George Hartmann Box Set

by Kelly Utt

  I haven’t mentioned my business plans to Mom. The business venture with my uncle is the primary thing I want to spend my money on anyway, and Liam and I will no doubt discuss next steps while we’re in Tahoe. It’s probably better to leave Mom out of that planning process entirely.

  I intend to fill her in once things are a done deal rather than sharing details of my plans as I’m working to bring them to fruition. It’s much easier that way. When Mom says something negative or critical, it has an impact on me even though I do my best to maintain perspective and not let her comments get me down. Doing so successfully is harder than it sounds.

  Mom hasn’t been herself since John Wendell died. I’m having a difficult time figuring out what’s going on with her.

  She took an extended leave from her nursing job at the hospital to grieve the loss of her father and contemplate retirement. I thought we’d see more of her now that we live here in town and she has ample free time on her hands, but we really haven’t. Best I can tell, she’s sleeping a lot and staying on the couch watching cable news during her waking hours. She didn’t plant a garden this spring for the first time I can remember. And she hasn’t packed up John Wendell’s room.

  The house only has two bedrooms. The spare room would serve Mom better if she removed John Wendell’s bed and donated some of his belongings in order to put her desk back where it used to be and free up more space for her exercise equipment. I’ve offered to help several times, but each time she’s told me she isn’t ready. I don’t want to push her. I’m beginning to wonder if she’s depressed though.

  I’m going to talk to Liam about it when he gets here. Maybe the two of us can go over and check on her if she doesn’t show up for the party.

  Liam stayed in town several days after John Wendell died and helped Mom move through the difficult tasks which must be undertaken when a loved one passes away. I offered to bear some of the burden myself, but Liam insisted I focus on my newborn baby instead. He said he owed it to his brother to take care of his widow in her time of need. I’m sure grateful. I know Dad would be, too.

  Liam stayed with Mom at the hospice house until the folks from the crematory showed up to remove John Wendell’s body so that Ali, the boys, and I could get home and into bed. We were exhausted after being up all night for Will’s delivery at the birth center. And Ali was, of course, completely drained after giving birth. Liam also took Mom home and stayed with her for the rest of the day. He cooked meals and stocked the freezer, then gave the house a good cleaning so Mom didn’t have to do any mundane chores for at least a little while. When it was time to pick up John Wendell’s ashes, Liam went along and comforted Mom as she held her father’s remains, contained within a small box, in her hands. He helped her plan a memorial service and he stood by her as she, along with an impressive showing of family and friends, said farewell to a man who was beloved by countless people.

  We all know John Wendell was ready to leave this world in favor of the next one and that he had lived a full, meaningful life. But it still hurt to lose him. I’ll never forget what Liam did for my mom at that juncture. For all of us. My uncle is a good and kind man.

  I’m sitting on a chair in the living room and holding little Will in my arms when I see my uncle’s big blue truck pull up against the curb out front. I wasn’t sure exactly what time he would arrive, but boy, am I glad to see his smiling face through the window.

  I quickly shift Will over onto one hip as I stand up so I can greet Uncle Liam and give him a big hug. Will must feel my excitement because he perks up and looks around expectantly to find out what’s happening.

  “Liam!” I exclaim as I open the front door and see my uncle standing in the courtyard in front of me. He’s wearing a salmon color boat shirt with khaki shorts, and he’s looking every bit the part of a man who is ready for vacation. His short, salt-and-pepper hair sparkles in the sun as dark sunglasses frame his face.

  “George, buddy!” he replies as he leans in for that hug. “It’s good to see you.”

  I hold onto him an extra minute and lean the side of my head hard against his as tears fill my eyes.

  “I sure missed you,” I say.

  “Same here, buddy,” Uncle Liam replies as he takes one of little Will’s hands in his and smiles down at his great-nephew. “It’s been too long.”

  “It sure has,” I reply. “How about we don’t let that happen again?”

  “I’m with you on that,” he says. “But be careful what you wish for because soon you won’t be able to get rid of me. We’re ready to hash out those business plans while I’m on leave, right?”

  “Absolutely,” I confirm.

  I’m glad to hear him say he’s ready. I’m ready, too. It’s time.

  “Look at the red hair on this little guy,” Liam says as he studies Will more closely. “His hair is even brighter in person than it looks in pictures. I dig it.”

  “Yep, just like Mom’s and Marjorie’s,” I reply. “He gets it from both sides of his family.”

  “Blue eyes, too,” Liam notes.

  “I know,” I say. “Red hair and blue eyes is supposed to be the rarest combination in the world. Pretty neat.”

  “Let me at this kid,” Liam says as he takes off his sunglasses, then scoops Will up into his arms and lifts him above his head playfully.

  Will smiles and babbles in return. He hasn’t seen Liam since he was a few days old, but he apparently knows that Liam is one of his people. Good. He had better.

  “Will is a sweetheart,” I add. “Just like his big brothers.”

  “I can see that. And where are those big brothers?” Liam asks Will as if he can answer.

  We talk to our babies as if they can answer because we believe they are wise spirits who happen to be temporarily stuck inside little bodies with developing brains. Just because their physical capabilities don’t allow for verbal conversation yet, doesn’t mean their deeper spiritual selves can’t understand. At a minimum, they seem to feel respected and seen when we acknowledge them in this way.

  I’m glad Liam understands. He tends to be even more skeptical than I am about things which can’t be seen or touched, but he’s stretching with me. I give him credit for being willing to remain open.

  “Come on in,” I say as Liam steps inside and closes the door behind him. The air conditioning in the house seals it tight with a whooshing sound. “Ethan and Leo and Ali are around here somewhere.”

  I call out to my family to let them know Uncle Liam has arrived just as Ali begins to walk downstairs with both little guys and our German Shepherd trailing behind her excitedly.

  “We’re here!” Ali says cheerfully, her eyes dancing.

  “Uncle Liam!” Ethan yells as he runs towards us, barely beating our dog, Lady, to Liam’s side.

  Lady seems especially fond of my uncle ever since he helped get her home from the animal hospital in January after she was shot. I think she’s grateful for the help Liam provided during her time of need. Lady seems to feel much the same way about Marjorie and Roddy, and, to a lesser extent, our friends Duke and Jen. Recovering from a gunshot wound is a big deal. Our people were there for our Ladygirl in a significant way and she knows it. I’m convinced animals know more than we typically give them credit for.

  Leo follows behind, parroting his big brother, as usual. “Uncle Liam! Uncle Liam!” he exclaims.

  Liam squats down with Will on one hip and hugs Ethan and Leo tightly with the other arm as Lady leans against his leg. The boys are already used to packing in as a set of three inside of an adult’s embrace. They don’t seem to mind the snug fit.

  “Look at these big guys,” Liam says with a chuckle, continuing to direct his comments to little Will. “Will, baby boy, your brothers are growing up fast on me. What are your parents feeding them?”

  “That’s what Papa Roddy always says,” Ethan interjects with a grin. “It’s just regular food. We grow big and strong because we’re healthy boys.”

  “Good enough,�
�� Liam says. “It’s always a surprise for your old Uncle Liam to see how fast you’re growing bigger. Papa Roddy probably feels the same way.”

  “Yep,” Leo adds, smiling.

  “Well,” Liam begins, “I’m going to stay with you guys for six whole weeks. And before much longer I’ll be living right here in Ithaca near you, so you won’t have time to do any sneaky growing that I don’t know about.”

  “Really?” I ask enthusiastically as Ethan and Leo clap and cheer. “Are your plans firm?”

  “They are,” Liam says. “I’ll tell everyone all about it tonight at dinner.”

  “So, what you’re saying is that you have a big announcement to make?” Ali asks as she takes her turn giving Liam a hug.

  “Indeed, I do,” Liam replies with a sly smile.

  “My parents say they have a big announcement to make tonight, too,” Ali says. “It should be an evening to remember.”

  “I like the sound of that,” I say. “Good things are ahead for this family. I know it.”

  “I think you’re right, Georgie,” Ali says as she stands on her toes and gives me a slow kiss on the cheek near my ear.

  Feeling her soft lips and warm breath on my skin is tantalizing. I can’t get enough of that woman.

  Liam stands with Will still on his hip as Ethan and Leo prance off to work on some coloring Ali set out for them on the big wooden farm table in the dining room. I’m surprised they didn’t want to talk with Liam longer, but I suppose it’s good they’re comfortable enough to go about their usual routines while he’s here. They see him as a family member who belongs with us rather than as a guest. Little Will appears to be really enjoying himself with Uncle Liam, too. He’s babbling up a storm and watching Liam’s face like a hawk, eating up every bit of attention directed his way. It’s a happy scene.

  Times like this make me wonder if Liam is ever sad about not having little ones of his own. I remember what he said recently about his career and not wanting to leave a wife and kids at home while he was gone traveling with the Air Force, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have regrets. He would have been a fantastic dad.

  “So, who’s coming to party with us tonight?” Liam asks.

  “Mom and Dad,” Ali replies, “and Nicky and Luis and Sara.”

  “Nice,” Liam says. “I always enjoy spending time with the Davies crew. I didn’t get much time to hang out with your brother and his family when we were all here for John Wendell’s service, so I’ll be happy for a chance to make up for it now.”

  “I know and the feeling is mutual,” Ali agrees. “Nicky, Luis, and Sara are staying here at the house overnight, so there will be plenty of time for us to spend together.”

  “Duke and Jen will be here as well,” I add. “Their wedding is coming up in September. I know they’re excited. They’re holding the big event outdoors with a reception to follow at a historic inn. The whole place has a view of Cayuga Lake and Taughannock Falls. I’m sure it’ll be really nice. And I’m sure they’ll have lots of fun things to talk about tonight related to wedding planning. ”

  “Yeah,” Liam says, “I received an invite in the mail. Their special day is right before I’m scheduled to report back to D.C., so I can, in fact, attend. I’ll hand-deliver my RSVP when I see them tonight.”

  “Beautiful,” I say.

  “Ali,” Liam inquires, “I’ll count on you to tell me what I should get for Jen and Duke as a gift. I know you know exactly what Jen likes. After all, you’ve been best friends for what, like, ever?”

  “That’s right,” I say with a chuckle. “And it’s all about pleasing Jen. Duke is just along for the ride.”

  “Boys, boys,” Ali teases. “You mean to tell me you aren’t clamoring to compare china patterns?”

  “I’m all about cooking and serving up a nice dinner,” Liam says, “but I have zero opinion about the design of the plate my food lands on. I’ll leave it to the ladies who do care about that sort of thing. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

  “I hear you,” Ali says, smiling. “I could see that about you back in our first cooking class together. You know, the one where you told me I should meet your nephew, that big George Hartmann?”

  “I know the one,” Liam says playfully. “And I know what you’re going to say next.”

  “You certainly do,” Ali adds. “The part where you never introduced us and we had to meet in the food court of a mall on our own two years later.”

  “Are you ever going to let me live that down?” Liam asks with a laugh. “Shouldn’t there be some sort of statute of limitations. Or something?”

  “Never,” Ali and I say simultaneously, laughing together.

  “Ah, well,” Liam continues. “It all worked out in the end.”

  “It did,” I say. “For the very best.”

  We’re still standing in the front room when the caterer and his team arrive to begin setting up for dinner. Ali waves them around to the side entrance closest to the kitchen. They were here for a consult once before we booked them, so they already know exactly where to go.

  The door is unlocked. It makes me a little nervous to leave it unlocked. But I realize it’s necessary since we’re hosting a party with a caterer and musicians.

  We checked everyone out as best we could before hiring them. Fingers crossed, we won’t have any problems. I take a deep breath and tell myself it will be alright.

  “Oh, I forgot to mention that our friend Isabel Madera will be here for dinner as well,” Ali adds. “She’s actually our family physician, which is a little weird, but we think it’s okay.”

  “Small town,” I add. “What are you going to do? She took care of Mom and John Wendell for several years before we moved home. And Ali and I both feel like we’ve known her longer for some reason.”

  “Okay,” Liam replies. “Sounds good. I’ll be glad to meet her. Anybody else?”

  “I invited Mom, of course,” I say. “She’s been out of sorts for a while now though. I’m not sure she’ll show up for dinner. Hopefully, she will.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad,” Liam says. “I could run over and pick her up if you think it would help.”

  “It might,” I say. “Let’s play it by ear.”

  Liam nods his agreement.

  “And last but not least,” Ali says, “my college friend, Taye, is coming in for the night with his son.”

  “Nice,” Liam replies. “I didn’t get to see Taye for long in January either. It will be great to spend some more time with him and to meet his kiddo. Malcolm, right?”

  “Good memory,” I say to my uncle.

  “He’s twelve,” Ali adds.

  “Alright,” Liam says. “Definitely too old to think Sara is a peer. She’s eight, right?”

  “Turned nine in May,” Ali says. “Would you believe I haven’t even seen Malcolm since he was a baby? I think he was something like seven-months-old when I met him.”

  “Time goes by fast these days, that’s for sure,” Liam says. “No worries though. I’ll find something to chat with Malcolm about and will make sure he feels comfortable.”

  “My man, Liam,” I say. “How is it that you’re always in the right place at the right time?”

  “What can I say?” my uncle asks, faking a sheepish grin. “It’s a gift.”

  We laugh together a while longer, then split up to begin getting ready for the evening festivities.

  I help Liam unload his luggage from his truck and escort him to his same old room in the basement. Lady follows us. It’s cool in the basement despite the summertime heat thanks to being partially underground, so Liam will again be able to sleep deeply and peacefully. He probably needs it after his time in Egypt.

  I prep the room down the hall for Nicky and Luis and the one beside them for Sara, just like I did the night of the break-in back in January. Marjorie and Roddy will take their usual spot upstairs as well.

  It’s a little eerie to be going through the same motions and putting everyone in the
same rooms. The break-in and attempted abduction of Ethan rattled us to the core. The only difference in the overnight guest count tonight will be the addition of Taye and Malcolm, who are sharing a room upstairs on the other side of my in-laws. Having Taye here gives me a little extra peace of mind since he’s the former FBI, high-end security guy who assessed our setup and assured us we’re safe in our home. If for some strange reason there were to be a repeat event, I like the idea of him being here to help out.

  Lady seems to know what I’m thinking because she leans on my leg from the side and looks up at me intensely. Her wounds may be patched up, but emotionally, we’re both still healing.

  When I finish the ground-floor bedroom prep and walk up from the basement, Ali and Liam are waiting for me in the living room.

  “George, buddy,” Liam says, looking perplexed. “I talked to your Mom.”

  “Okay,” I say, wondering what’s up with the strange look on his face.

  “I spoke with her, too,” Ali adds. “She sounded a little odd. Said she’s coming to the dinner party tonight and asked if she could bring a guest.”

  “What?” I ask. “One of her co-workers from the hospital maybe? Or one of the ladies from her book club?”

  “I don’t know,” Liam answers, “but she says she has an announcement to make.”

  2

  Same Stars

  The sun is still strong in the sky as people begin to arrive.

  Members of the catering crew use handkerchiefs to wipe sweat from their brows as they shuttle deliciousness out of the kitchen to the various food stations which stand waiting obediently on the main level of the house.

  The musicians set up near the back door, ensuring coverage of the open concept indoor area as well as the large screened porch and deck outside. They’re a group from Ithaca College, much like the one that played at Yellow Cob during John Wendell’s going away party. That’s what we’ve decided to call it now that we’ve had time to reflect on his intentions.