guy. Consider that part a small wedding present from me.”
“Ethan!” Beth hissed. “Stop moving the cart before the horse.”
“Oh, I think the cart is hitching up behind the horses, Mom.” He grinned.
We walked up to the iron gate, and Ethan punched in the code. Once inside the house, there were all sorts of oh’s and ah’s as everyone made their way inside.
Beth wandered with me in silence. I was too overwhelmed to say anything.
“Daddy, this is so cool. It’s going to be beautiful,” Court gushed.
“Yes, it is,” I replied. I noted Angus standing outside alone on the deck. This wasn’t like him. Usually, he’d be right in the mix of things. “I’m going to see what Angus has up his sleeve.”
“You want company?” Beth asked.
“No. Why don’t you and Court check out the lower level?” I opened the slider and walked over to my brother. “What’s up? I figured you’d be walking the property or the house.”
“I will. I was enjoying the view.”
“That’s bullshit. I know you, don’t forget that. When you’re quiet, you’re up to something or something’s wrong. Which is it?”
He looked around. “You’ve got to promise me not to say a word to anyone. Not until Mother is gone. The last thing I need is her nosing into my personal life.”
“I won’t say a thing until you give me the word.”
“You remember that inner ear problem I’ve been dealing with over the past couple years? Well, the doctors want me to come off the road. No more touring. Which, to my wife, means no more money. Ashley wants a divorce,” he bit out.
“Geez man, I’m sorry. When did she tell you this joyous news?”
“Yesterday when I confronted her about why she and the girls weren’t coming today.”
“That’s cold. She could have waited until tomorrow.”
“No, she knew exactly what she was doing. She wanted me miserable when I came out here.”
“So, what happens next?”
“She wants the house. In fact, she’s already been to an attorney. I have to find another place to stay. She’s not allowing me back, and I have until the end of the week to gather up my personal stuff. Everything else stays until the damn mess is figured out.”
“You know you can stay with the girls and me.”
“I think I’ll stay on my boat a couple nights. It’ll give me time to think things through.”
“No, not happening. It’s getting cold at night. Stay with us. When we get back tonight, sit down and make a list of everything you want to leave with.”
“Which I can’t go get unless she’s there. She’s changing the locks today.”
“You had no idea?”
“None. She’s been a little more standoffish, but I chalked it up to her working. She won’t give me a reason either.”
“You think she’s met someone?”
“More than likely. She has been spending a lot of time late at work. At least, that’s what the girls tell me.”
“I don’t know what to say, man. I know it hurts. I’ve been there, though circumstances were different.”
“Yeah that’s why I told you. You at least understand.”
“Look, enjoy the day. Then, come back and crash at my place until you’ve spoken to an attorney and have better knowledge of what’s going on. I won’t listen to excuses. Don’t make me drag you off your boat.”
“I
won’t. Thanks, Dame.”
“No problem. That’s what we do. I may have some ideas for your career situation. I suppose, though, we’d best be heading back inside. I’m sure everyone’s wondering what we’re out here discussing.”
“Yep, and if you have any ideas on what I can do now, I’d love to hear them. Let’s get inside and let me see what unsuspecting soul I can prank.” He winked at me.
Zara was gathering everyone in a group, making Angus and me eye each other. “I know it’s getting late, but if anyone, or everyone, wants to stay, you’re all welcome. I planned for this, so don’t try and make excuses. This is what we do, and I suppose it’s time to christen Ethan and Beth into the family.”
Amadeus raised his hand, trying to keep the buzz down. “I’ve got three tents that Logan, Britt, and Courtney are going to put up when we get back. Just a word of caution Ethan, Beth. This is when Angus loves to prank, so know you’ve been warned.”
Beth moved next to me. “I take it we’re staying?”
“Yep, Ethan and the girls too. Unless you’d rather not,” I added the last sentence, not wanting her to feel she didn’t have an opt-out.
“No, I’m fine with it. I know you don’t get to have your entire family in one place a lot. It should be fun. I like your mother.”
Ethan approached. “I guess I’m helping with tent duty right now.”
“Good idea,” I replied, winking at him. “Try to give Logan a hand. Britt and Courtney in particular tend to blow him off as a klutzy teenager. Which he is, but I’m sure he’d love some help from another guy.”
“I’ll do it.”
“Thanks, Ethan. Welcome to the crazy house.”
Zara caught us before I could say another word to Beth. “I’m borrowing Beth. I need to go to town to pick up some things. Your mother is going to watch Wolfie and Elizabeth while we’re gone.”
“Have fun,” I said, kissing Beth.
“We will. I intend we women folk are going to have our own thing this evening.” Zara snickered, turning to Beth. “For some reason, the men think they are the only ones entitled to have a good time. This time, we’re going to show them otherwise.”
Tudor Redemption (Tudor Dynasty Book 4) Page 17
