“As good as expected, I guess,” she said. “We got all the arrangements done today. The funeral will take place the day after tomorrow.”
“Oh, good,” Nancy said. “Did you get a chance to review the files in the safe and the ones I left you?”
“Yes. I didn’t go through everything in the safe. It didn’t seem necessary to do it today,” Caroline explained.
“No,” Nancy assured her as Caroline led her into the living room.
“Hello, Nancy,” Jameson greeted her.
They took seats, and Caroline showed Nancy what she ordered for her dad.
“You did a good job,” Nancy praised her. “Thomas would feel proud.”
“Thank you. I wanted to talk to you about the house. Do you want anything in it? What about my dad’s things? It’s only fair you take his things. After all, you’ve spent the last six years with him.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. I’ll be moving to my own condo soon. Maybe I’ll take our bed. Do you plan on staying here?”
“I’m not sure of my plans at the moment,” she said, pausing. “I’m taking the kitchen table. I remember Mom baking on it. Did you want anything else?”
Nancy shifted uncomfortably. “I spoke with my son’s lawyer. Apparently, Thomas’ estate all goes to me. We’ll have to wait for all the paperwork to conclude, and then I can give you your share.”
“My share?” Caroline asked, confused.
Taking something from her purse, she handed a list of itemized expenses. “My son insists I at least take a portion of the estate. Over the last few years, I have paid the taxes on your old home. Thomas’ pension didn’t cover everything, and he racked up many medical expenses.”
“Of course,” Caroline said, scanning the list.
“I included a few things at the bottom I’d like to take with me,” Nancy said. “If it’s all right with you.”
Jameson gazed at the extensive list, feeling the confusion radiating from Caroline. “I’m sure her lawyer will want to review this. If both parties agree, then you can arrange a day to pick up those items.”
Caroline gazed at him, surprised he mentioned her lawyer, knowing she didn’t have one.
“I’ll take the rest of my clothes and personal belongings the day after the funeral,” Nancy informed them. “It’s only fitting I say goodbye to Thomas before I dismantle our lives.”
Caroline passed the list to Jameson. “I hope you’ll continue to stay in contact. I’d love to hear more about the time you spent with my father.”
“I’ll be staying in Corpus Christi. I don’t see any reason why we can’t remain friends,” Nancy assured her.
“We’ll have the lawyer review this tomorrow, and he’ll call you with any questions,” Jameson said. “Thank you for listing everything. It’ll make it easier on both of you if we’re all on the same page.”
“It’s no problem,” Nancy assured him. “I hope you understand, when I told you I’d give you everything, I wasn’t thinking clearly. My son wants to ensure my comfort for my future.”
“We’re all still in shock,” Caroline said. “It’s only reasonable you get paid back.”
“I’m glad we have an understanding. I’ll see you at the funeral. Please reach out if you need to,” Nancy said, rising.
Caroline hugged the older woman. “Thank you.”
The doorbell rang, and Riley answered it. Caroline greeted the two older men who entered the living room.
“Thomas described you as beautiful. I don’t believe he did you justice,” one of the men said, slowly making his way toward Caroline. “I’m Bart. Your dad saved my life a long time ago. It devastated him when you disappeared.”
“I’m Caroline,” she said graciously as she led him to a chair. “Thank you for coming.”
“Frank insisted on our coming as soon as we heard the news. I don’t drive late at night. My eyesight’s bad. Frank served in the military with your dad,” Bart informed her. “Did you decide on a date for the service? We’ll hold a memorial for our fallen brother at the VFW. Of course, we’ll include you. I’m surprised Nancy didn’t stay with you. She and your dad did everything together.”
“She felt more comfortable with her son. I’m sure she’ll come by again tomorrow,” Caroline said politely. “My friends brought over a ton of food. May I offer you something to eat?”
