Page 60 of Hearts of Wealth

Catherine

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THE DOCTOR’S VISIT was good. Dad complained about all the restrictions and not getting a release to go back to work, but I knew it was all bluff. I rolled down my window and inhaled when we got close to the ocean.

“Doesn’t it smell good?” I asked him.

“Feels like it might be a little chilly.”

“Dad, you are not going to pout all weekend because the doctor said you can’t go back to work yet,” I chided. “They told you it might be a few months. You’re already making good progress. Just enjoy the downtime. It’s about time you had a vacation. You never take a break.”

“I would have preferred the vacation didn’t involve me lying in bed all the time.”

“Now you can lay on the beach,” I teased.

The GPS told me to take a right. The houses we were passing were massive. Mansions. Wealth was on display everywhere. The GPS led me to a driveway lined with manicured shrubs. When the house, no, mansion, came into view, my dad and I simply stared at the place.

I couldn’t help but let out a startled laugh at the sheer grandeur of the place. The sprawling estate loomed before us with manicured lawns and towering palm trees lending an air of opulence to the surroundings. I glanced over at my dad, who snorted in amusement, muttering something about Timothy having more money than sense.

“I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised, right?” Dad said. “I bet you he’s got houses like this all over the world.”

“He did mention he had a few houses,” I said. “However, I thought he meant houses, not mansions.”

“Who needs this much space?” he asked.

“Rich people,” I said.

Paisley came bounding out of the house, her face lighting up with excitement as she greeted us with a squeal of delight. She ran over, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug before turning to Dad with a mischievous grin. John rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile that tugged at the corners of his lips as he ruffled her hair affectionately. I loved that the two of them had quickly developed a relationship. My dad had always wanted grandchildren. Paisley seemed pretty excited to have gotten a pseudo-grandfather as well.

Timothy appeared on the front steps, looking every bit the wealthy man enjoying a trip to the Hamptons. He was wearing khaki pants and a dark blue polo. He strolled out to meet us. He planted a kiss on my cheek and then shook my dad’s hand.

“Paisley, help me with the bags,” Timothy said.

“Dad, let me grab the cane,” I said and reached behind the seat.

“I’m not using a damn cane,” he muttered.

“The doctor said you needed to use it until you’re fully recovered. You’re still a little shaky on your feet.”

“I’m fine,” he said. “I’m not that old. I’m not using a cane. I’ve been walking for sixty-four years. I haven’t forgotten.”

I shot Timothy an apologetic look before following Dad and Paisley inside.

“How was the doctor visit?” Timothy asked quietly.

“Fine. We’ll talk later.”

He nodded and said nothing more.

“I’ll show you to your room, Grandpa.” Paisley was pulling his suitcase behind her.

I thought about going with them to make sure Dad got settled, but Timothy gently grabbed my arm. “They’re okay,” he said. “She picked some wildflowers for him and we bought a couple of DVDs for him on the way up. She’s decided he’s her project for the weekend.”

“That’s very sweet,” I said.

“Would you like a tour?” he asked.

“I was hoping you would offer a map,” I teased.