"You bet," Riley said, reaching out for Cole's offered hand. "You bet."
The New Year yawned ahead of the Colemans like an open abyss. They spoke of the changes in their lives: Thad's retirement, Rand's new daughter, Cole's and Sawyer's late spring weddings. They managed to avoid discussing Amelia's failing health or Riley's business with Coleman Oil.
To Billie it seemed like a time for miracles and sharing confidences, hopes, and dreams for the future. She was happier than she'd ever been. She and Thad could travel, visit, or just hang out with the dogs at the farm. Together, they'd continue Amelia's work with the aged. She'd find a couple of bright young designers to take over Billie, Inc. She and Thad would... enjoy life.
Somewhere during these past months, she'd come to terms with the possibility that Coleman Enterprises could go under. They'd all given their best; there was nothing anyone could do. She'd even come to terms with Amelia's failing health. No one, Amelia'd said, was to hang around, or hover. What would be would be. Billie had promised, with tears in her eyes, that she'd go on with her plans.
She looked around now at her brood and the people they'd chosen to share their lives with. All she'd ever wanted, her whole life long, was a family, and to have that family be happy. Thad said she was batting a near thousand.
Cole and Sumi. She'd never seen this open, smiling, unreserved side of her grandson before. And Sumi, beautiful little Sumi. Cole's perfect match. How was it none of them had ever thought of Sumi with regard to Cole? If they had, they would have meddled, and probably ruined this wonderful relationship which was unfurling in front of their very eyes. Cole was happy for the first time in his life, and Maggie positively basked in her son's happiness.
Sawyer, Adam, and Jeff. A ready-made family. How happy they were! God alone had decreed that Sawyer live to unite this little family. Even from here she could see the love in Sawyer's eyes. There were no words to describe what Sawyer called Adam's sappy expression. The boy was beaming, too.
Maggie and Rand. Rand and Maggie. A pair, a matched set, like herself and Thad. Now they were three. Another ready-made family. A daughter for Maggie to fuss over. A daughter for Rand to share with. They were all going back to
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Hawaii—together. When she'd asked for how long, Rand had said for as long as it takes for Chesney to mend, to rest, to plan. God's hand again.
Susan and Ferris and Jessie. How happy they were with their lives and the good things their foundation made possible for other children like Jessie, victims of spina bifida. Again His hand had set them on the right path. In doing for others, they found their own happiness. Billie applauded her daughter.
Julie with the warm eyes and crinkly smile. Thad's favorite niece. Her happiness would come. Everything was in perspective for Julie now. She was so much like Thad. She'd shoulder the burden, take the blame before she'd let anyone else do it. It was easy to see why Amelia adored her and why Julie felt so close to Amelia. She'd been blessed with all of Thad's wonderful traits, Billie thought, smiling at her across the room. Julie would be happy. It just wasn't her time yet.
Amelia and Cary. This Christmas had meant so much to Amelia. All her family here to see her. She hadn't been fooled; she knew Cole had arranged it. "You don't usually think of young men caring so much. I never saw that side of Cole. He's deep, Billie. My regret is that I won't be here to see that side of him mature and grow. I don't understand why he felt he had to cover that part of him up. We had a long talk, Cole and I. He said something that astounded me. He didn't beat around the bush or anything—straight out. He said he didn't think death was something to be afraid of but rather something to look forward to. Not with glee or wild expectation. He said whatever good we leave here on earth will follow us. He said the good is like a snowball. When it all catches up, in that place we're all going to, it will be a time of such happiness that we can't even begin to comprehend. Peace and happiness, he said. He spoke with such intensity, Billie. That young man made a believer out of me. I'm not chomping at the bit to go, but I'm not afraid anymore. You keep telling me that God works in mysterious ways, and I know now what that means." Amelia was going to be all right. Cary's life was on hold now. Every waking hour was devoted to Amelia. They'd made their peace.
Riley, her first grandson. Had they placed too heavy a burden on his broad shoulders, or had he done that himself? Sometimes she wasn't sure. She could not help him now. Whatever was to become of Coleman Oil was strictly up to Riley. She was prepared, and so were the others. There would be no blame if things didn't go right. He'd done his best and would continue to
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do so until he dropped. Old Seth's bones must be rattling in his grave. Thad said Riley was between a rock and a hard place. Her eyes were loving as she looked around. Riley and the others, her family. Whatever would be, would be.
The room seemed lighter, brighter somehow, when her eyes searched out her husband.
Another holiday over. Now his life was about to open for him. He'd done his share, he'd contributed. Now it was his turn. Billie knew that he felt young and almost giddy with relief that Washington would be behind him. No more clocks, no more votes, no more meetings. He wouldn't have to listen to the lies, turn his head so as not to see the wheeling and dealing. Power—let them keep it. He even looked younger, Billie thought.
Her eyes circled the room once more. The mountain of luggage attested to the fact that all these warm, wonderful people were going their separate ways. They'd gather again, many times—for birth or death, celebration or disaster. All it would take would be a phone call, and they would all be on their way. To their home base.
Home to Sunbridge.
Thad looked around the room. It seemed lighter, brighter somehow. He held his arms open, and Billie came to him. She was smiling at him. He should have known. For years now he'd seen Maggie and Billie's smiles light up rooms.
"I'm taking you home with me," Thad whispered.
"And..."
"The rest is a surprise."
"A clue," Billie begged.
"I have the secret. If you behave yourself, I might share it with you."
"The boys in the cloakroom finally told you," Billie said, her voice filled with awe.
Thad's face was serious when he nodded. He kissed her on the tip of her nose.
"Finally, the answer. Poor Ted Koppel. But if kissing my nose is the best you can do, I'm staying here." Thad bent down and kissed her, a long, sweet, lingering kiss that promised a lifetime of togetherness. When they drew apart, the family clapped and cheered. They bowed formally, accepting the approval and love.
Their family.
The knock on the front door signaled the arrival of the
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airport limo. Ferris, Susan, and Jessie, along with Maggie, Rand, Chesney, and Julie, would be dropped off at their respective airlines. Cole was dropping Sumi off later, but for now he was taking her into town. Sawyer would return to Japan one more time—but not for long. Only Riley would remain behind to operate his EOR program and find a replacement for Sawyer. Only Riley, at Sunbridge.
Cary had his own car warming up. Amelia's bags and wheelchair were already loaded, along with all their Christmas presents.
For two days the family had wrapped parcels to be shipped to their respective addresses so they wouldn't have to carry all their loot on the plane.
The good-byes were tearful and poignant. There were no dry eyes, Billie noticed.
Riley stood alone in the open doorway.
They were gone. All his family was gone. It was hard to believe that just minutes ago, days ago, the house had been filled to the rafters with laughter and love. Now it was as if they'd never been here. Even the Christmas tree had been dismantled, the ornaments carried back to the attic. Riley felt like he was alone in the Astrodome and someone had just turned off the lights.
He closed the front door and walked through the rooms, the silence roaring in his ears. He clapped his hands overhead just to he
ar the sound. His pace quickened as he switched on every radio and television set in the house. His reward was a jumble of sound that made him clench his fists.
This emptiness was all his now. His father's home. Now it was all his. He'd cut away his past and centered his whole being here. He couldn't go back now even if he wanted to, which he didn't.
Riley uncapped a bottle of Heineken from the portable bar and sat in a big upholstered chair, his feet on the coffee table. He had four hours to kill until Adam and Sawyer picked him up to go to the airport—all the time in the world—time to think, to plan, to dream. He tried to sit still and think, but he was restless, wired up. He heaved himself out of the chair and began to pace the room.
He parted the curtains at the window. It was cold and gray outside. The bare trees looked old, skeletal and arthritic. They had to be over a hundred years old, he decided. There was
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nothing warm or comforting about the vast expanse of land that stretched before him. He could feel anxiety start to build in him. He could lose all of this—this emptiness, this vast-ness, this barn of a house. His teeth ground together. His fists clenched at his sides. The desire to put both his balled fists through the pane of glass was strong. He knew in that instant he was capable of killing to preserve what was his father's.
A long time ago Nick had told Sawyer there was nothing wrong with wanting it all. Everyone wanted It All. It was the way you went about getting it that mattered, Nick had said. He'd also said it wasn't important if you won or lost, but how you played the game. If it wasn't important, Riley wondered, then why did they keep score? Or was it himself who was keeping score?
Riley walked back to his chair. He polished off the beer and opened another one. He swigged furiously. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had beer at noon.
On an impulse he picked up the phone. He probably wasn't the Buckalews' favorite person these days, but he didn't care. He wondered why she hadn't stopped by. Ivy always stopped by, if only to pester.
"You didn't stop by," Riley blurted when Ivy picked up the phone.
"You didn't either. My rusty bucket of bolts isn't running."
"You want to use my Bronco, it's yours. It's just sitting here."
"You could have dropped me a card," Ivy said coolly.
"You want to go for a sandwich or something?"
"You gonna pick me up like a date? Get out of the car and ring the doorbell?"
"Hell no. I think your father would like it better if he never saw me again."
"Okay, I'll meet you by the gate. How long?"
"You got another date or something?"
"I might. This is the last minute, you know. A girl could get a bad reputation accepting last-minute invitations."
"Be by the damn gate in twenty minutes."
"I don't know anything about Lacey's love life. So don't plan on asking me any questions about her. You still want to pick me up?" Ivy asked fearfully.
"Just be by the damn gate."
Ivy grinned when the phone clicked.
Twenty minutes. Just enough time to fix her makeup and
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put on earrings. Shoot, she should have plucked her eyebrows last night instead of watching television. The gray flannel slacks and electric-blue sweater would do just fine. Riley probably wouldn't notice. He probably wouldn't notice her fashionable haircut, either, or the fact that she now had fingernails all the same size and color. She wondered if she could work in the fact that she'd graduated magna cum laude. The only person so far to be impressed was Lacey.
There was no reason to tell Riley that she and Lacey were good friends these days. They'd even visited each other. Later, maybe she'd tell him. Providing there was a later.
She was waiting at the gate, stomping her feet on the cold driveway to keep them warm. Her heart thumped when the Bronco approached. Her knees felt weak when she climbed into the truck.
Riley looked at her for a long minute. "You look different, squirt."
"That's because I am different," Ivy said sweetly. "I got a haircut and I don't bite my nails anymore. I wear feminine clothes and earrings. And if you plan on mocking me out, say so now and I'll get the hell out of this truck."
"Whoa. I just said you look different."
"You called me a squirt. I don't think I'm a squirt, and I don't look like a squirt. I'm your equal. I managed to graduate magna cum laude. Now what do you have to say?"
"Jesus! You want to climb out and climb back in and we can start over?"
"No. I've said what I had to say. You look awful, Riley. What's wrong? Too much Christmas?"
"I don't really feel in the mood to go public. How about coming back to Sunbridge. There's tons of leftovers."
"That's fine with me. What's with the tons of food?"
"Adam's clearing out of the ranch, and he dumped the contents of his refrigerator into ours. The whole family was home for the holidays. Now it's just me. All by my lonesome, and I'm leaving later this afternoon. One more crack at the South American deal, but I don't have much hope. Then—"
"So this is hello and good-bye?"
"Yeah, I guess it is. Does that bother you?"
"No. Yes. I don't know. Was calling me an afterthought? A way to fill in a few hours?"
"I didn't want to be alone. I walked through that damn house and suddenly I didn't want to be alone. I wanted to talk
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to someone. You weren't a second or third choice. I wanted to talk to you. By the way, you look great."
"I know. I've really been working at it. Have to beat the guys off with a stick. You wouldn't believe the offers I've had," Ivy lied.
"Oh yeah?" Riley said sourly. Ivy tried to hide her smile.
"Yeah. Did you think I was going to wait for you forever?"
"Hell, I didn't know you were waiting. Come off it, Ivy."
"You're a jerk, Riley. Why do you think I was always under your feet? I was happy only when you were chasing me away. When you chased me away you talked to me. You paid attention. I must have been nuts."
Riley ground the Bronco to a halt at the side of the road. "You mean you had a crush on me back then?" he asked stupidly.
"That's a quaint way of putting it. I'd have let you strip me naked in the middle of my father's driveway if that's what you wanted."
"Jesus Christ!" Riley breathed.
"Don't go getting any ideas that I'm easy. You want my body, you're going to fight for it. I should also mention that I'm a virgin. I've been saving myself for you."
"Jesus Christ!"
"You already said that. Be more original. I'm not going to bed with you this afternoon either. I told you I'm saving myself. The only way you get this bod is to marry it. I could probably handle some heavy necking...."
"That's enough of that kind of talk," Riley said.
Ivy smiled as Riley tried three times before he got the Bronco going without stripping the gears.
Riley watched as Ivy carved off thick slices of white meat from the leftover turkey and spread the sandwiches with butter and Russian dressing and a layer of lettuce. She added four cookies to the tray, and some napkins. Riley carried the beer.
They ate with gusto. They talked about everything and anything.
Ivy looked at her watch. "I have to get back, Riley. If that offer of your Bronco still holds, I'd like to take you up on it."
"Sure. Don't run it into the ground, okay? Remember to have the oil checked and put air in the tires once in a while."
"Okay. You can kiss me here," she said, pointing to her cheek. "If you miscalculate, I'll be dragging you upstairs, and
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I'm not ready for that. It isn't in my game plan." Riley did as instructed.
Riley watched the Bronco till it was out of sight. He wished he knew what it was Ivy had to do and why she had to leave. He had to shove these feelings he was experiencing as far back as he could. He had other things on his mind.
Inside the house again, he
felt as if he were back in the Astrodome. The emptiness shrieked at him. Ivy's presence had filled the room. He'd felt good for a while. Now Sun-bridge was just a house again. An empty house.
It was almost dark. Time to turn on every light in the house.
In the kitchen he put away the food and washed off the counter.
There was something he had to do, and if he was going to do it, now was the time. In all the years he'd been at Sun-bridge, he'd never climbed the hill behind the house. He'd seen it from the range when he'd been out riding, but he'd never felt the need or the desire to visit the dead. He'd never stood at his mother's grave in Japan, either. That site, too, was a hill. A mountain if you weren't ready to climb it.
Riley clamped his baseball cap on his head. The shearling jacket was old and worn, but warm as toast. He was ready.
Cole and Sumi stood on the balcony of the Coleman apartment at Assante Towers, their arms around each other. There was only an hour left before they'd have to leave for the airport, but Cole knew there was something he had to do in this hour. Even if it meant losing these last few precious minutes with Sumi.
"Sumi, do you mind if I leave you here for a little while?" he asked. He kissed the top of her head. "I have to do something."
"Is it Riley?"
"Yes. I have this feeling that he needs me. Maybe he doesn't. Maybe I want him to need me. I can't explain it. I only know I have to go back."
"I'll be here," she said. "Help him, Cole."
Cole swung his car into the Sunbridge courtyard, noticing at the same time that the Bronco was missing. The whole damn house was lit up like a Christmas tree. He called Riley's name as he walked through the rooms, switching off radios and televisions. He ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Riley's bag
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was packed, his briefcase next to it. Cole ran back down to the kitchen. Something wasn't right. His eyes swept the room. The coat rack was empty. Riley's shearling jacket always hung there. And his baseball cap was gone, too.
Cole yanked open the drawer where the flashlight was kept. It was gone. He ran to the courtyard, straining his eyes in the darkness. Riley had gone up the hill. From here he could see the tiny beam of light, moving farther away.
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