I stood on my tiptoes and brushed my lips over his.
My problems began to vanish when he deepened the kiss. Before long, my mind was clear, and my heart was full of nothing but pure, sweet love.
39
The Southern mansion was something plucked out of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Wide, rounded pillars stretched to reach the high ceiling, expensive art adorned the walls, thick fabric curtains gave the rooms a lived-in feeling, and the furniture reminded me of a different era.
Mr. Robert Wilson, attorney at law, had eccentric taste and an office on the first floor of his home.
I bounced my knee as I listened to the tap, tap, tap of the keys echoing in the large foyer-turned-waiting-room. A pretty brunette was hard at work at her glass-top desk.
Nan gripped my leg. “What has you so nervous? I told you, Mr. Wilson said we would work things out.”
Five days had passed since I’d learned the updated trust documents had never made their way to Mr. Wilson.
“Is Aunt Clara coming?” The lawyer had returned from his trip only the day prior to discuss who would be my guardian. He’d mentioned to Nan how important it was for Aunt Clara to be at the meeting.
She’d decided to stay in town for the funeral and had been very accommodating in assuring us she would help however she could.
“She’ll be here,” Nan reassured me. “What’s got you on edge?”
I bit a nail. “I’m worried about Colton.” The rehab facility where his dad was a patient had given the green light for family to visit. Colton had debated about whether to go or not. He had a football game that night and didn’t want to miss it, but he couldn’t let his mom down. More than that, if he wanted to build any kind of relationship with his dad, he had to show his support. Still, Colton wasn’t sure how he and his dad would get along now that Mr. Caldwell wasn’t drinking.
“Are you sure it’s just Colton?” Nan asked. “You haven’t been yourself since you met your birth mom.”
I couldn’t decide if I was ready to hear why she’d given me up, her excuses or, for that matter, whether I was ready to welcome her into my life as if nothing had happened.
I had advice flying at me from everyone. Georgia, Nan, and Mia insisted that I listen to Ashley. But my emotions were too raw.
The only people who weren’t trying to tell me what I should do were Colton and Grady. I didn’t expect Grady to give me counsel. He had, however, told me that his dad had a thing for Ashley. I could see that. She was pretty. His dad was handsome.
“I’ll be fine. I just want to get through the funeral. Then I’ll take the next step.”
“Is Ashley still in town?” Nan asked.
I traded one nail for another. “Apparently. She and Mr. Dyson have been having dinner every night.”
“Oh.” Nan’s voice rose in pitch.
“I guess they like each other.”
“She’s not married, then?” Nan asked.
I shrugged. “I guess not.”
A long beep echoed in the room. “Yes, sir,” the receptionist said into her phone’s headset. “I’ll let them know.” She looked up at Nan and me, her brown eyes apologetic. “Mr. Wilson is just finishing up a call. He should be done momentarily.” She resumed typing.
Nan’s phone went off, and she fished in her purse. “Maybe this is your aunt. I’m going to step outside.”
No sooner had Nan gone than a door opened behind the receptionist. Mr. Wilson sauntered out, dressed in a dark-green button-up shirt, no tie, and black slacks, holding a folder in one hand. “Carol, can you make sure this gets filed before the courthouse closes today?”
Nodding, she took the folder.
Mr. Wilson grinned my way as his long legs carried him across the pristine, shiny white floor. “Skyler, it’s so nice to see you. I’m so sorry for your loss.” He scanned the room. “Where’s Nan and your aunt?”
I brushed off my jeans as I stood. “Nan’s outside. Not sure of my aunt.”
He pinched his clean-shaven jaw with his fingers. “Mmm. It’s important your aunt shows today. But I don’t have an appointment after this, so it’s all good. Why don’t we get settled? Carol will show Nan and your aunt in.”
Once Mr. Wilson and I were in his office, he waved his hand at a small conference table. “Please, have a seat.” He went over to his desk. “I’m sorry I didn’t respond to your email. And I can’t tell you how upset I am at the mail system for losing your father’s documents.”
I slid into a rolling leather chair. “It’s not your fault. But can you do something to switch guardians?” Please say yes. Aunt Clara wasn’t as bad as I remembered, and I thought we would get along just fine, but my friends, my home, everyone and everything I’d ever known were there. More importantly, I would die if I had to leave Colton.
He sifted through a pile of folders on his desk. “As long as your aunt signs over her rights.”
She’d told Nan she would.
Then he collected a large leather binder before heading over to me. “I understand you met Ashley?”
“Yes, sir. Did you talk to her?”
“Briefly,” he said. “May I ask how that meeting with her went?”
I hiked a shoulder up to my ear. “It was brief and tense.”
He considered me, his green gaze appraising. “First meetings like that usually are. I’ve seen it many times in my line of work. But maybe when things settle down, you and Ashley can reconnect.”
“Do you know why she gave me up?”
“I only know what’s in the case file, and it’s very thin at best. So no. Besides, it’s not my story to tell.”
I didn’t think he would give me details, but I had to ask. Maybe if I knew ahead of time, it might make it easier to have a conversation with Ashley.
Nan and my aunt came in.
Mr. Wilson set the binder on the table and greeted them. “Please, ladies, have a seat.”
My aunt, who wore a sharp blue suit, sat across from me. I hadn’t seen her since that morning in Dad’s room. She’d been busy with work. I’d learned from Nan that my aunt was working on closing a big corporate account, which kept her tied to her phone and computer. She’d canceled a recent trip to hang back for the funeral, though.
After the introductions, Mr. Wilson started in. “In front of Clara and Skyler is Randall’s trust. Since you’re both named in the trust, you’re entitled to a full copy. However, before we dive into the specifics, I understand, Clara, you would like to relinquish your rights to Skyler. Is that correct?”
Everyone looked at my aunt, who seemed to be fascinated with Dad’s trust. She flipped through the papers as if she was looking for something specific. “Did my brother leave me anything?”
Suddenly, Colton’s words blared in my head: Maybe she’s here for money. She didn’t seem as though she needed money. I would bet the suit she was wearing had cost a pretty penny, and she’d recently been promoted.
“Do you mean money?” I asked.
Nan’s face was distorted. Mine had to have been too.
Aunt Clara moved her finger along the document she was reading.
“Clara,” Nan said. “What’s going on? You’re not changing your mind?”
I held my breath. Surely she didn’t want to ruin her new job for me.
She lifted her chin. “I’m sorry. Randall mentioned to me he had some items that had belonged to our parents that he had outlined in his trust?”
A gush of air rushed from my lungs.
Nan sank in her chair as color returned to her cheeks.
“He did,” Mr. Wilson said. “If you turn to the last page in the section on personal belongings.”
Clara hurried to read that part. When she did, she smiled.
Curiosity had me flipping to that same section. The list included photos of their childhood, a diamond ring that belonged to their mother, an old Rolex watch that had belonged to their dad, and other jewelry and trinkets that I was sure had sentimental and maybe monetary
value. What Dad had left her was rightfully hers.
Satisfied with what she’d read, she gave Mr. Wilson her attention. “Again, I apologize. These items are of sentimental value to me. So, yes, I’ll sign over guardianship to Nan.”
I might have been reading too much into it, but I got the feeling that if she didn’t get her parents’ belongings, she wouldn’t have agreed to sign over her rights. I guess it didn’t matter anymore.
Mr. Wilson removed a two-page document from the binder and slid it over to Aunt Clara. “I’ll need your signature at the bottom of the second page. You may read through it, but in a nutshell, it says you are relinquishing guardianship to Nan. This document will be binding, and if the original forms that Randall signed show up in the mail, they will be too. Either way”—he considered Nan—“you will be Skyler’s guardian until her eighteenth birthday. On top of that, Randall has set up a bank account for monthly expenses—house payment, utilities, food, and such. Skyler will also get a Social Security stipend that will help cover anything else. Any questions?”
Nan, Aunt Clara, and I shook our heads.
One less thing to worry about. All I had to do was bury my dad.
40
Guests gathered at the cemetery as we paid our last respects to Dad. His golfing buddies, coworkers, some neighbors, Mia, Grady, Georgia and her parents, and Mr. Dyson were a few who were in the crowd. Colton’s mom couldn’t make it. She was still in South Carolina, but had relayed her condolences through Colton.
Aunt Clara stood on one side of me while Nan was on the other. Since we’d walked out of the attorney’s office three days prior, I’d been a bundle of nerves.
I swiped at a tear then another when a hand landed on my shoulder. Then Colton’s voice was in my ear. “I’m here.”
I knew he was behind me. I swore he was the only reason I wasn’t draped over Dad’s coffin. I zeroed in on the priest, who I’d tuned out. I’d been mindlessly staring at Mom’s headstone next to Dad’s coffin. I’d replayed some of the laughter, love, and good times we’d had as a family.
Despite the time I’d had to say goodbye to Dad, it still hurt like hell to stand there and mourn the best father ever, the man who had raised me, loved me, and taught me so much about growing up. Randall Lawson would always have my heart, and he would always and forever be my hero.
I knew he was in a better place, free from what ALS had done to his body. I prayed that he was talking up a storm in heaven and telling jokes to everyone.
“Go in peace,” the priest said as he closed his Bible.
Guests started to scatter. I didn’t blame them. Ominous clouds were rolling in as the earthy smell of rain permeated the air.
I didn’t move. I didn’t want to. The last few hours had been exhausting as people paid their respects. So I hadn’t had a chance to be alone with Dad to say my final goodbyes.
“Your aunt and I will meet you at home,” Nan said. “Colton is giving you a ride.”
I acknowledged Nan with a dip of my head, not looking at her.
Colton slid into Nan’s spot and laced his fingers in mine.
I lifted my gaze, and warm brown eyes met mine. “Can you give me a minute?”
He kissed me on the forehead. “I’ll wait near my truck.”
Once alone, I walked to the coffin and placed my hand on top. “Dad, I know we had time before, but I feel like we didn’t get enough of it. I want you to know I’ll be okay. Nan is now my guardian, and so far, she’s been great. She reminds me so much of Mom.” I dashed away a tear. “Your sister is nice too. To be honest, and I never told you this, I always thought she was snooty. I was wrong. She does love you.
“Anyway, I met my birth mom. I haven’t talked to her yet but plan to soon. I’ll let you know how that goes. I love you and want to say thank you for adopting me and for being the best father a girl could have.” I cried quietly as I slid over to Mom’s headstone. “You’re now with the love of your life, Mom. You and Dad will forever be in my heart.” I shuddered, wiping my nose with the tissue I had balled in my hand.
After one last look at Dad’s coffin, I made my way to Colton. He looked as handsome as ever in his blue suit, white shirt, and blue tie. His wavy brown hair hung free to his shoulders, his jaw was clean-shaven, and he gave me the most heart-stopping grin I’d ever seen on him.
I almost faltered as I trudged through the soft grass and around headstones. I warmed at how much he loved me, and I loved him. Yet the closer I got to him, a sense of fear set in. All I’d ever known was my parents, who had taken care of me. Now, I was on my own. Sure, I had Nan, but it was different. I couldn’t quite articulate the feeling except to say I was afraid of the unknown road ahead.
Colton opened his arms as I approached.
Shuddering, I buried my head into his chest and cried. He was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me. He was and would always be the hope I’d been searching for.
41
Halloween came and went. Georgia, or rather her mom, had canceled her plans to have a party. Her parents hadn’t wanted kids trampling through their house while they were out of town. Georgia had been disappointed. She’d thought the Halloween party would get me out of my funk, but I didn’t care either way.
It had been well over two weeks since Dad’s funeral, and with Thanksgiving approaching, I was feeling even more depressed. Dad had loved to cook turkey with all the yummy sides. Nan suggested we do just that and celebrate Dad.
We’d invited my aunt, who had flown back to California not long after we buried Dad, but she politely declined. She was scheduled to be in Australia for a couple of months for her job. I didn’t think I would ever see Aunt Clara again. I couldn’t say I was affected one way or the other.
Nan and I had settled into a nice routine. We were gradually clearing out the medical equipment and supplies and donating them to the local chapter of the ALS Association and a couple of other charities in need. We’d packed up Dad’s clothes and cleaned out his room. I’d hijacked his pictures and hung them throughout the house.
Georgia tapped on the arm of my chair. “Earth to Skyler.”
I looked from the sparkling ocean water to Georgia, who was sitting next to me on Grady’s deck. We had just finished helping Colton unload his truck. With his house on the market, Colton was moving in with Grady and his dad for the remainder of the school year.
Georgia kicked up her legs and rested her feet on the rail of the deck. “My mom said I could have a graduation party. I think that’s better than the Halloween one I couldn’t have.”
“Awesome.” She was all about parties. Granted, she knew how to throw an extravagant one.
“Have you thought any more about talking to Ashley?”
I slanted my face toward the sun. “I told you, I plan to. I’m just not sure when.” Part of me was procrastinating. I hadn’t gotten over Dad’s death, and I was trying to get to a better place emotionally. The last thing I wanted to do was open a wound that should maybe stay closed. After all, as far as I was concerned, my parents were Randall and Candace Lawson. “She went back to Chicago, anyway.” Grady had mentioned that Ashley lived in Chicago and owned a printing company. She wasn’t married and didn’t have kids.
“I’m sure she’ll return soon. She’s dating Mr. Dyson.”
I didn't know how I felt about that, and frankly, I didn’t want to talk about Ashley and Mr. Dyson. “I’m going to find Colton.” The last I knew, he’d been unpacking in his room. A sudden need to jump his bones coursed through me.
We hadn’t had a chance to spend any time together. He’d decided to see a therapist, which I was stoked about. I could see an improvement in him after two visits. He was happier and not as quiet as he had been when I’d first met him. I know I played a role in his healing, but he was working through his father issues and blaming himself for Josh’s death. He also had a great friend in Grady, and Mr. Dyson was there to parent him if the need arose. Aside from that, there was school, Colton had foot
ball, and on occasion, he would make a trip to South Carolina to visit his mom. And I had my own things to deal with.
“Can you bring me a soda when you come back?” she asked.
I didn’t know how long I would be or if Colton was ready to kick back or not. I acknowledged her just the same.
As soon as I crossed the threshold into the brightly lit sunroom, I came to an abrupt halt.
Ashley was standing in the kitchen with her phone to her ear, dressed in casual attire and appearing relaxed and comfortable as she chatted with someone.
I had no clue when she’d gotten there. When I’d arrived with Colton two hours before, Ashley hadn’t been in the house or even in town, as far as I knew.
Maybe fate was trying to tell me to talk to her.
When she realized I was in the room, her eyebrows rose.
Colton’s and Grady’s voices filtered into my ears. It sounded like they were in the rec room off the kitchen.
She set her phone on the island then glided toward me. “Skyler, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
I could have said the same. I also didn’t know why she was surprised that I was there, given I was dating Colton, who was friends with Grady, and Mia and I were friends. “I thought you flew back to Chicago.”
She looked pretty, and her floral-patterned silk blouse brought out the color in her red shorts. “I did. Mr. Dyson and I are on our way to Key West for a conference.”
I knitted my eyebrows. “Don’t you own a printing company?”
“I do. I’m going as his guest.” She stood behind a wicker chair. “I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Is there anything I can do for you?”
A laugh broke out in my head. I had so many snarky retorts. You’re now asking if you can help when you gave me up? But I didn’t have the emotional energy to deal. I wasn’t even sure if I had the strength to listen to her. Then again, if she and Mr. Dyson were a couple, I would be seeing more of her, since Colton was living there now. On top of that, if I wanted to put the past behind me, I knew I should listen. “I don’t need anything, but thank you.”
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