Shit. I was secretly praying that she wouldn’t hear from the lawyer just yet to give me more time with her. Guess I would have to come up with a plan B.
10
Jules
“Wow. All right. I’ll take you.” Hunter seemed just as shocked as I was.
“You don’t have to do that. I can take myself. I’m sure it will be boring paperwork.”
He reached over and took my hand. “I want to, and besides, your car is at the bar.”
“Oh shit, I forgot.” I looked at my watch. “Crap. It’s almost noon. I’ll have to bring Calum.”
“Not a problem. I have no plans today. I’ll take you guys.” He was a lifesaver.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. Now get that cute ass up so we can get going.” He smacked my ass lightly.
We finished getting ready before heading over to Margaret’s to pick up Calum.
When we walked in the door, he ran up to me nearly knocking me off-kilter. He was looking up at me and talking so fast. I could barely make out any of the words he said. I picked him up and squeezed him tightly.
“Mama missed you, buddy.” I kissed him all over. “Did you have fun with Miss Margaret and Sophia?”
Without responding, he wriggled his way out of my arms.
“Can you say thank you to Miss Margaret, Calum?”
He ran over and looked up at her. “Tank you.” To hug her, he squeezed her legs.
“You’re welcome, Calum.” She patted the back of his head, returning his hug.
Calum came back over to me, so I picked him up.
“Thank you so much for watching him. Where’s your Sophia? I was hoping to meet her.”
“Aw. You’re so welcome, sweetie. It was my pleasure. Sophia went out to grab a bathing suit with her mama. She forgot to bring one, and we’re heading to the waterpark. She should be back shortly if you would like to wait?”
“I’d love to, but the estate lawyer called, so Hunter is going to take us over there.”
She didn’t look surprised in the least. “That’s great. Hopefully, you can get all your affairs sorted now that he’s been in contact with you.”
I smiled and nodded. “Oh, is it okay if we use the spare car seat as we have to take Hunter’s truck?”
“Of course, dear.”
“Thank you. We should really get going. Thanks again, Margaret.”
“Anytime. Calum is always a pleasure.”
Forty-five minutes later, we were pulling up to a small, yellow colonial-style home a couple of towns over. The only indication this was commercial property was the small sign on the front porch that read Michaels Law. PA.
We were greeted as soon as we walked in by a petite Asian woman with a bright smile and led to Mr. Michaels’s office.
As we walked in, he stood and rounded his desk to meet us. “Miss Davis. I’m so sorry for your loss.” He shook my hand. “Frankly. I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon.”
“I’m sorry. Would you prefer we come back? I thought you wanted to see me immediately?” I scrunched up my face in confusion.
“I apologize. Yes, I did want you to come immediately. I was referring to so soon after your mother’s passing. Who’s this handsome boy?” He cooed at Calum.
Still having no clue what he was talking about, I looked over at Hunter who seemed confused as well.
Mr. Michaels reached his hand out to shake Hunter’s. “And you are?”
“Hunter Rivers, sir. It’s a pleasure.” They shook hands, and Mr. Michaels took a seat behind his desk as he indicated for us to sit.
“I would’ve been here sooner had I known.”
“I apologize. I should explain. Your mother had her estate set up for us to put off contacting you until necessary. Margaret was given instruction from your mother to contact us if and only if you decided to leave Florida and head back west.”
“I’m not following. Why would she do that?” I narrowed my eyes. I had absolutely no idea what was going on.
“You mother didn’t want you to worry about the estate. She was hoping that you would make your own decision to stay in McKinney.” Ah. That made a little more sense as my mother always loved to meddle.
“All right, so what now?” I was seriously starting to question his law degree.
“Well, I have a few things. First, I have a video to share with you, which will be shown in the conference room. Once you’re done watching the video, there will be quite a bit of paperwork to tend to.” He looked between Hunter and me. “Will he be joining you in the conference room?”
I looked over at Hunter and nodded without looking away. “Yes, if that’s all right? I would like it if he came with me.”
He smiled and reached out his hand to take mine.
“With that settled, please follow me.”
We were seated at one end of a long wooden table. Mr. Michaels pressed a button, and a TV rose out of the table. He brought me the remote and explained how to use it. “When you’re ready, just use the remote like you’re working a DVD player. Play and pause as much as you’d like. When you’re ready for me, use the phone on the wall by the door. Dial three to ring me. Any questions?”
I shook my head, and he exited the room.
Hunter reached over and took my hand again. I squeezed in response, not sure what to say.
“Are you okay?” He looked concerned.
“I think so. I have no clue what to expect.” I sounded as anxious as I felt, but I couldn’t help it.
“Take your time. There’s no rush.” He smiled at me reassuringly.
Calum started to squirm in my lap. Looking around, I couldn’t see anything he could get into, so I let him down to wander around.
Taking a deep breath, I hit play. The TV lit up with a blue screen that read Stephanie Lynn Davis and then suddenly my mama was on the screen. My breath hitched, and I clutched my chest. “Mama,” I whispered. I felt Hunter squeeze my hand, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen.
She began to speak, and the room faded away. It was just the two of us. “Hey, baby girl. I’m sorry I had to leave you. I wish I were there in person, but please know that I’m there in spirit, watching over Calum and you every single day. If you’re watching this video, that means you’ve decided to move back to California.”
I turned to Hunter with a questioning look. He just shrugged.
“I had Margaret keep an eye on you, and she was to contact Mr. Michaels if you decided to hightail it out of town. I know you aren’t going to be happy, but I also know you’re a runner. You don’t like to face things head-on. Dealing with my death will be one of the hardest things you’ll have to do. But know this, you need people who love and support you close by, not across the country. I wanted you to make the right decision on your own, but clearly, you need some help from your mother.”
I snickered. See, Mama the meddler.
“So, here’s the thing. I would love nothing more than for Calum to grow up in your old bedroom, swinging on your old tire swing, and one day, sneaking out the back patio door to meet his girlfriend. You can pretend like you don’t know just like I did.” She laughed, but I could tell she was stalling to compose herself before continuing. “That’s my dream for the both of you, but that might not be a reality. I just want you to give it a chance. That’s all I’m asking. For me.”
I looked up and shook my head. She was seriously laying a guilt trip on me from heaven. Only my mama.
“The house is paid off, and the bills are all taken care of for the next year. I had a decent life insurance policy, and I dabbled in the stock market. It’s all yours and Calum’s.” She paused and smiled.
“Speaking of my beautiful grandson. There is a stipulation to the inheritance. I want Calum and you to stay in McKinney for at least six months. I know I’ve told you this before, but I firmly believe that growing up in a big city is no place for him. I ask that you live in our home. Make it your own, though. That’s the next stipulation. I put aside
fifty thousand dollars as a renovation budget. Lord knows the house has needed it for quite some time. I received an estimate from a super handsome contractor that you may know.”
She laughed, and I hit pause and looked over at him. “You knew about this?” I sounded a little more agitated than I meant to.
He threw up his hands in surrender. “No. I mean, yes. I did the estimate for her a long time ago. I didn’t know about this video or any of her estate terms. I swear.”
I nodded and pressed play again.
“Promise me you’ll give it a real shot. You’ll have a support system around you, and with me gone, you’ll need that now more than ever. After six months, everything will be yours to do with as you wish. Robin Steiner will be available to rent or sell the home if you so choose.”
She looked down at her hands twisted in her lap. I did the same, and I smiled. Like mother, like daughter.
“I love you, baby girl. bigger than the sky.” She blew a kiss, and the screen went black.
I pressed rewind and pause so I could stare at her face a little longer. I reached out and touched the screen. I finally let the tears fall.
“Mama cry?”
I turned to see Calum sitting in Hunter’s lap. The floodgates opened, and I couldn’t stop them. Seeing them together pushed me completely over the edge.
Calum patted my cheek. “No cry, Mama. No cry.”
I breathed in deeply to calm myself. “I’m okay, buddy. I promise.” I took his hand and kissed his palm.
Hunter looked at me with worried eyes. I smiled, reassuring him that I was okay. I was okay, I thought. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Mama’s stipulations. I’d have to let them sink in.
Taking a few minutes to compose myself, I then got up to dial Mr. Michaels. He came into the room a few minutes later. We went over a ton of paperwork. He explained that she had made some wise stock investments as well as had a decent life insurance policy.
She’d thought of everything. Calum would be set for college, his first car, and most likely a house with the trust she had set up for him.
As she had explained in her video, she’d set aside fifty thousand dollars that I was to use solely for renovations and decorating the house. I was to live there for six months minimum before making final decisions as to what would happen with the estate.
After the six months was up, I would inherit two hundred thousand dollars as well as the two hundred fifty thousand dollars from the life insurance policy, along with the house, car, and a plot of land that I’d never seen or even heard of.
After signing all of the papers, we headed to the truck. I was in shock. My mind was a little out of sorts, trying to take in everything.
“I don’t feel well.” I started to feel a little woozy.
“We should grab something to eat.”
I looked over at Hunter who held Calum on his side. It warmed my heart to see them together. My two favorite guys. “I think you’re right. I don’t even know what time it is, but the lack of food is getting to me.”
“You shouldn’t have burnt breakfast.” He winked, and I went to smack him on the shoulder, but he dodged me. He twirled around with Calum, who started to giggle.
I pretended to chase them around the truck as Calum continued to laugh at the game. I started to feel a dizzy again. “All right, buddy, you want to go eat?”
“Hunter, you hungy?”
“Yeah, buddy. I’m starving.”
Calum rubbed his belly. “Mmmm. Me hungy, too.”
My mouth hung open in shock. This kid always said no, but he seemed to like copying Hunter. Maybe I could use that to my advantage. I shall test vegetables next.
11
Jules
Hunter put Calum into his car seat while I watched over his shoulder to make sure he did it properly. We decided to eat at Moose Winooski’s. I could really use some comfort food, and they had a great play area for Calum. He would ultimately decide he didn’t want to eat at some point during our meal, so that would come in handy.
Since it was three o’clock, the restaurant was fairly empty. We were served our drinks, and Calum was given some crayons and a coloring page that he took with him to the play area.
“So, now that he’s distracted, we should talk. Are you all right?”
I looked up to find concern-filled eyes staring back at me. “Honestly, I’m not sure. This definitely throws a wrench in my plans. But what can I do?” I shrugged and picked up my drink to take a sip.
“You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.” He sounded sincere, but I found hope in his eyes.
“I know, but all she asked is that I try. It’s only for six months. What’s the worst thing that could happen?”
He sipped his drink but stayed silent. Our food came just in time to break the awkward silence.
“So, do you know anything about this property mama bought?”
He looked up from his plate and smiled. “She took me out there to check it out a couple of years back. It’s a great piece of land overlooking a lake. It’s about four hours north. She thought it would be a nice place to build a small cottage and that maybe Calum and you would come to visit. She wanted me to build it, so we went out to survey the land. While we were there, we sat on my tailgate looking out over the lake while she told me what she envisioned. Calum fishing, playing ball, roasting marshmallows.”
I pictured everything vividly and smiled. “That sounds amazing. Are there plans?”
“Yeah. Casey drew up plans for her. They’re at the office.”
“I want to see them if you don’t mind. And I would love to see the land. Would you take me there?” I was so excited to see this place.
“Of course. We can make a weekend of it. I have a fifth wheel trailer that I don’t get much use of. We could bring fishing gear and marshmallows.” He smiled from ear to ear.
“I’d love that. And so would Calum. Living out Mama’s dream minus the cottage, of course.”
He laughed. “Sounds like a plan. We could leave Friday morning and come back Monday sometime?”
“Sure. But you don’t have to work?”
“Nah, Mike will cover for me. We’re finishing up a project so nothing he can’t handle himself.”
“Can’t wait to see it. This is going to be amazing.”
We finished up eating, even Calum ate his food without a fuss while he sat watching Hunter. He clearly already looked up to Hunter. It was really cute. I wondered if he would show him some machines at work one day. Calum would be so thrilled. I decided to wait to ask him since he was already doing so much for us by taking us up there to see the land.
Hunter took me by the bar to pick up my car, but when I went to take Calum out of his seat, he started to cry. “Drive truck, Mama. Me love truck.”
“Aw, buddy. I know you like the truck, but I’m sure we will get the chance to ride in it another time. We’re going in Grandma’s car now.”
“Don’t worry, Calum. You can come for a ride in my truck anytime. Okay?” He grinned.
I smiled at Hunter and thanked him for trying to help.
“How’s that sound?”
“No. Now, pease?” He looked so sad, it broke my heart.
I looked at Hunter who mouthed I can drive him and made a puppy dog face. Are you sure? I mouthed back.
He smiled and nodded.
“All right, you can ride with Hunter in the truck, and Mama will meet you at home.”
“Yay.” Calum clapped his little hands excitedly.
“See you boys in a bit.” I kissed him on the forehead and hopped down.
The tank was on empty, so I had to grab gas on the way home. By the time I pulled into the driveway, Hunter’s truck was already there. I unlocked the front door and found the house silent, which shouldn’t be a surprise since Hunter didn’t have a key.
Walking toward the back of the house, I heard Calum giggling. When I looked out the patio door, my heart melted. Calum was in the swing, and Hunter was pushing
him from the front. Every time Calum swung toward Hunter, he grabbed his little feet and tickled them, making Calum laugh hysterically.
I stood there for a few minutes, watching them interact. He seemed to be good with kids. I wondered if he had friends with children because most men were a nervous wreck around kids Calum’s age.
“Mama.”
I snapped out of my musings and found them both staring back at me. Calum smiled, and Hunter was probably wondering why I was just standing there just staring at them.
I walked outside. “How’s my handsome boy?”
“I’m doing just fine. Thanks for asking,” Hunter answered, laughing.
I rolled my eyes. “I mean, my other handsome boy.”
“Higher. Swing higher, Hunter.”
Hearing my son say Hunter’s name kind of freaked me out. My past and my present were colliding and starting to blur with a future I’d only secretly envisioned. Seeing them together was making the possibilities more real than ever before.
“Are you all right, Jules? You look a little flustered.” His voice was laced with concern.
I nodded. “Yeah. I’m good. Thanks for letting him ride with you. He’s always had a thing for trucks.”
“Anytime. He’s a great kid. Seeing him that upset and knowing I could fix it so easily, I just had to.”
“I know that feeling. His pouty bottom lip has gotten me more times than I care to admit.” I rolled my eyes.
“Ah, so I got suckered?” He turned to Calum and tickled him again.
“Yep, you sure did. Welcome to the club.” We both laughed while he continued to push Calum.
“Want me to take over? I’m sorry to have kept you all day and now into the night.”
He looked at me with a serious expression. “I’m happy to help. Please, don’t ever hesitate to ask. It’s never an inconvenience where you two are concerned. Don’t apologize.”
Saved by Him Page 7