*
In the meantime, the air turned frosty in the bedroom across the hall. John and Erin undressed in silence. Finally John took the throw from the end of the bed. “I know we must stay in this house, but that doesn’t mean in the same room. I’m taking the couch in the den.”
Erin clutched his elbow. “Don’t you dare, John Duncan. You will not embarrass me like that.”
He snatched a pillow. “I’m beyond caring.”
Erin let out a whimper and rushed to block his exit. “Please. Talk to me.”
“And say what?” He planted his feet on the carpet. “God forgive me, but I’m frankly very tired of hearing you yap.”
Just then a knock sounded on their door. Erin cracked it open. “Yes?”
“It’s Robert. Listen, we just got a call from Uncle Blake. It’s about the kids. Can I come in?”
John tossed the bedding back on the bed. Erin waited until the pillow once again sat next to hers. “Okay, come in.”
Robert slipped through the half-opened the door. “Ellen’s wound up pretty tight. Jade fell at Disney World and busted open her chin. Ten stiches.”
Erin slumped to the accent chair. “Oh, no.”
He waved his hands. “It’s okay. Everyone is back at the hotel. But I wanted to let you two know what great guys you have. They won her a teddy bear at the arcades and small trinkets for Elena and Jade. They also brought your aunt a rose.” He pierced his lips together and nodded. “You raised them well. Thanks.”
John shook his hand. “Do you two need to leave? I’m sure under the circumstances…”
“Nah. It’s cool. Kids bounce back.”
Erin rose. “I should check on Ellen.”
Robert rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah. That would be great.”
John laid a hand on his brother-in-law’s shoulder. “Come on. Let’s pour a wee dram of that twelve–year-old Scotch I eyed on the wet bar. You look like you need it.”
The two men trotted down the stairs. Robert commented as he rounded the stoop, “At least the girls are talking to each other.”
John poured two fingers in each glass. “Hmmm. Not so sure that’s a good idea, though. Erin’s not too happy in our marriage, you know. With this inheritance, she might be able to live on her own.”
Robert clutched John’s wrist. “Let’s not go there yet, man. Okay?”
John shrugged and recapped the liquor bottle. “I’ll pray over your marriage if you’ll pray over mine.”
“I’ve kinda slipped out of practice, but sure. It’s worth a shot.”
John held up the small glass of amber liquid. “Bad pun.”
They clinked shot glasses and laughed.
Chapter Ten
For the next several days the foursome worked like robots sorting through the years of accumulated memories. Sprinkled with occasional laughter or tears, most of the twin’s efforts were conducted in a stoic manner. Only minimal intercommunication between couples occurred.
John and Robert went to the hardware store to pick up some supplies. The privacy fence needed a bit of repair and the shed a coat of paint, as well as the shutters. Ellen suggested a professional lawn crew be hired and even though Erin scoffed at the potential expense, she agreed none of them had the time.
“I can’t believe they kept so much stuff!” Erin wiped her brow as they all sipped iced tea on the back patio.
Ellen nodded. “I never want our girls to go through this. I’m hiring Bridget as soon as we get home to help us weed through our stuff.”
Robert leaned in. “Bridget is an excellent house stager. Everyone uses her.” He emphasized the word “everyone” which resulted in a brief dagger-edged glance from his wife. John chuckled into his glass.
“Ellen, why don’t I come lend a hand the week the boys are in summer church camp?” Erin volunteered.
“Okay. It might be fun, if we aren’t out at the lake.”
Her husband quickly replied. “I think it can be arranged. Of course I may stay out there to avoid getting in the way. What do you think, John? Wanna come up for some fishing?”
Robert and John simultaneously winked.
Ellen tilted her head and tucked her lip under her teeth. “Robert’s parents could look after Jade. Does this camp of yours take girls?”
“Sure. They’d have a blast. Horseback riding, swimming every day, campfires and singing. But they conduct Bible study and also prayer services before breakfast and after dinner.” John titled his head.
Robert set his glass down. “Can’t see how that would do them any harm, do you, dear?” He didn’t wait for his wife to respond. “Perhaps we’ve been a little negligent in that aspect of their upbringing.”
Erin piped up. “Speaking of which. We found Grandmother’s family Bible. What should we do with stuff like that?” She waggled a finger at her husband. “You don’t need to remind us of Solomon.”
The banker in the group shifted his weight. “I’ve been thinking, and I haven’t run this by you yet, Ellen, but I think we should make the lake house a family home. I’d like you, Erin and John, with your boys, to have access it as well. We can work out the details later so it’s affordable. That way, it can be our legacy we pass on. All the precious things you two don’t want to divvy up could go up there for all generations to enjoy.”
John rubbed his forehead. “That’s a nice idea but I don’t see how…”
Robert halted him with raised hands. “Hey, I’m all thumbs when it comes to repairs, and to be honest, the place needs some updating. Besides, we own it free and clear so all we pay are the taxes on it. It would work out to about four to five hundred each.”
John protruded his lower lip in thought. After a moment he nodded. “We could do that, I guess.”
“We could set up monthly payments if that would help. I suggest we each put a few thousand from the inheritance into a trust fund from which we can draw for expenses. I’ll make sure to monitor the returns so we continue to get the most for our dollars in investment if John agrees to become caretaker and oversea the physical maintenance. Changing the deed into a limited corporation under all four names shouldn’t cost too much. Ferguson, Ferguson and Tate would probably handle that end. What do you say?”
Erin turned to her husband. “I think we need to discuss this in private, John.”
John set his drink down. “Nothing long-term with me, is that it?”
“John!”
“I’m no fool, Erin. I can see the writing on the wall.” He stalked to the steps. “I’m going for a walk and to pray.”
Erin watched her husband stomp through the grass to the alley gate. Tears welled in her eyes.
Ellen scooted beside her. “He’s a good man, Erin. You shouldn’t ride him so hard. At least he’s faithful. You two have so much.”
Erin spun to face her. “Like what? A second mortgage. Kids off to college in three years which we can’t afford, ten-year-old cars that hang together with baling wire and a prayer?”
Robert huffed. “For once, I’m ignoring your quip, dear.” Then he crouched down and took Erin’s hand. “If you need help making ends meet I can work up a financial plan for you two. I help tons of folks. It is nothing to be ashamed of. And there are literally hundreds of thousands of college grants and scholarships that go unclaimed every year. You just need to buckle down your boys to get them to apply. We can go over all of that.”
Ellen sniffled. “Your boys can carry on the Duncan name. We weren’t so blessed. And they appear to be great guys. My life isn’t all roses, you know.”
Robert set his teeth. “Ellen, for once and for all, I am not having an affair.”
Erin ignored him…to catch Ellen’s attention. “We live in a glass house world where the slightest faux pas send tongues wagging and possible lucrative connections in jeopardy. I spend most of my days tiptoeing on eggshells as PR for Robert while he quietly does his job. If it weren’t for my hobnobbing at the country club and women’s club, his clientele would dro
p off dramatically. I assisted in snaring four giant corporations for him last year alone.”
Robert wrinkled his brow. “You did?”
“Of course, dear. What do you think I do all day, eat bonbons? I smooched up to Marjorie Edwards for six months and called in markers to get on her decorating committee for the annual Children’s Hospital Ball just so I could rub elbows when I heard through the grapevine Jonathan expected a huge profit on his development investment. She in turn spoke with Betty Ingles and Jessica Townsend, whom I took to tea at the club several times. And why do you think we went to San Juan with the Goldsteins? That man doesn’t trust anyone at first. I spent the whole week making sure you shone in the sunlight as an honest, God-fearing family man. Why else would he give you his business three weeks later? If it wasn’t for the wife network, you bankers, attorneys, and investors would never make it.”
His cheeks turned red. “I had no idea. How did you learn to do this?”
“Your mother took me under her wing ages ago. That’s how your father made his millions. Why do you think I stay in her good graces?”
Robert lifted his wife into his arms and hugged her.
Erin slipped past them to the alley. She figured God nudged her to find her hubby and have a heart-to-heart as well.
She found him on a park bench, hunched over, with his hands between his knees. Not sure if he sat in deep conversation with the Lord or not, she stealthily approached and slid next to him.
“What do you want?” His voice was graveled.
“I guess the same thing I wanted at the altar almost sixteen years ago. You. I’d just forgotten how much.”
John turned to her with red-rimmed eyes. “Really?”
Erin snuggled into his biceps. “Forgive me, John. I’ve been so foolish. I just get so tired of always struggling to make ends meet.”
He shifted his arm to wrap around her and drew her close. “I must admit I’ve begrudged the fact you always seem to be spending every penny.”
“Maybe we should take Robert up on his offer to help us map out a plan.”
“He did?”
“Yeah, and I think free of charge. He says he does that for lots of people every year. It’s nothing to be ashamed about.” She wiped her eyes with the heel of her hand and nestled into his muscular chest. His heartbeat thumped for her and it made her tingle. She ran her hand across it. “You really love what you do, don’t you?”
His words vibrated in her ear. “Yeah. It is what I’m good at and the talent God gave me. I’d shrivel and die behind a desk, honey.”
She pushed away and smiled. “We’ve got two great kids, a three-bedroom house in a nice neighborhood, food in the fridge, great friends, and cars that, by the grace of God, keep running. I guess that makes us pretty blessed, right?”
John’s facial expression softened. “And we have each other. Yeah, I suppose we are.”
She clasped his hands. “Lead us in prayer, John.”
He squeezed back. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Chapter Eleven
Jade whimpered. Because of her stitches, she couldn’t swim. Travis shuffled up to her. “Hey. Ever built a sandcastle?”
She puffed out her lower lip.
Her big cousin eased down next to her. “Do you know about princesses?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Well they need to live in castles, right? Let’s build a good one.” He began to dig. Soon the other kids all waddled out of the surf to see their handiwork.
“Hey, pretty cool, bro.” Austin stood straddled, his feet inching into the warm ground.
Jade pointed. “That’s a moat. Travis says that keeps the evil warriors from stealing the princess.”
Brittany titled her head. “Hmmm, it needs water. Come on, you guys. Let’s go get some from the waves.”
Elena gazed around them. “What can we carry it in?”
Austin snapped his fingers. “The tide is rolling in. Let’s bring the ocean to Jade’s castle. Everyone, dig a trench.”
Within fifteen minutes the deep path had been dug. A large wave tumbled toward the shore. All five cousins waited as the water wound its way into the ditch, the foam lapping at the walls.
Jade clapped her hands and squealed.
Cheers went up and Brittany swung Austin around in an impromptu dance. “Great idea.”
“Hey, watch this.” Travis dipped his hand in the sand and water mixture and dribbled it onto the tower of the castle.
Elena gasped. “Pretty. Can I help?”
Soon she and Jade joined in as another wave deposited more water into the moat. Austin and Brittany searched for shells to adorn the sides.
Uncle Blake and Aunt Alice sat back to observe the construction, a soft smile on their faces.
“Good to see them interacting together, isn’t it?”
Uncle Blake humphed. “Yes it is. I hope their parents are getting along half as well.”
*
Ellen and Erin asked the chauffeur to take them to the nearest market. They were tired of takeout, so the guys agreed to grill steaks on the backyard pit. As they wandered the aisles, Ellen appeared lost.
“Are you okay?”
Ellen clutched the cart. “It’s just been a while.”
“Since?”
“I shopped in a grocery store. There is one near the lake house, but we usually bring Maria and she does that.”
Erin nodded. “Your maid?”
“Our cook. The maid is named Briana.” Ellen shrugged, waiting for the comeback. Instead her sister laughed.
“Well come on, girlie. You’re in my territory now. Let me show you the ropes. The fresh foods—you know like produce, meats, dairy, bakery and deli— are along the perimeter. The frozen section is over there, the cans and processed foods in the center and the other stuff, such as toiletries, detergents, pet food, and seasonal items are on the far right near the pharmacy.”
“There’s a pharmacy?”
Erin patted her older sister’s hand. “And a bank, too.”
Ellen’s eyes widened. “Let’s explore. Oh, look. What’s that lady making in that skillet over there?” She swiveled the cart and made a beeline to the demonstration display.
Erin rolled her eyes. This would take a while, no doubt.
An hour later, the two emerged to find a very long-in-the-face driver. They giggled as they wheeled an overloaded cart to the trunk. “Sorry, Jenkins. We kinda got distracted.”
They crawled into the back seats and grabbed cold bottled waters from the onboard refrigerator. Ellen took a long swig. “I never knew shopping could make you so thirsty. Thanks for the tutelage.”
Erin clicked her bottle with her sister’s. “I haven’t had so much fun in a grocery store in years.”
*
John stacked the charcoal in a pyramid and doused them with lighter fluid. “Wonder what’s taking the girls so long?”
Robert tilted back a soda can. “Don’t know. Suppose they got lost?”
John struck a match and with a whoosh, the flames climbed. He stood back and watched them consume the briquettes. “Maybe we should have gone with them to supervise.”
Robert propped against the retaining wall of the stone patio that housed the outdoor pit. “They’ve been getting along the past few days. I haven’t seen any fur flying. You?”
“No.” John took the tongs and positioned the grill as the fire licked through the slats. “In fact, my wife hasn’t been this relaxed in years.”
Robert made a toasting gesture with his can. “Ditto.” A wide grin grew on his face.
John pointed the tongs at him. “Watch it, bud. You don’t want a fourth kid, do you?”
“Or you a third, huh?” He chuckled. “Two teenagers and then one in diapers? Whew.”
John’s face clouded. “Not likely. Erin had an emergency hysterectomy three years ago.”
Robert edged over to the barbeque. “Oh, man. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. We were through, an
yway. Just glad the tumor came back benign.”
“Yeah. I bet, grill master.” He slapped him on the back. “You sure know how to build a good flame.”
John shielded his eyes from the sun and gazed towards the driveway. “Now if the steaks would only arrive. These coals are glowing just about right.”
On cue, the stretch limo arrived. Out of the back seat poured two women with their arms around each other and laughing. Jenkins followed with armloads of sacks.
Robert leaned in. “And we were worried? Glad this isn’t my money they’re spending.”
John nudged him in the ribs. “Yeah, but in a roundabout way it’s theirs. I hope the contents of the house sells for what you think it will.”
“Me, too, my friend. Me, too.”
Chapter Twelve
The second week flew by. While at the supermarket, the Erin picked up packages of brightly colored sticky pads. Green ones indicated the items belonged to Ellen. Orange notes designated collectibles for her. They slapped yellow squares on the pieces to be auctioned. Pink meant give to charity. White stickies were placed on things to be tossed in the dumpster and light blue for recyclable items. Mr. Tate assured the couples on his third visit that the cleaning crew would haul everything for Goodwill, the city dump, or the recycle center prior to the morning of the auction. On the twelfth night, the four sat around the grill as salmon steaks sizzled. Each gazed into the gleaming red coals.
John broke the silence. “What is everyone thinking about?”
“How fast the time has gone.” Erin rubbed her arms.
“How I’m going to miss my sister.” Ellen draped an arm around her sibling’s shoulders.
“How I am ever going to get this kink out of my back.” Robert arched with his hands on his kidneys. Everyone laughed.
John gave him a gentle punch in the ribs. “Hey, for someone who sits behind a desk, you definitely pulled your weight, my friend.”
Robert smiled. “And you’ve got a real head for organization. Thanks for looking up the prices for everything on the computer. That entailed quite a bit of web surfing time.”
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