For Keeps (Aggie's Inheritance)

by Havig, Chautona

  Aggie’s eyes met his, and her smile made his mouth go dry. “You’re always doing something for me, Luke. Always.”

  Luke says: Everyone in bed?

  Mibs says: Yep. The house is finally quiet.

  Luke says: Are you ready for tomorrow?

  Mibs says: I still have Laird’s math to correct. I never got done with it, and he can’t go on until I do.

  Luke says: I can let you go.

  Mibs says: Oh. Are you busy?

  Luke says: Are you kidding? I’ve been ignoring my dishes because I was afraid I’d miss you signing on.

  Mibs says: Luke?

  Luke says: Too personal?

  Mibs says: Not at all. I was going to say that I really needed to hear that tonight.

  Luke says: Do you have any idea how long I’ve done that? Even when you were talking to mom instead of me, I’d be chatting with her asking how you were doing.

  Mibs says: How long, Luke? Either I’m really dense, or you’re really good at keeping your feelings to yourself.

  Luke says: Well, I was first intrigued by a sleeping woman with a sprained ankle and tear-stained face. I realized I had met a good friend when she dug a list of work out of her purse with “FIX THE WIRING” at the top.

  Mibs says: LOL. I was so embarrassed that morning. But that doesn’t tell me when…

  Luke says: Well, I know something happened sometime while we were working on Vannie’s room, because my heart sank the day I thought you were firing me, remember?

  Mibs says: Firing you? When did I say that?

  Luke says: You didn’t. You got frustrated because you thought I could read your expression, but I couldn’t. I thought you were going to fire me.

  Mibs says: Oh right.

  Luke says: And then there was the day we moved Vannie in. She said something like, “Aunt Aggie is one of a kind, isn’t she?” and I agreed.

  Mibs says: I think it’s good that you’re there and I’m here.

  Luke says: Pink cheeks?

  Mibs says: Brick red.

  Luke says: Well, then maybe I shouldn’t tell you that I just figured out when I knew I loved you.

  Mibs says: That’s cruel.

  Luke says: You really want to hear it?

  Mibs says: Who knew you were into torture?

  Luke says: LOL. Mibs, I think I knew that I loved you when I heard you sigh at Fred Astaire searching the churchyard for Audrey Hepburn.

  Mibs says: I think you asked me if I was a romantic at heart, but look who is the romantic!

  Luke says: Guilty.

  Mibs says: If William hadn’t been such a twit, when do you think

  you’d have said something?

  Luke says: I don’t know. Probably not until next March or something. I’d have wanted to give you a full year to get used to your new life and know if you wanted to shake it up again. I’m really sorry, Mibs. Sometimes I think I was really selfish in saying anything.

  Mibs says: Well, I’m glad you did. It’s what I needed to hear at the time. You have no idea how cheap and useless I felt.

  Luke says: I’m sure William didn’t mean to make you feel like that.

  Mibs says: Well, he did.

  Luke says: Mind if I change the subject and put you on the spot?

  Mibs says: Please do.

  Mibs says: Well, change the subject. I’m not so sure about the spot thing.

  Luke says: LOL. I was wondering if you think you CAN learn to love me. I’m a patient man, but if you really think it’s not possible, I’d rather know now so I have time to prepare myself if the day comes when you say you don’t want me to try anymore.

  Mibs says: Wow. That’s a hard one.

  Luke says: Then leave it for another day or not at all. I don’t want you to feel pressured.

  Mibs says: No, it’s not that. It’s just that some things are hard to say. I do think I could learn to love you. What I don’t know is if I will.

  Luke says: Well, that is encouraging.

  Mibs says: Sounds DIScouraging to me. Do you know how much I want to be able to say that I already do care?

  Luke says: You haven’t had time to think about your own life much less your heart these past months. You’ve had one single focus--the children.

  Luke says: Speaking of children…

  Mibs says: What? Who did what now and when?

  Luke says: No one. I just wondered if you wanted to have children.

  Mibs says: What do you call the many inhabitants of my house?

  Luke says: LOL. I meant “your own” children.

  Aggie says: You mean as in doctor visits, growing belly, food cravings, swollen feet, stretch marks, labor, delivery, morning sickness, nursing and late night feedings? Those kinds of children?

  Luke says: So, that’s a “Not on your life?”

  Mibs says: A year ago, if you had told me about my life right now and asked that question, I would have been adamant that eight children was more than enough. Having been through part of that with Ian, I feel like I missed out with the others. I hardly held them as infants. I tended to admire from Allie’s side and play with whoever came up to me. I was the aunt who showed up, brought bubbles, told stories, and then went home.

  Mibs says: Is that bad?

  Luke says: Is what bad?

  Mibs says: That I want the whole experience too? God gave me eight wonderful children in varying ages, and I still want more.

  Mibs says: I want to feel a baby kick from inside, the smell of a baby’s head, the little chubby cheeks, the baby powder scent that follows them even if you don’t use it, slobbery kisses, and most of all, that adoring look in a baby’s eyes when it’s nursing. I want it all. Boy that sounds greedy and selfish.

  Luke says: I think it sounds quite normal.

  Mibs says: What about you? How do you feel about children?

  Luke says: I love them. Always have. Mom says I used to try to convince mothers in the store to let me take home their babies.

  Mibs says: I believe it. Your love of children shows. Do you think it is irresponsible to consider having children when I’m already responsible for my sister’s? People already think I’m overloaded.

  Luke says: I think if you can provide their basic needs, food, shelter,

  and love, no one has any business putting in their unsolicited opinions.

  Mibs says: So, what made you ask that question?

  Luke says: I’ve been wondering if all the work had soured you on the idea of having children. It’s something I’ve looked forward to for years.

  Mibs says: You want your “own.”

  Luke says: I’ll always love your children, Mibs. They already have their own special corners of my heart, but I also want to share pregnancy with my wife.

  Mibs says: May I ask a very personal question?

  Luke says: You can ask anything you like. I can’t think of a thing I wouldn’t answer, but I can’t promise you’ll like all my answers.

  Mibs says: Well, this is awkward. I’m glad I’m asking here instead of in person. Does your business adequately provide for you?

  Luke says: Yes. I’m quite financially stable. I can take risks now that I don’t think I would with a family, but my father left us all a small inheritance, and I’ve used it well flipping houses.

  Mibs says: That was a wonderful thing to do. He left plenty for your mother, didn’t he? She doesn’t have to work, so I just assumed…

  Luke says: Between life insurance and Social Security, she’s modestly provided for for the rest of her life. Dad was a great provider that way.

  Mibs says: That sounds like Allie. She made sure that everything was in my name, they had a huge life insurance policy, the kids all receive Social Security benefits, and, of course the house was worth quite a bit.

  Mibs says: So how did you get started flipping houses?

  Luke says: Mom doesn’t watch much TV, but she likes one of those shows on home renovations. She and Dad watched it every week, so I got in the habit of watching it
too. I started trying some of the ideas around our house while working for a landscaping company. Then a house went on the market in an upcoming area of town. It was right after I deposited my money, so I talked to Mom, the girls, and our minister, Joe. They all recommended that I try it.

  Mibs says: And did you make a profit? I’ve heard that first houses often don’t.

  Luke says: I did make a small profit on the first one. I could have done better if I hadn’t been so chintzy with the fixtures. I kept trying to cut corners, but I cut them off too much sometimes. The second house though, I tripled my money. By the third one, I realized that I had to choose between going to college and doing what I loved. I chose houses.

  Mibs says: Well, you did a great job with mine. I’m still amazed at how fast it got done.

  Luke says: I was really slow with that first house. I didn’t know what I was doing, so every step took forever while I read about it, tried it, redid it, etc. However, I’ve learned where to take shortcuts, where not to, and you and the kids did so much of the tedious work like peeling off wallpaper and scrubbing walls. I was able to work consistently without having to shift gears as often.

  Mibs says: Ok, another topic change.

  Luke says: Shoot.

  Mibs says: What does this relationship thing mean? What’s going to change?

  Luke says: I don’t know. I don’t know how to do this. Why do you ask?

  Mibs says: Well, I just wondered because everything seems the same as it’s always been.

  Luke says: Is that a problem?

  Mibs says: No, it’s good, actually. I just didn’t know what to expect.

  Luke says: I plan to find a way to romance you, Mibs. I just don’t quite know how to do it. I’m new at this too. But, I think the biggest change is that you’re aware of the possibilities now. That’s the difference.

  Mibs says: I can see that. There were things you said at times that I know made me do a double take, but life was so busy, I forgot about them immediately.

  Luke says: Like what?

  Mibs says: I enchant you. I always look nice to you. You can’t imagine what has gotten into you. The last one was when you told me that some men can be just friends while waiting for something more. I was sure you were hinting that I should be careful not to lead William on, but a part of me wondered for a bit. Mom and I decided that it was definitely a warning about William.

  Luke says: I kicked myself all the way home for that one. I was sure I’d given myself away, and you’d be telling me to stay away from now on.

  Mibs says: I don’t think I would have. I might have been a little freaked out at first. You can thank William for your “confession” being a relief instead of a burden.

  Luke says: I thought I’d messed everything up. No worries, though. I’m sure to blow it eventually. Promise to love me anyway?

  Mibs says: Ha! You aren’t going to trip me up that easily.

  Luke says: Well, I had to try.

  Mibs says: I think I am going to like this.

  Luke says: This what?

  Mibs says: Oh boy. I’ve done it now. How’s the weather over there?

  Luke says: Mibs…

  Mibs says: Ok, ok. It’s not easy being transparent, but I have to admit that I like knowing that someone so special to me cares so much about me. It’s a nice feeling.

  Luke says: And since we’re on a happy note, it’s late. I think I should let you go to bed. I didn’t realize how long we’ve been chatting.

  Mibs says: You gave me an out. That is really sweet of you.

  Luke says: Say goodnight, Gracie…

  Mibs says: Goodnight, Gracie.

  Luke says: LOL. I do love you, you know.

  Mibs says: Yeah, I think I do know.

  Luke says: Is it uncomfortable for you for me to keep telling you?

  Mibs says: No.

  Mibs says: Um, I want you to know, I won’t say it myself unless I mean it.

  Luke says: I’m glad to hear it. Goodnight, Mibs.

  Mibs says: Nighters, Lucas.

  Language Lessons

  Chapter 19

  Friday, October 3rd

  No one would ever claim that the Milliken-Stuart home-school had an easy beginning. By Wednesday, Aggie realized that the children simply didn’t take it seriously. Even Vannie considered her lessons optional in relation to the rest of life. Kenzie fought every single direction that Aggie gave her. It didn’t matter if it was putting away a pencil or reading a story, every single directive was met with, “But Mrs. Tompkins said” or “But Mrs. Tompkins didn’t…” In desperation, Aggie began ending her instructions with, “And I don’t care what Mrs. Tompkins said. I am your teacher. You need to say ‘yes ma’am,’ and just do it.”

  She’d seen Luke smirk at those words, but she didn’t care. After Tuesday afternoon, he’d forbidden her to enter the basement. At night, when all the children were sleeping, she’d been tempted to tiptoe down there and see how it was coming, but the thought of his disappointment at her ruined surprise always kept her from doing it. Instead, she spent her nights into the wee hours of the morning chatting with Tina and Luke and correcting the children’s work.

  The housework suffered. Spending all day keeping her students on track and the little ones out of trouble left little time for things like laundry, meals, dishes, and dusting. Each night she tucked Ian into his crib with grandiose ideas of going downstairs and tackling the work waiting for her, but she never did. The minute she set foot downstairs, the schoolwork called to her for correction. She’d open her laptop and chat with Tina, Libby, or Luke while correcting spelling tests and math problems.

  Friday afternoon, after standing over each of the children with threats of more work on Saturday, each of the children were finally finished by two-thirty. Aggie collapsed on the couch, grateful that the three littlest were still asleep. Within seconds, she was snoozing herself.

  The clock chimed at three o’clock, startling Aggie out of a sound sleep. The house was quiet--too quiet. She dragged herself up off the couch and climbed the stairs. A peek into Tavish and Ian’s room showed the baby still snoring, arms thrown back and one foot sticking out of the crib bars. Cari and Lorna were also still asleep cuddled together on Cari’s bed.

  Downstairs, she ignored the mess in the kitchen and went outside to see what the other children might be doing. As she rounded the corner, she overheard Luke talking earnestly with the children. “--thought I could trust you to do your work. Your aunt has enough on her plate without standing over you like she has been. You wouldn’t have done that last year at school.”

  “But this isn’t school. This is just--”

  “No buts. If you got up on time, ate your breakfast, did the few jobs that Aggie asks of you, and then got to work on your schoolwork without dawdling, you’d be done before two o’clock every day. If you actually concentrated on that work, you might be done even earlier. My sister says that aside from some high school students, most home-schoolers she knows get their work done in less than three hours a day. That’s nine to noon, guys.” Vannie started to speak, but Luke interrupted her. “I see her up until two o’clock sometimes. She can’t keep doing that. She’ll wear out.”

  “Did she ask you to talk to us?” Laird sounded defensive.

  “No, but if you don’t make some changes, I’ll be talking to her about raising her expectations. You can do it on your own because it’s right, or you can do it because she makes you. Those are your options.”

  “Aunt Aggie doesn’t like it when people tell her what to do. She won’t like that you are trying to take over.”

  Aggie was stunned at the defiant tone in Vannie’s voice and decided it was time to step in and back up Luke. “Aunt Aggie does like it when her children are respectful to the adults in their lives. You owe Luke an apology, Vannie.”

  “Sorry.”

  “No you’re not. You might be sorry you got caught, but that’s no apology. Try again.”

  Resigned, Vannie rephras
ed in nearly a monotone. “I was disrespectful. Please forgive me.”

  “You’re forgiven, Vannie.”

  “Ok, everyone has work to do. If it’s downstairs work, it gets done now. Go, go, go!”

  Once everyone scattered to do the small chores they were responsible for, Aggie smiled at Luke. “Thanks for trying.”

  “They’re walking all over you. I gave them four days, but it’s just getting worse every day. You’re right. They don’t take this seriously.”

  “Should I put them back in school?” Defeat nearly overwhelmed her.

  “No. That would teach them that you can be manipulated. You need to expect them to do what they should do and hold them to those expectations.” He slipped his hand into hers and tugged her toward the house. “Come on. I have something to show you.” At the top of the basement stairs, Luke flipped on the light and said, “Close your eyes.”

  She followed him, step by very slow step, down the stairs and waited for the ok to look. “This is torture!”

  “Ok, open them.”

  The room was amazing. Much brighter than she’d expected, the space was everything she could have hoped for and more. They’d have a great place to work and play without anyone getting lost in the shuffle. “Luke…” She swallowed, a lump growing in her throat. Her first impulse was to hug him, but an unfamiliar shyness stole over her. Seconds passed as she tried to articulate just how wonderful she thought the space was. At last, she shrugged and wrapped grateful arms around him. “Thank you.”

  For a moment, he stood, unmoving, as if uncomfortable by her actions, but then he grinned and squeezed her until she lost her breath. “Is it really ok? The swings work there for you? The counters are ok?”

  “It’s perfect. How did you find one of those big couches so quickly?”

  “Mom has been searching all over Rockland. One of those scratch and dent places was putting this on the floor as she walked in. She asked the price and told them to load it back up and deliver it to my place.”

  Aggie’s hand trailed along the countertops he’d put at desk height as he spoke. “Do you really think they can do all their school work in so little time?”