Belong (Seven Year Itch #3)(14)

“Don’t worry there’s no ghosts in here, Harper.”

“How do you know?”

“Because this was my mother’s room, and I know for a fact that she’s an angel. Angels don’t let ghosts come near them. She’ll protect you.” I kissed her gently. “I love you, pumpkin. Daddy will be right down the hall.”

“Can you stay with me until I fall asleep”

I climbed into the bed with her realizing I was still exhausted. It was early, and I could handle the legal matters later in the day. Deciding to go to sleep instead of dealing with Veronica was the best idea I’d had yet. I closed my eyes and snuggled up to my little girl, content with her being the only person I’d let sleep in my mother’s room.

I woke up to someone poking me. Veronica stood over the bed, looking annoyed. I sat up and untangled my body from Harper’s so she could still rest. “She was tired.”

“Your phone has been ringing. I didn’t want to answer it.”

She obviously put it back together and checked it. I took it from her hands and looked down at the screen. “Who called?”

“I am guessing people wanting to know about your grandfather’s service. Have you made any calls yet?”

I wiped my face. “No, I’ve been dealing with personal issues. I knew I had to make calls today.”

“Give me the list. I’ll contact as many people as I can. I’ll also call the newspapers to have it in tomorrow’s issue.”

Realizing I couldn’t do it all myself, I started walking down the long hallway, hoping to find my grandfather’s address book in his office. He was too old fashioned to keep it logged on his cell phone. The last time I’d checked he still used an old flip version. “That would be a big help.”

Once in the office, I sat down in his large leather chair, appreciating the way it felt to feel empowered. I ran my fingers over the arms, finally noticing Veronica was standing there waiting. “The sooner we start, the earlier we’ll finish.”

“Okay. I didn’t know we were stressed for time.”

“Your grandfather died yesterday, Chad. You should have made the calls then.”

I ignored her comment and located the book, sliding it over in her direction.

Once she was gone, I opened his computer to check my messages and let my associates know I wouldn’t be around for the next week or so. Sitting in my inbox was a name I didn’t expect to see. I hadn’t even considered she’d still know the address.



Chad:



I know yesterday was difficult, especially for you. I’ve already contacted the local papers and even the evening news to have his death announced. The funeral information is located in a file in his office. I think it’s labeled something like it’s finally over. You know he had such a weird sense of humor sometimes. His lawyers information is under the pad on his desk. That’s where he always kept it. If you need anything else, calls or someone to manage the catering for the wake, let me know. I’m glad to offer a hand for Charles.



PS: I’m sorry about how I left things yesterday. I wasn’t myself, and I apologize for not being able to control my emotions.



I hit reply, but sat there staring at a blank screen until I heard Veronica coming back into the room. “Apparently the newspapers were notified yesterday. I guess Gracie took care of it for you.”



I corrected her. “It was Rachel. She sent me an email last night, but I’m just now reading it.”

“Rachel?” Veronica wanted me to verify. “The Rachel from your past? The one you were involved with?”

“She was my grandfather’s assistant for years. They were still close. She was trying to help.”

“So she’ll be at the funeral I’m assuming?”

“Why wouldn’t she? She has every right to be there. She loved the man.”

“He’s not the man she loved, is he, Chad? Is that why you don’t want me here?”

“What the hell are you talking about. I wanted you to come. I had no idea Rachel was involved. I don’t speak to her anymore. I haven’t even mentioned her for years.”

“Sorry. I’m lashing out when I shouldn’t be.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“Rachel is happily married. She’s part of my past, but that’s it. You have nothing to worry about.” I wondered why she was stressing over it when she was screwing around on me. “Speaking of other women, were you able to call things off with Dr. Ryan?”

She sat in the chair across from me. “About that. I think it would be wise if we kept our marriage problems on the backburner until we get home. You’ve got enough going on, and we need to be a combined front.”

“In other words, you want to keep appearances up?” I snickered in an annoying way. “Whatever, Veronica.”

“I’m here with you, Chad. Just remember that. I’m willing to work things out, because I don’t want to break up our family.”

I covered my face with my hands. “I need to call the lawyer about the arrangements. Can you excuse me for a while?”

When she got up and left the room I looked back at the computer screen, set on reply, but with nothing typed. To be appreciative, I thought it was important to thank Rachel for her assistance.