“Thank you so much! Ryan and Mae will be thrilled to hear that.”
“I’m curious though. Perhaps you don’t know, but have you left Ireland for good? Will you remain in the US permanently?”
“That’s a good question, but you’re right that I don’t know what the future holds. I have a visitor’s visa for the time being. I’ll see how it all goes and decide when that’s up.”
“I suppose I’m extra curious since I’ve always wanted to see Ireland. It seems like such an enchanting country. I had hoped to go with my late husband.”
“Truly?” Fiona looked surprised. “’Tis a lovely place for certain, but your Oregon is so similar. Ryan has been good to take me sightseeing. I’ve been to see your gorgeous beaches and amazing forests and stunning mountains and such. It’s a beautiful country, indeed. The farmlands and vineyards around here are so lush and green. It reminds me of my homeland. So for now, I don’t feel terribly homesick. And I must say, the people here have been just grand.”
Riva handed her the rental contract, explaining her desire to keep everything above board and legal.
“Not a problem.” Fiona glanced over the contract. “Do you mind if I take it back to work to read? Then I can bring the signed copy back with a cashier’s check a bit later.”
“That’s fine.”
“And if all is well, when can I move in?”
“Anytime is fine.”
“Today?”
“I don’t see why not.” They both stood and shook hands. “I’ll give you a key when you come back.” Riva walked her to the door. “I hope you’ll be happy here, Fiona.”
“I’m already happy here.” She beamed at Riva. “You’ve truly got a beautiful home. Thank you for inviting me to join your family.”
Riva smiled. “I guess we are sort of family. A makeshift family.”
“Family is where you find it.”
As Fiona went out, Riva wondered what kind of family they would make. Laurel and Windy seemed to be settling in nicely already. What would happen when they added Kitty and Fiona to the mix? Five women sharing the same home would probably cause some ups and downs. Hopefully they would all find the space and grace to live peacefully together. Either that or she’d consider taking a sabbatical ... and perhaps head to Ireland?
Riva was still gazing out the foyer window when Windy, on her way out, explained her plan to fix dinner that night. “I already informed Laurel. I expect to have it ready by seven, and I won’t take any argument from you.”
“No argument, but it’s possible we’ll have more than just the three of us tonight.”
“Is my big brother crashing again?”
“No. But our new housemates will probably be moving in later today. They both seemed pretty eager.”
“And you like them?” Windy looked a little concerned. “They’ll fit in okay?”
“I think so.” Riva briefly described Kitty and Fiona. “We’re all pretty close in age. I don’t think I’d enjoy having younger, rowdier women living here.”
“Yes, but being the same age doesn’t always mean you get along with someone. But I’m sure if you like them, I will too.” Windy jingled her car keys, then smiled. “Now I’m off to get a few groceries for tonight. Need anything?”
Riva said no, then went to hunt down Laurel. She wanted to tell her about the new tenants. After a trip upstairs and through the house, she finally discovered Laurel sitting in a lounge chair outside, a crossword puzzle book in her lap. Fred was sunning himself on the patio next to her. “I didn’t know you were an outdoorsy gal.” Riva scooted the other lounge chair next to Laurel’s.
“Probably because I didn’t get much opportunity before. My crummy apartment didn’t have any outdoor space. I got used to being inside 24/7. Not healthy. I’m soaking in my vitamin D this morning.”
“Good thinking.” Riva rolled up her pant legs. “And I do understand feeling like a hermit. After Paul got too sick to do much, I let the yard go and quit coming out here at all.” She leaned her head back and gazed up at the clouds drifting across the clear blue sky. “But when he was alive and keeping it up, this used to be my favorite spot to read on a summer morning like this.”
Laurel stroked Fred’s coat but didn’t say anything.
“You’re welcome to help yourself to books from the library anytime.” She told Laurel how she’d insisted Kitty readPride and Prejudice. “For therapeutic reasons.”
“Wasn’t that written like a couple hundred years ago?”
“Jane Austen is still surprisingly relevant today. She understood human behavior better than many modern-day philosophers.”
